HOW TO: Password Protect a Flash Drive

In this video, I'll show you how to password protect all of your files on your Flash Drive or External Hard Drive.
Copy and Paste this into Notepad:
@echo off
set pass= "password"
echo Enter Password
set /p ui=
if %ui%==%pass% (goto open)
echo Wrong Password
pause
exit
:open
start "file name"
Replace anything in " " and leave out the " "
Bat to EXE Download:
download.cnet.c...

[@jamesmills7255]

For anyone who has the problem of the password prompt reopening and asking for the password again (after you've input the correct password already), copy this into Notepad: @echo off set pass= yourpassword echo Enter Password set /p ui= if %ui%==%pass% (goto OPEN) echo Wrong Password pause exit :OPEN start explorer.exe yourfoldername obviously changing yourpassword to whatever you want your password to be, and yourfoldername to whatever your folder name is, and then Save As to your USB/flash drive/whatever and make it a .bat file like he does in the video. Basically when he said "Copy and paste this into Notepad and save it etc.", instead of using the writing in the description you should use the above coding instead, and then it actually lets you see your folders and files when you input your password instead of repetitively asking for your password and not giving you access! (a problem that many have had) (Yes I'm aware others have said this already, but just making it crystal clear) :)

[@VANlMOX]

Seriously! Thanks for that.

[@JamosisKlyde]

Its still not working

[@jenleejefflunjas762]

thanks bro .

[@MrAgthebeast]

It worked thanks

[@alreenpanaga650]

Thank you, it worked!

[@faren6503]

guys do this it works way better for those of you who keep getting the enter password screen that pops up @echo off set pass= yourpassword echo Enter Password set /p ui= if %ui%==%pass% (goto OPEN) echo Wrong Password pause exit :OPEN start explorer.exe yourfoldername

[@courtneyoconnorranaudo7210]

+DizzyDwarf X This worked perfectly, thanks!

[@jyzoretrapes7752]

+DizzyDwarf X, this one works! thanks.

[@lilarctic7924]

+The red show omg thank you i had my project for school on it and i was scared my friend would steal my stuff tahnk you so munch i will sub and like

[@ThMinecraftChannel]

awsome

[@TrucVuPhoto]

nice... telling explorer.exe to open folder...

[@NickyM16]

Woah! I gotta admit this whole process was very scary, especially when the "enter password" thing kept popping up. But James Mills's comment helped out. Thank you both. It worked perfectly!

[@Accurize2]

True Story: I had a snooping fellow cop that I work with at my department. I thought I had better password protect my flash drive. I went looking for a tutorial while sitting in a parking lot in a residential neighborhood in the middle of the night. I started this tutorial on my MDT and immediately went deaf from the intro. 10/10...would cause a noise complaint which I had to investigate against myself again.

[@XanderElion]

Incredible

[@katrinarose2210]

So, if anyone is trying to undo what they did to their file, you could delete the .bat file and just type this into the command prompt: E:> *attrib "folder name" -s -h*

[@XanderElion]

This actually seems like less of a hassle than doing the batch file and password stuff. You just need to remember the name of the file or folder then just undo the initial command!

[@vbsony]

Thanks!

[@jaysamsamain7033]

@@XanderElion Why there is "Parameter format not correct" when I enter again in cmd?

[@ashbrkhldr]

This worked perfectly! I did have to enter "start explorer.exe 'folder' " in order to make it work without asking for my password again. All of these people saying it doesn't work are clearly not following the instructions correctly.

[@MelendezMoss]

Dude... I was so stuck after watching this video but scroll down to the other comment and COPY and Paste It worked!! (the James Mills guy)

[@Jonathan11225]

that trick isn't very safe, if you pop that USB drive in a Mac the ``hidden file`` show's up like nothing happen

[@phelipedesousa482]

FOR THE PEOPLE THAT DID NOT WORK!!!: When you save your ".bat" file Put any other name.bat And than change the bottom "save file as type" and put ALL FILES. So than when you put the password the CMD wont reopen and rather, it will open the file. I hope it helps. :D

[@JeanPierreRoyere]

+Phelipe De Sousa (“ParadoxBrasilBoy”) Very helpful! Thanks!

