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Microsoft Pulls Private Folder Tool

Microsoft has abruptly pulled from its Web site a free folder encryption tool it recently released, saying the program's removal came about due to complaints from IT shops.

The utility, dubbed Private Folder 1.0, enables a user to create a folder called "My Private Folder," which is then password protected. The tool only lets users create a single folder, however.

Microsoft released Private Folder earlier this month. But it didn't take long before IT administrators began asking the company to take down the utility.

"We received feedback about concerns around manageability, data recovery and encryption, and based on that feedback we are removing the application," a company spokesperson said in an e-mail explaining the program's withdrawal.

About the Author

Stuart J. Johnston has covered technology, especially Microsoft, since February 1988 for InfoWorld, Computerworld, Information Week, and PC World, as well as for Enterprise Developer, XML & Web Services, and .NET magazines.

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