How to password protect "my documents" on the server

Question

How do I password protect "my documents" on our server.

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Answer 1

To password protect the "My Documents" folder on a server, you can use the following approaches:

1. Folder Permissions: Set the folder permissions to restrict access. You can do this by right-clicking the "My Documents" folder, selecting Properties, navigating to the Security tab, and modifying the permissions to allow only specific users or groups access to the folder.
2. Encrypting File System (EFS): If you are using Windows Server, you can enable EFS on the folder. Right-click the folder, select Properties, click on the Advanced button, and check the box for Encrypt contents to secure data. This will require users to authenticate to access the encrypted files.
3. Group Policy: You can implement Group Policy to enforce security settings on the folder. This can include restricting access to the folder based on user roles.
4. Third-Party Software: Consider using third-party software that specializes in file encryption and password protection for additional security features.

These methods will help ensure that only authorized users can access the "My Documents" folder on your server.

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References:

• How to dynamically create security-enhanced redirected folders or home folders
• Security Planning

Answer 2

Hi office,

Thank you for sharing your question. I get why keeping your My Documents folder on the server safe is a big deal, especially when you're dealing with delicate info or lots of users. Getting it so only the right people can see it can be tricky, but I'm here to walk you through it.

Instead of just using a password, you can make things safer by tightening up security in the operating system. Start by tweaking the NTFS permissions on the My Documents folder. This lets you decide who gets to see what. Just right-click the folder, hit Properties, go to the Security tab, and set things up to allow or block access.

If you want even stronger safety, think about turning on Encrypting File System (EFS) for the folder. Go to Properties, then Advanced, and check the box that says Encrypt contents to secure data. This scrambles the folder's contents so only users with the right login info can get in.

If you're handling a bunch of servers or shared stuff, you can beef up security even more with Group Policy. It lets you apply the same folder permission settings and encryption rules across all users and computers.

Based on what your company needs, you could also look at encryption or folder-locking software from other companies. These can add extra protection, like popping up a password box before anyone can get in, which Windows doesn't do on its own without encryption.

 

I hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Noel

 

Answer 3

Will I have regular access to my files after they are encrypted?

Answer 4

I do have regular access. I just do not want anyone in our sensitive files. We have two new users on the server.

Answer 5

Please, also, see:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/protect-a-word-document-with-a-password-05084cc3-300d-4c1a-8416-38d3e37d6826

and

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/protect-an-excel-file-7359d4ae-7213-4ac2-b058-f75e9311b599