WinMend Folder Hidden 1.4.9

Overview

Need a lightweight and simple program that will hide your files and folders in your computer? WinMend Folder Hidden is a free, small tool designed to hide your files on local partitions, external hard drives, USB flash disks etc. Even if the hidden files/folders are accessed from another operating system or another computer, they will still remain hidden. If you want to unhide them you just have to enter the correct password.

Installation

The installation is very quick and includes no kinds of 3^rd party software (toolbars, add-ons, spyware, malware). The steps followed are only the ones found in a typical software installation, so even a beginner can install WinMend Folder Hidden.

This program can run perfectly under Windows 2000, XP, Vista and 7, supporting both 32- and 64-bit version systems.

Interface

The first time that you launch the application you will be prompted to enter a password for it, so that every time you want to use it you have to type that password. After doing so the main window will open and the implemented updater will let you know if there are any newer versions available.

The interface is elegant and modern, and the window is split into three tabs. Only the first one is about the program’s function. It has an area where you can view a list of all the hidden files and folders, with some buttons on the right side that let you hide files, folders, unhide them or completely remove them from the list. You also have the ability to change the program’s password from there.

The other two tabs are irrelevant to the tool’s purpose. One of them shows other products from WinMend and the other is an About Us page with some information about WinMend itself.

From the drop-down menu located on the bottom right corner you can change the language of the program and from the color boxes on the top right corner you can change the background color.

Pros

To hide a file or folder it is very easy. Simply open the program, click on the button that lets you hide files/folders, pick your desired file/folder and that’s it. The item will appear in the program’s list along with any other file/folder that you have selected. Drag and drop is also supported. To unhide an item it’s just as easy; select it from the list and click the unhide option. The unhidden items remain on the list for future reference, and to remove them from there you have to click the “Remove” button.

The hidden files are not accessible in any computer and not just the computer that the hiding process was performed. They can only be unhidden by using the program.

The user can pick for the interface to be translated into one of the following languages: English, French, German, Hungarian, Spanish, Dutch, Arabic, Greek, Korean, Italian, Slovak and Vietnamese.

Cons

There are no help files or any kind of explanation of how the program works and its encryption method. The only thing that WinMend says about the level of protection is that Folder Hidden shouldn’t be used in more serious cases and it is only recommended for home use.

In addition, it would be nice if a new option was added in the context menus to hide files/folders instead of opening the program.

Alternatives

Folder Lock is the most reliable data protection software. It has lots of features that will keep your encrypted files and folders safe and accessible only if you wish too. Folder Hidden is very plain compared to Folder Lock, as it lacks most of its features. Free Hide Folder is closer to Folder Hidden’s capabilities, as its only use is to hide and unhide personal files and folders.

Conclusion

WinMend Folder Hidden is nothing more than a simple application which will hide your files so that no one can view them. If you are not a target of hacking attacks, then it is not a bad idea to give it a try.