How to Turn Your USB Flash Drive into a Key

USB Flash Drive is becoming more and more common for computer users. A flash drive is always a good idea to copy and store your files because of its mobility. Moreover, you can also turn your USB Flash Drive into a key for your computer.

At first, you have to download C'Lock for Windows XP, a program to turn your USB flash drive into a security device. Besides locking your computer through USB, C'Lock is also able to secure your folder, application and web.

The program is about 1,5 MB. C'Lock can be downloaded here. It has two version: Basic version (free) and Advance version (costs $49.95). You must notice that it is only compatible with Windows XP.

After downloading the program, you have to plug your USB device in and activate the file. Mark "Yes, I have installed my USB flash drive to work with Microsoft Windows XP". Follow the instruction to install C'Lock. As soon as C'Lock installation is finished, you have to hook up your USB flash drive to activate Windows (your device now becomes a key).

This article will provide you user manual for Advanced Version. You have to double-click the symbol of C'Lock in system tray to start using all its features.

Protect Access Tab:

1. Hide Folders: allows you to hide your confidential information from other users. To use this feature, simply click "Select Files to Hide" option and locate the folder you want to conceal.

2. Internet Access: provides you the protection to website that you do not want to access. In "Enter URL to Restrict" blank, you have to provide the address of the website. Then, click "Add". Remember to click "Set Restrictions" for more advance settings you may want to use.

3. Applications: allows you to lock an application. Click "Select Files/Programs", then locate the *.exe file you want to secure. If you want to unlock, simply double click on the application. Click "Save/Close" to keep your settings.

4. System Boot: this feature will not allow anybody to access your system if they do not have the right USB flash drive and password. You can also mark or unmark "Enable Boot Protection" and "Require a Password along with the C'Lock Key".

Utilities:

1. Live Update: if your computer is connected to the Internet, you can use this feature to keep the program up to date.

2. Duplicate Key: allows you to create a reserved USB key in case the main USB device is damaged or lost. To do this, you have to plug in the USB and choose the its driver name at "Drive" section. Click "Create Duplicate" and wait for the program to make your reserved USB key. Click "Done" to finish.

User Settings:

1. Key Options: if you want the program to lock your computer automatically after unplugging USB device, mark "Lock Entire Computer" (simply plug the USB device back in to resume working). With "Apply Specific Locks" section, when you unplug the USB key, C'Lock only secures the desired setting in "Protect Access".

2. User Information: allows you to create different account to access the system or change the password. Click "New" to establish new user. Click "Change Password" to change your default password.

This is a great program. It works by recognizing the unique serial number of each USB device. Just like having a car key for your computer, you would not need to worry about the security of your personal information. Moreover, you can still use your flash drive to save and copy files.