need help on partiton

I have home edition of xp. I have 5GB partition on my computer.
Is there a way to restrict access on the partition without upgrading to pro edition of xp?

 

you don't say what else is on the machine. Is this 5GB the boot partition?? If so, you can password protect it so the machine will not boot without entering your password. To set a password, go to Control Panel, Users, change logon, set password. Also, some BIOS provide password protection.

If it is not the boot partition, I don't think you can restrict access in XP Home, but you can hide folders on the partition so they cannot be seen. Unfortunately, unhiding them is as easy as hiding for an experienced user. If you are hiding them from young children or a casual user of the machine, that will work, but not from a savvy user.

To hide a folder, right click, select properties, select hidden. To view, folder options, show hidden files.

You may also obtain 3rd party software that will encrypt files and folders, and maybe drives. After encryption, only persons who have the encrytion password may view. "File Warden" is one that comes to mind, available from PC Magazine Utilities/Ziff Davis, if you are an annual subscriber, the program is free. I believe the subscription rate is US$19.95 per year. IMHO well worth it, as they have many useful utility programs free if you are a subscriber.

I hope this information is of some use to you.

Martin