How to Protect your computer folders

Windows XP has built-in privacy features that allow you to keep specific files hidden from other users who may have accounts on the same machine.

Your files must be located somewhere under your account name in the 'Documents and Settings' folder.

Use My Computer to navigate to the appropriate folder.

Right-click on the folder and choose the 'Properties' option.

Click the 'Sharing tab' within 'Properties'.

Check the 'Make This Folder Private' tick box.

Now if your snooping colleague tries to open the private folder, the system will display an 'Access Denied' message and your stuff is safe.