Password protection for USB drive

Does anyone know of a way to password protect a USB attached portable hard drive?

I don't want to encrypt the files but I want to make it so when it is powered up the drive can't be accessed until a password is entered.

Failing that, is there a way to password protect a directory (folder) on the drive?

Thanks

 

You may find something here

 

Thanks Yargwel for your suggestion.

I found a free version of Omziff a standalone encryption utility, which was almost what I needed. The download page for that package suggested I evaluate Cryptainer LE for creating encrypted drives.

Crytainer LE (free version) limits the 'file' size to 25 Mb. I needed 30 gig!

I received a suggestion (via e-mail) that I evaluate TrueCrypt. It's an open source (free) encryption package that allows you to create an encrypted volumn on any drive (USB or CD) and the size is virtually unlimited.

I downloaded, installed it and created a 30 Gig 'volumn' that acts just like any other 'folder' in Windows XP once it is 'mounted' (by using the password).

It decrypts any of the files in the folder on the fly, including audio and video files. I've tested it and it performs as advertised.

Dismount can be automatic when the drive is disconnected or Windows is shut down.

Seems to be an excellent software package.

 

Glad you found something there and thanks for the feedback.