How to hide folders without encrypting

Software that allows you to hide folders without encrypting any files and folders

Advantages:

• Fast access to locked files due to the lack of encryption

Disadvantages:

• Weak protection
• If you lose your password, in many cases you won't be able to unlock your files

Please also make sure whether you can unlock your files in case of a system crash or hardware changes.

Lock Folder XP is a shareware program for Windows Vista, 2003, XP, 2000 that allows to hide files, folders, or drives from all other users (including the administrator).

Lock Folder XP does not change the file structure of the data, does not move the protected data, and does not change Windows system files. You cannot lose your files. But this advantage has its side effects. If you boot from a live CD/DVD or from another operating system, you will be able to access hidden files without any restrictions.

Advantages:

• Access hidden files even when if you can't boot from your OS anymore

Disadvantages:

• Weak protection

Folder Lock 6 (Shareware) allows to password protecting files and folders.
Folder Lock is compatible on all 32-bit and 64-bit flavors of Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2008, 2003 Server and 2000. The protection is cross-platform compatible and PC independent.

Note: I don't really know whether
1. you can unlock your files after a system crash or after hardware changes.
2. you can view the files from a live CD or another OS

Free Hide Folder (freeware) allows to to hide your private folders. No file system structure modifications needed.
Platform: Windows 9x/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista

Note: I don't really know whether
1. you can unlock your files after a system crash or after hardware changes.
2. you can view the files from a live CD or another OS

Some other programs for hiding folders: Folder Password Expert, File Lock, File Securer, PackPal Folder Locker