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How to Password Protect a SanDisk Cruzer

By Lisa M. McMahon
USB flash drives are portable memory devices you can easily take with you.
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SanDisk manufactures a number of memory products. The Cruzer is the company's line of USB flash drives, which are personal, portable storage devices. The flash drives fit easily into a pocket or purse, or you may attach it to your keys or lanyard. Protecting your files on the flash drive is an important concern for many in this age of data and identity theft. SanDisk provides two options for protecting your data.

U3 Launchpad

Step 1

Insert your SanDisk Cruzer into an available USB port on your computer.

Step 2

Select "LaunchU3.exe" from the autorun dialog box. If autorun does not begin, open Windows Explorer, navigate to the flash drive and double-click "LaunchU3.exe."

Step 3

Close the AutoPlay dialog box. Click on the U3 icon in your system tray (lower right of computer desktop).

Step 4

Select "Enable Security."

Step 5

Enter a password in "New password" and "Retype password." Enter an optional hint, if desired. Click "OK."

SecureAccess

Step 1

Download "SecureAccess" from SanDisk's website. Select either the PC or Mac link.

Step 2

Unzip the file you downloaded to the root directory of the SanDisk Cruzer.

Step 3

Double-click the unzipped file on the removable drive. Select your desired language from the drop-down and then enter your desired password twice, using at least six alphanumeric characters. Optionally, enter a password hint.

Step 4

Read the EULA (End User License Agreement) and then click "OK" to accept.

Step 5

Drag and drop files onto the main SecureAccess screen. Alternately, you may copy and paste files onto the main screen, drag and drop file onto the vault icon that is now located on your desktop or click the "Add files" button to browse and add files. Click "Add Files" or "OK."

References

Tips

  • SecureAccess encrypts the files in "My Vault" on your SanDisk Cruzer with 128-bit encryption.

Warnings

  • If you forget your password, U3 Launchpad locks your device. The only way to make it usable is to reformat the flash drive. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you keep a backup of the files on your Cruzer on your computer.

Writer Bio

Lisa M. McMahon began writing in 1992, creating in-house courseware for major office and Web-related software applications. She has conducted numerous workshops on using the Internet for advocacy. McMahon has a Bachelor of Arts in cross-cultural studies from Northland International University.

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