Encrypting Files in Windows 2000

Windows 2000 includes the Encrypting File Service (EFS) that you can use to encrypt files and folders directly on the storage media, either locally or over a network.

EFS is directly integrated into the Windows 2000 shell, and is completely transparent to most programs.

To set up EFS encryption:

1. Right-click the folder you want, and then click Properties.
2. On the General tab, click Advanced.
3. Click to select the Encrypt contents to secure data check box, click OK, and then click OK.
4. Click either Apply changes to this folder only or Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files as appropriate.

For additional information, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: