I explained in my Dec. 6 article how Alternative Data Streams (ADS) on NTFS-formatted disks can be used to hide data on your computer.
But copying such files to a shared folder on Windows Home Server can corrupt the streamed data, meaning applications on other PCs on the LAN don’t recognize the file format.
After reading the story, reader Gary L. Adelson brought some news to my attention:
- “I would like to point out that there is currently an unresolved data corruption issue related to the recently released Windows Home Server (WHS) and files which have ADS. This has been discussed at length on the Windows Home Server forum. Microsoft has addressed this in Knowledge Base entry 943393.
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“Because of this, I would encourage anyone using WHS to avoid files which have ADS, until this issue is resolved by Microsoft.”
In addition, the article states, you can’t open files with an .avi or .exe extension (presumably those that contain ADS data).
To be safe, follow Gary’s advice and keep your ADS files away from WHS until a patch is available.
Other ways to hide files from Windows
Other readers took issue with the whole process of hiding files in data streams. For example, Rich Fox wrote:
- “Seems to me that is a lot of work to hide files. I use Folder Lock myself. I don’t know if you are familiar with it or not, but I like it. It does all that you said and I think a lot more.”
However, such files are not completely hidden; as the Help file itself states, the files are visible in DOS mode or Safe Mode. For maximum security, you have to move the files you want to protect into Folder Lock’s Locker folder. In addition, the demo version only lets you encrypt 35 items. To exceed that limit and get other features, you need to pay the $35 registration fee.
For a free alternative to using ADS or a tool like Folder Lock, try Free Hide Folder. It takes a few clicks to add folders to the hidden list, but once you do, they and their contents are completely invisible. For added security, Free Hide Folder asks you for a password every time you launch it. It works on most folders, but in Vista has trouble with certain built-in folders, such as the Music folder in the Documents folder.
Readers Adelson and Fox will each receive a gift certificate for a book, CD, or DVD of their choice for sending tips we printed. Send us your tips via the Windows Secrets contact page.
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