How to Set A Password to Your *.exe Files

*exe file types are used to run applications. However, if you do not want anybody else to use your application in a shared computer, the best way is to lock the *.exe file up by a password.

You can create password to your *.exe file by using a software. Here are the two software that I recommend to lock your file:

1. EXE Password:

You can download and install EXE Password here. The program is compatible with all versions of Windows. After installed, the program does not create a desktop icon. Therefore, you can go to Start > Programs > EXE Password to activate it. The appearance of EXE Password is very simple. It should not take a lot of time to learn how to use the program. At first, you have to click "Search" and locate the *.exe file you want to protect. Next, type the password in "New Password" cell and confirm it in "Retype New Password" cell. If you are a type of person, who often forget password, you should click "Advance". The "Advance" window includes three features:

"Allow only this user to protect files": the program can only be used by a selected user, you can unmark this feature.

"Save backup copies in": save a backup file in case you forget your password. However, if you save it in the hard drive, the other person may find it. Therefore, rather save the backup files in a CD or in your USB flash drive.

"Password Prompt Text": this is the message that appears when somebody activate the protected *.exe file. You can type in a hint to remember your password like "Where did you go to grammar school?" or simply command "Please type in your password".

After you are done with all the set-up, click "back" and then "finish" for the protection taking effect. Now, you can try to run your protected *.exe file with your password.

2. LockanEXE:

You can download LockanEXE free here. One of the advantages of this program is you only have to unzip and use it, no installation necessary. It is only about 360 KB and compatible with all versions of WIndows. After unzipped the downloaded folder, run LockAnEXE.exe to start the program. In the main window, go to Lock file> Open file and locate the *.exe file you want to set password. Click "Do it" for the program to start the process.

The locked file will be encrypted and cannot be opened. To unlock it, run LockAnEXE.exe again. However, this time, choose "Unlock file" instead of "Lock file". Click "Open File" and locate the file you want to open. Click "Do it".

Compared with "EXE Password", LockanEXE is much simple. Be aware that everybody can unlock the file by activating the file LockAnEXE.exe