[@mastermax1919]

Wow it worked really well. at first i had the problem where the cmd would yell at me to put in my password an infinite amount of times so i moved everything to a separate drive and re-formatted the drive and it worked perfectly afterwards, It helps a lot to do this now i have a safe place for my passwords!

[@luthor2020]

why the fuck did it take me so long to find this simple fucking method...you literally saved my ass now all my drives are encrypted...THANK YOU!

[@glendab123]

Very informative and quick. The process was thorough and concise.

[@elvispressedtalot9899]

This One Worked for Me . The one on the Video .. reopens another Password window . or what ever Driver its in!!.. Hopefully this helps out. Faren Faren 4 years ago guys do this it works way better for those of you who keep getting the enter password screen that pops up @echo off set pass= "yourpassword " echo Enter Password set /p ui= if %ui%==%pass% (goto OPEN) echo Wrong Password pause exit :OPEN start explorer.exe "yourfoldername"

[@elvispressedtalot9899]

And thanks KZbin Channel "Stone Designs" !!

[@robc1961]

This is absolutely no good if your folder options are set to "SHOW ALL FILES AND FOLDERS.

[@luthor2020]

so then turn on hide files and folders

[@xiaohady]

whats the use if we can make it visible again with cmd attrib -s -h ?

[@hamidkhan2010hk]

Yes it's true, but they can only do it if they know the folder name inside the drive that is made invisible. if it's invisible then they wont know what it's called

[@javyinthemiddle9186]

found out a few days ago that if the .bat file name is the same as the hidden file, the password will go to the .bat file first and ask for the password again. so make the .bat file different. you can rename your .bat file if you need to and delete the file you had to rename before you ask for the password on the new renamed .bat file and good to hear it work for you Chessman Allen.

[@crocrash320]

Nice video! However, it is still very easy to bypass the password screen. You just have to know the path to it; which you can type in the address bar. So if anything, make your folder (containing your protected files) named a bunch of random characters. That way it is harder for people to figure out the path.

[@LoriTheGirl]

You sound like Tina from Bob's Burgers.

[@joydeepofficial3941]

He really does😁

[@epicamv8963]

Frl lol

[@alexretondo]

This worked perfectly for me. Not sure what everyone else is having problems with. One question, I noticed if i plug this flash drive into any other pc, it does ask for a password. But if i plug it into a mac then all files are exposed and open to view without a password. does anyone know how to make it prompt for a password on both mac/pc?? thanks for the video and thanks for any answers anyone may have!

[@XanderElion]

One of the reasons the "enter password" prompt is looping is because you gave the batch file the same name as the file you hid. Before you "save as" the batch file, you have to name it anything other than the name of the hidden file or folder. It will loop the password prompt otherwise. I hope this solved the issue many were having.

[@billyfew8521]

Works okay, unless someone goes into the command prompt and types, "dir/a", which would list the hidden folder, at which point you could just enter "attrib test -s -h", showing the folder on the thumb drive, at which point they could just double click.

[@BrassSpyglass]

Every time I enter my password it keeps popping up a new window asking me for my password.

[@bricksdelacruz1067]

Maybe the " start "file name" " is the same on the name of your bat file, so that it opens repeatedly...

[@arcadecarpet631]

paradox

[@PinkFloydSuperFan]

You can always "edit" the bat file and the text editor will come up and you can see what your password is. ANYONE can do this and see the secret password.

[@luluns2091]

Hey I'm having the same problem. It keeps asking me the password. Any idea how to fix it? I've lost all my data now -_-

[@TheTubeTempest]

you can use the search function of windows. delete all the visible folders but save them on another drive if you need them. just type in *.* in the search bar of the flash drive and then select all the files and drag them into another folder.

[@Tanveerahmed-hl7ek]

I learned something new thanks for the video. But by typing file/folder name files/folder can be easily accessed without any password.

[@kkiel190]

to get your files back without typing in the password simply type in the search bar your files name and hit enter. the 'attrib +h +s' part simply hides your folder it doesn't lock it.

[@RexDeus9]

Hi PKV, I have to agree with the comments below, without the hard words. I've played with different alternatives myself (cheapest being the premise here) and came-up with the following which fulfills the need and then some: 1. FREE 2. Very Secure Using TrueCrypt. You can even have it installed on your USB key and load it with complete security. Give it a try!

[@leawanaki8846]

How can I replace the words I've typed with '****' in order not to let anyone see it when I'm typing?

[@nongmech8521]

hey bro i already put password on my folder but why, when i put it on my smart tv it opens without password!!!!!! ????

[@AkacoProgramming]

If you're having trouble and want your folder to be visible again just type attrib -s -h and the folder will reappear!

[@SophieVardanian]

but where should i type that?

[@scottbernard9393]

This may have already been solved, Question? I put the flash drive in another computer, and the exe.file was missing. Then I put it back into my computer and the exe file is not showing up.

[@vshlpipaliya8]

seems it does not work because it is hiding folder only and that can be seen without entering password just by going into view option of drive tools and check mark on hidden items.

[@sejevictor1027]

i just tried this and checked on my friends computer where it didn't work, then i plugged it into my own laptop and checked for my files which weren't there for som e reason, i cannot get them back, but my drive says that they are there somewhere, i just can't seem to fine the files, plz help me, my entire backup is there and i really need it.

[@mhouse1115]

Dude, thank you for this video. Been trying to find a way to do this and this was simple, quick and easy. Much appreciated.

[@maximed3450]

I would like to have the option when I enter the password to hide what I type in for example using * (asterisk)? what do I need to fill in the script?

[@cloudplpnt]

How do I get rid of the password lock? :\ I'm having the same password problem as some of the people below: I type in the password, but it just opens up another cmd window asking for the password once again. It won't stop repeating this.

[@stephenk58]

right i am having issues with the conversion application, from what your video shows is different to the one from your link below, im guessing the company have updated the app. Besides the company updating the app i carried out your instructions to the "T" but this conversion does not want to open up, HELP PLEASE?

[@hamidali611]

I did this and it all worked perfectly UNTIL I doubleclick the batch file. It opens cmd and I enter the password but it just keeps opening new cmd windows saying "Enter Password", NOT the files I saved. It is the RIGHT password, because when I enter something else I get the "wrong password" and it closes please help

[@alejandrojuarez1377]

Jonathan Castro Thanks man really helped

[@MrDj123321]

Really nice idea But actually If the files are just hidden which is what 'attrib' Does it hides the files then someone who just checks to view hidden files under folder options will see all of your files without entering your password ...

[@springyleaf]

Thank you SO much for this video. It's simple, easy to follow and a lifesaver.

[@user-pu5rq1xj9h]

It didn't work for me ... it asks password all over again ... so If you want to see your files again just type in "cmd"- command promp attrib -s -h "name of folder"" and you see your stuff again !

[@christislord316]

to you guys, who cant find the hidden files, just go into command prompt and type: attrib "filename" -s -h

[@khalilahmed-wi3qn]

I done every thing correct but every time I put the password in it don't let me in, Now I have read some information below it didn't make much sence. like go to folder change this and that when you can't do anything. This is what you do so simple click on your g drive you will see your folder, Mine was saved as Kashmir so everytime i click on it, It will ask for password when entering correct password I cant access. I edit my folder name and added number 1 infront like this Kashmir1 and saved it. then try password

[@superdad1118]

Houston we have a problem. I'd like to send you a screen shot of the notepad doc I created in the edit mode. When it asks me for my password I put it in, then it asks me again then it says wrong password. Can you help me out of this bind please?

[@aufweidershen1975]

i did that but when i went to the file to double click, the cmd came up and i entered the password. but it just took me to another cmd. help please sir!

[@harrysguillaumelytras965]

so i have problem i set the password but the say to me wrong pass and the show me more tab to enter the pass that i set and i cant find my files and its my for my college what can i do? i need my files back

[@joshG_Rei]

Everything work properly except the folder doesn't get hidden. Is there any other way to hid it?

[@MyDigitalTeacher]

I was trying this method so I did same thing with my E drive almost same procedure but now whn i try to enter password it opens up new cmd with text "e:>" plz help me out gd thing is I havnt changed the bat into exe but still i cnt open it.

