Folder Protector (LockDir)

Softonic review

Assign a password to every folder you want to protect

If you're worried about unauthorised access of your files but regularly share a PC, then one of the best ways to protect yourself is by encrypting your folders.

This might be a laborious and time consuming process if you've got lots of data to protect - as encryption can frequently take time - but it doesn't have to be too painful with Kaka Folder Protection. The program is fast and straightforward and once installed, you'll notice a "lockdir.exe" in your folders. Double click on this to run the program and it instantly asks you for a password to encrypt the folder. You can choose to encrypt either the current folder or an alternative folder of your choosing. The program would have been better if it installed itself directly into Windows Explorer shell and required a right click to activate but it's really no big drawback to double-click the .exe.

The developers claim that the program uses strong encryption technology although it doesn't reveal exactly what this is. This may cause some concern for those who are worried about the strength of the encryption. Once encrypted however, the good thing is that the folders are protected against illegal copying, deletion or adding extra files to. The program also adds a padlock symbol to protected folders so that users can immediately see what is protected and what isn't it - which is OK unless you're trying to protect files discreetly.

A simple and easy to use program that doesn't reveal what kind of encryption it uses but should be enough for most home users.

Bug fixes

Changes

Bug fixes

Author's review

KaKa Folder Protector is a powerful and easy-to-use program for protecting your data.It can lock,hide and encrypt any folder including flash disk and removable hard disk.1.Fast and Simple:With one-click protection and unprotection. Instant protection and unprotection2.Strong protection technology:Using 256-bit Blowfish Encryption that can effectively encrypt and lock all your files.

Advanced AES encryption algorithm makes the encryption more reliable and secure than others.
6 years experience in file security and folder encryption field.
24 * 7 customer service providing timely support for all registered users.
Portable and not need to install. Just need download and copy the lockdir.exe to a folder and run it to encrypt the folder or files.

Personal users sharing their computers with other people and need password protect their own private or sensitive files and data.
Enterprise users that need share folders, documents and data between their employees.

PROS

Easy to use
Protect folders from copying, deletion or adding to

CONS

Doesn't reveal encryption method
Not integrated into Windows Explorer shell

Program available in other languages

User reviews about Folder Protector (LockDir)

by Michaela
reviewed on August 17, 2023
I paid for 2 years of annual subscriptions to Kakasoft's Folder Locker when I never wanted it. I was using the free version in 2021 to secure confidential files. I wasn't aware that the only opportunity to add a recovery email was the first time the software ran, because when I forgot my password a year later and went to reset it, there was no option to do so. I had to purchase the full subscription version, the only other way to reset the password in order to get access to my folder back. I then tried to cancel the subscription. Their process is to email in to do so. My email was never acknowledged. Then I was charged again this year for a second round of the subscription. I immediately contacted them to refund the charge and cancel, as I had tried to do the year before. They accused me of lying about trying to cancel the first time and did not provide a refund on the second charge. I have the email trail. Atrocious customer service.

Folder Locker the free version works pretty nice for basic security though. Just never forget your password! More
by Anonymous
reviewed on February 20, 2016
Not free.
if its a "trail version" I dont consider it free. that's a misrepresentation
by Anonymous
reviewed on March 17, 2015
Nice, powerful basic apps.
Pros
1. Beautiful, Simple and Easy to Operate.Cons.
If you have a dual boot PC with Linux, basically you still can access encrypted folder content by logon into Linux and access the file.
Pros:
Protect a single or multiple folder at once
Cons:
Venurable. Still can reach content in encrypted folder. If you have dual boot with Linux, you still can access the file from Linux More
by Anonymous
reviewed on December 13, 2014
Folder Protection opinion.
It's a really good program,you don't have to buy it like the other folder protection programs,It's easy in use and you can reset the password from your email.
Pros:
that i don't have to buy it
i can reset my password from my email
Cons:
nothing More
by Anonymous
reviewed on September 23, 2013
as it keeps my file safe i can sleep in peace.
i like it,since it is secure and i like softonic, i hope its viruses free and always softonic dnt have viruses More
by Anonymous
reviewed on July 10, 2012
Better than expected, the cons are outdated here..
The Cons and the version number have to be updated, because in the current version (5.74) there IS an Explorer Integration.
After you have understood the logic of the tool, it is easy to use and has nice features.
For me currently the only acceptable freeware alternative to the commercial tools. Pros:
Quick handling.
No installation.
Explorer integration.
Works across windows installations, I think.
Cons:
You cannot keep a list of all of your protected folders. They are spread all over your hard drive. If you want to e.g. backup them, you have to disable protection on each of them separately. More

Read all reviews

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Laws concerning the use of this software vary from country to country. We do not encourage or condone the use of this program if it is in violation of these laws.