If you are using the NTFS file system you can encrypt files or folders so that they cannot be opened by other users. Open 'Windows Explorer', and then browse to the file or folder to be encrypted. On the 'General' tab, click 'Advanced'. Select the 'Encrypt contents to secure data' check box. Encrypting a folder automatically encrypts all its subfolders and files.
Encryption protects against others opening that file or folder.
User Accounts define the access to the system that an individual will be given at login. Details can be found in Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Computer Management, Local Users and Groups, Users . To simplify the process of assigning permissions to User Accounts, Windows 2000 defines default Groups each with specific permissions. These can be seen in the Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Computer Management, Local Users and Groups, Groups folder. Under NTFS more specific permissions can be set by User or Group for folders or even individual files.