[@slithercore8858]

I FOUND A WAY IF IT DOES'NT WORK TO GET FILES BACK. FIRST go into cmd and go and type you removable disk like g: and press enter. then write attrib (File Name) -s -h and then click!!!

[@user-cw9sc4hq9c]

This just saved all my files! Thanks!

[@elisomar6570]

I did all the steps correctly but unfortunately, it didn't work, even if I typed in the correct passcode.

[@Qazsnivy]

what would you type instead of d: or g: if the file is on your desktop

[@Raine_Daily]

is it possible that once i inserted the flash drive.... it will automatically display Enter password.... i mean, i do not want that a person can still access the files... what if a person deletes the test.bat file?? all i really need to know is the whole drive cant be access yet unless you entered a password..

[@nikkio8931]

I did this and it all worked perfectly UNTIL I doubleclick the batch file. It opens cmd and I enter the password but it just keeps opening new cmd windows saying "Enter Password", NOT the files I saved. It is the RIGHT password, because when I enter something else I get the "wrong password" and it closes. Luckily I did a test folder so my actual files are not lost, but I'd still like this to work. I copied your commands and pasted into Notepad and saved as .bat. I'm running Win 7 - 64 bit. Any thoughts on why it doesn't work or how to fix? Thanks very much!

[@hamidali611]

same thing happened with me...don't know what to do???

[@iannowicki8514]

This may be a stupid question but what happens when you plug it into another computer? Are the files at all accessible?

[@Marero91]

would i be able to watch the content on my TV if i put a password protection on it?

[@oliblondo]

This is a great stuff, which works in windows environment... Would you have by any chance the equivalent command & programming for MAC?

[@GameboxYo]

I accidenty delted the bac file and now everthing is gone invinible what should I do ?

[@aliigomosanii593]

mate...what if someone tried to delete this executable file

[@baumi8805]

Then the other files will deleted too, won't they?

[@luthor2020]

@@baumi8805 can't you just hide the .exe file?

[@StephenGFXGaming]

Not working for me I name the bat. file same as the file I wanted to protect and its not working it keeps poping PASSWORD with the cmd, even if I type the good one ? Da heck ?

[@Liston281162]

Thanx bro, this is awesome, but the problem is , when we type the password on cmd its showing the alphabets/numbers etc., how to hide that also? For example if the password is 123 then how to make this as showing ***?

[@jaredjameson407]

This would probably effect a password reset file if you had it in the protected folder, correct?

[@Makaveli1188]

How do i undo this process. i kind of want everything back to normal.

[@danielwilson50]

I need assistance.....The bat to EXE link I cannot get to work and apparently I've done something wrong. Would you be able to use team viewer and help me? PLEASE?

[@Chanaka2205]

dr fnd when i on the hidden folder option secure file on usb is shown...what the reson

[@rohitkulegi]

How will it recover if the .exe file was deleted? And how to make it in original form, like as it was in starting of this process.

[@m2f]

If you know the files directory, you can just type, in my instance, F:\FOLDER_NAME_HERE and it will open. No one who will looking for my stuff will be that smart so Im not worried

[@raghuveershetti449]

i ve followd the steps perticularly as shown in video.when i open test.bat before convrting to exe,i found the enter password window is popping up as several windows even tho i enterd correct password.plz help me to solve this.

[@nicolehonkala7657]

Help! I did everything (except backup my file) and now I can't access my file. When I double click on the folder it prompts me to enter my password, I do, and then it opens another command screen prompting me to enter my password again. Can you help me please : ) Thanks in advance!

[@theodorstravels]

I see a flaw with this: when your file explorer has been configured to show system files and hidden files, the folder will be visible.

[@Cedric_0]

What if you format it or clean it and create new partition

[@elisomar6570]

All of my important files were gone because of this

[@Inseptex]

He said to back it up in the beginning

[@TheAssassin-xg2zv]

can you help me? when i type attrib Testing +s +h is says 'attrib' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

[@MobileDecay]

How about just putting a protected zip on the drive. Seems easier.

[@brycemartin2351]

I did it exactly as you did it, but the password isn't working and I really need on my thumb drive! What do I do?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Help!

