Hallow frnds i hv a ques that whats the procedure to hide any file or folder?

so that nobody can view them i know 1 method that is select the file or folder then click on tool menu go to folder option then click view and then click on hide option but i m looking for another method i mean when ever i hide any of my file it should ask first for pword one of frnd hides his private data or files wth pword can any body tell me how can i do that or if anybody know some good tech to hide file and folders plz do tell me thanks for ur ans..........