Reviewed by: CNET Staff      Tested spyware free.

 This helpful folder-locking tool is simple to operate, but it could use a better manual for novice users. Except for the simple Options and password dialogs, WinSesame is operated though your context-click menu. Our testers found that the program wasn't friendly to first-time users, but the learning curve isn't steep, and most users should quickly master the program.

Locking and encrypting a folder is a mere matter of right-clicking on it and choosing WinSesame Lock. You just have to enter a password twice and the folder is locked down. Attempting to open the folder displays a password dialog that our testers couldn't bypass. Shortcuts to files in locked folders simply fail to find the file. Users who just want a minimum of security can easily set an option to use the same saved password for all locked folders.

We liked that the passwords are not limited in length or type. The very security conscious can add another level of protection that limits folder decryption to their original computer. This freeware version is limited to only small folders. Users wishing to use this program on a typical system will have to pay for the unrestricted version. Still, WinSesame is a strong, useful folder-encryption and locking tool that proves easy to use after some initial work.