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Is it possible to copy-protect files so that certain files on my computer can’t be copied or transferred? The files can still be accessed like normal, but just can’t be copied.
I know you can do this in Mac OSX, but I’m using XP. Is there some program that I can download to do this?
Thanks.
It’s not possible. When a program reads a file to display, it opens it as a stream and reads the binary data, then converts it for display. When a program reads a file to transfer, it opens it as a stream and reads the binary data, then sends it over another socket stream to another computer.
You could, I guess, block the ability to copy certain files in windows explorer or something, but it’s not possible to make a file read-accessible, but protected.
Is it possible to just stop someone from using the “ctrl-c” and “ctrl-v” functions (copy-paste) on certain files? and prevent drag-and-drop?
lazyturbo wrote:Is it possible to just stop someone from using the “ctrl-c” and “ctrl-v” functions (copy-paste) on certain files? and prevent drag-and-drop?You might be able to do something like that using the Windows Group Policy, or some third party program. I know an old system lockdown program called Fortress provided this “feature”, but I don’t even know if it’s manufactured anymore. The problem with this is that, in the end, if it can be read, it can be copied. Anything you do that gets in the way of that is just an obstacle that can be easily gotten around if someone is really interested in your data. The DRM systems have been trying to do exactly what you are trying to do, and that’s why they are so easily cracked.
Maybe you could explain the situation a little more, and perhaps what kind of data is stored in these files? There are ways to protect data if it’s stored and viewed through another application.
You might also be able to use TrueCrypt to create an encrypted disk image. Then the data would be unavailable unless the disk is mounted and decrypted. This would still have the weakness of being able to be copied while the disk is mounted, but it would be more secure then just disabling the copy command in windows explorer.
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