GiliSoft File Lock Pro is a powerful tool designed to secure sensitive data on Windows systems (compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7) by password-locking folders and drives. Whether you need to protect personal documents, work files, or prevent unauthorized access to non-system drives, this software provides an intuitive and customizable solution. Below is a detailed step-by-step guid. Locking it will prevent normal access to system files, causing severe issues like boot failures, program crashes, and disrupting your computer’s functionality.

Step 1: Launch GiliSoft File Lock Pro and Set Up the Master Password

Before you start locking items, you first need to set a Master Password to control access to the software itself, ensuring only you can manage protection settings:

1. Download and install GiliSoft File Lock Pro from the official website (you can use the free trial version first or purchase a full license).
2. Launch the software. On first run, you will be prompted to create a Master Password:
   • Enter a strong password (we recommend a combination of uppercase/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols—avoid simple combinations like “123456”).
   • Re-enter the password to confirm and prevent typos.
   • (Optional) Set a password hint (in case you forget the Master Password), then click OK to save.
3. Once the Master Password is set, you will access the main dashboard, where core features like “Lock Folders,” “Lock Drives,” and “Hide Files” are available.

Step 2: Lock a Folder with a Password (Avoid Critical System Directories on the System Drive)

There are two convenient ways to lock folders. When operating, do not lock system directories on the C: drive (e.g., “C:\Windows” or “C:\Program Files”). Only lock personal data folders (such as “C:\Users\YourName\Documents\Private Files”) or folders on non-system drives (D:, E:, F: drives).

Option A: Drag-and-Drop (Quick Lock)

1. Open Windows Explorer and locate the target folder (e.g., D:\Work Data\Client Information or C:\Users\YourName\Desktop\Private Photos).
2. Click and hold the folder, then drag it directly into the GiliSoft main window.
3. A pop-up window titled “Set Password for Folder” will appear. Configure the following:
   • New Password: Set a unique password for unlocking this folder (we recommend using a different password than the Master Password).
   • Confirm Password: Re-enter the password to verify.
   • Access Type (Optional):
     • Full Access: After unlocking, you can read, write, modify, and delete files;
     • Read-Only: Only allows viewing—editing or deleting is prohibited.
4. Click Lock. The folder will be marked as “Locked” in the software dashboard and cannot be accessed without the password.

Option B: Manual Folder Selection

1. On the main dashboard, click the Lock Folders button (marked with a folder + lock icon).
2. A file browser window will open. Navigate to the target folder (avoiding critical system directories), select it, and click OK.
3. Repeat the password setup and access type configuration steps from Option A, then click Lock to complete the process.

Step 3: Lock a Drive with a Password (NEVER Lock the System Drive)

This feature supports locking non-system local drives (D:, E:, F:), external USB drives, and portable hard drives. However, you must NEVER lock the system drive (C: drive)—the C: drive stores core Windows operating system files. Locking it will prevent your computer from booting, loading drivers or programs, and may even require a system reinstall to fix. Follow these steps:

1. On the main dashboard, click the Lock Drives button (marked with a drive + lock icon).
2. A list of drives will appear. Only select non-system drives (e.g., “Local Disk (D:)”, “Removable Disk (E:)”)—do not check “Local Disk (C:)”.
3. A pop-up window titled “Set Password for Drive” will open. Enter a unique password (we recommend using a different password than folder passwords) and confirm it.
4. Click Lock. The drive will be encrypted: double-clicking it to access will trigger a password prompt, and the contents cannot be viewed without the correct password.

Step 4: Unlock a Protected Folder or Drive

When you need to access locked data, follow these steps to unlock:

1. Locate the target in Windows Explorer:
   • For folders: The icon may appear grayed out or marked with a lock. Double-clicking it will trigger a password prompt.
   • For drives: Double-clicking the drive in “This PC” will directly open the password window.
2. Enter the corresponding password and click OK. The folder/drive will be temporarily unlocked, allowing you to read and write files normally.

Step 5: Manage Protection Settings (Re-lock, Pause, and Customize)

Re-lock Automatically or Manually

• Automatic Re-lock: When you close the Explorer window containing the unlocked item, the software will prompt, “Lock the following item?” Click Yes to re-lock it immediately.
• Manual Re-lock: Right-click the unlocked folder/drive and select Lock with GiliSoft (this option is added to the right-click menu by default).

Pause Protection (Requires Master Password)

If you need to access multiple locked items at once (e.g., during a work session), you can temporarily pause protection:

1. Launch GiliSoft File Lock Pro and log in with your Master Password.
2. Click the Pause Protection button on the main dashboard—all locked items will be temporarily unlocked.
3. When you finish working, click Resume Protection to re-lock all items with one click.

Customize Settings

• Right-Click Menu Configuration: Go to Settings > Context Menu and check the “Lock/Unlock” options to ensure quick access via the right-click menu.
• Hide Feature: For enhanced privacy, you can choose to “Hide” folders/drives (instead of just locking them). Hidden items will disappear from Windows Explorer and can only be restored via the software (again, avoid system directories).

Critical Safety and Operation Tips

1. NEVER Lock the System Drive (C: Drive): The system drive is tied to Windows startup and program operation. Locking it will cause irreversible system failures—always double-check the drive type before proceeding.
2. Password Management: The Master Password is key to managing the software—never share it with others. It is recommended to record passwords and store them in a secure location (e.g., an encrypted password manager) to avoid data inaccessibility due to forgotten passwords.
3. Trial and Uninstallation: The free trial version offers full functionality for testing. To uninstall, use the Windows Control Panel—no residual files or usage restrictions will remain.
4. Data Backup: Before locking important data, back up copies to prevent permanent data loss due to software malfunctions or password loss.

By following these steps, you can safely use GiliSoft File Lock Pro to protect sensitive data while avoiding system disruptions caused by incorrect operations.