[@JaycoubbRulez]

This method will not encrypt your data. Also it's extremely easy to break open. (open with notepad and change password)

[@TheChaoticWolf]

***** No, you use the software in the description below to make the batch into extension, so it's a lot harder to get the code.

[@gauravbhavsar]

how about if someone delete this bat/exe file from harddisk ? any way to protect that ? and yes bat to exe converter has malwares. those who knows DOS prompt command can easily look for hidden file and use reverse command to see hidden files .......

[@VsUK]

I like the video, perfect for what I was wanting to do. Ty :0) But I have a question. The +s +r write protects the folder. Is there a way to keep the folder hidden but able to write to it? As I plan to have this for my keyring usb i'd be putting info on & off it that I don't want getting into the wrong hands should I lose my keys

[@JJXTMAN]

the same thing is happening with me it wont work the cmd keeps popping up and now i cant access the files and i didnt back them up is there a way to undo it

[@jaysamsamain7033]

How to solve "Parameter format not correct" in Cmd when I type "attrib 'foldername' s+ h+' again?

[@joshramos8537]

HEY HOW COULD I TAKE IT BACK TO NORMAL?

[@2001maolin]

When installing .bat to .exe converter, im steps 2&3 DECLINE the license and it will not insall those two programs that it comes with. there shouldn't be a problem after.

[@RiazBurhan]

There is one issue Type "DOT" . in serch box then eyerthing is visible

[@joshsmith950]

This was the most clever thing ive ever seen

[@MrAnthonyVance]

Thank you for your excellent instruction. Applause!

[@jaypandya1853]

How can I undo everything and remove the password??? Please it didnt work and I need to undo all the steps?

[@unmasked232]

Thank you Thank you Thank you! I tried doing what this video said and it wouldn't let me access that file at all- I was on the verge of tearing my hair out until I read your comment and was able to get to my files again >u

[@KingKong-df1jb]

Hi i did this and now i am stuck. all the files are locked out. the folder is gone and the file is not accepting the password i set. any way to get back my files?

[@JohnSmith-xq1pz]

Is there any way to do this but make the drive read only?

[@eyahud1]

when I type in my password it open to a new window that not even in the folder. its not allowing me to view my secured contents, please help

[@kristijansazdovski1085]

Someone can easily bypass the password, just by entering the full address of the folder, in the address bar. Or by compressing the whole USB with Winrar and opening the compressed file, you'll see/open all of your files there...So its not very secure...but anyway good job.

[@OhSoTiredMan]

+Kristijan Sazdovski Still better than nothing plus most people dont usually look up how to unless their is something they want

[@khalidahmed4005]

Hi there, I forgot the name of the folder that it invisible and should be open when I enter my password. Do you know how to find the folder name? Thx

[@joshuaneufeldt3]

Melody, there's no "e" on attrib when you type it in cmd

[@Rombure1]

I can get my file invisible dose not work for me I try do same command you did but give me error "Parameter format not correct" i am using windows xp.

[@BobPaw]

Wow. Just wow. I could open that easily. All you did was add "system" attributes to the folder. It's not protected against anyone.

[@kosar4e]

What if i delete this file which has a protection which cannot be seen?

[@joeshmoe7899]

Can still find deleted file with recovery software. Need encryption for more safety.

[@MrDlanglois]

when I did all this and typed in password to CP, all it did was read out enter password. Now my files are hidden and I can't get them.

[@ryanjohnson4326]

Just run it through winrar to get your files back

[@andrewrushton9320]

im having trouble with the attrib part my folder name includes a space in the name like "rhett Parker" i type, attrib Rhett Parker +s +h" what could be my issue?

[@andrewrushton9320]

ok so i figured out that it wasnt working because of the space that was in my folder name now when i put in the password it just opens another cmd

[@RehuelGalzote]

When typing the password, how can u make it the input like like *********? I mean, some people can see it right?

[@nurisktrading3765]

WHAT IS THE USE IF WE CAN MAKE IT VISIBLE AGAIN WITH CMD ATTRIB -S -H!!!!!!?????? CAN WE DISABLE "CMD ATTRIB -S -H"?

[@linyu5931]

its not working when i set the password exactly like him !! step to step the cmd box keep on asking password ..............