Lock Folder in XP using DOS

The best way to hide a folder is using the cacls commands(locking)
it is very simple
for this u shud ve folder in NTFS drive. (say e:)
once it is done open run->cmd

for locking the folder
cacls pathname /d 

for unlocking type /g
cacls pathname

once u hav locked a folder and if anyone tries opening it a message access is denied will be displayed. u dont hav to hide a folder after doing this.

ALL Options In CACLS

/T   Search the pathname including all subfolders.
   /E   Edit ACL (leave existing rights unchanged)
   /C   Continue on access denied errors.

   /G user:permission
        Grant access rights, permision can be:
        R  Read
          W  Write
          C  Change (read/write)
          F  Full control
  
   /R user
        Revoke specified user's access rights (only valid with /E).

   /P user:permission
        Replace access rights, permission can be:
          N  None
          R  Read
          W  Write
          C  Change (read/write)
          F  Full control
  
   /D user
        Deny access to user.