How To: Use McAfee Multi Access File Lock

[#1]

Note: On July 11, 2023, we are discontinuing new subscriptions to Shaw Network Security, including McAfee Multi-Access. If you're already subscribed, you may continue to use McAfee Multi Access. Visit Shaw Network Security and McAfee offerings being discontinued to learn more.

McAfee File Lock is included with Multi Access and allows you to store private files in a secure, personal vault on your PC computer, a shared network drive or on removable media, such as a USB drive, CD or DVD. Files in the vault are not visible and cannot be accessed without a password.

Setting up a personal vault

1. Double-click the McAfee icon in your taskbar.
2. Open the My Privacy tab.
3. Select Lock Private Files.
4. Use the check box to select File Lock > Next > Next.
5. Click Finish, when done, it will return you to the main menu, navigate back to My Privacy > Lock Private Files.
6. Click Create.
   
   • Select the three security questions from the drop-down menus and enter your answers and click Next.
   • Important: If you forget both your password and the answers to your security questions, Shaw Support cannot open your vault for you. Your vault will remain permanently locked and your files will be inaccessible.
7. Type a name for your vault. It cannot be the same as an existing vault.
8. Use the slider to select the size of your vault.
   • Note: You cannot change the vault size after you set it. Ensure you have the necessary storage available.
9. Type a password in the Password and Confirm Password fields and click Next.
10. If you want to change the default location or drive letter of the vault, click Advanced.
11. Choose whether you want to complete setup with your vault locked or unlocked and click Finish.

Sharing a personal vault

When you create a personal vault, it is associated with the My Documents folder for the Windows user account you create it in and will not be accessible to other user accounts on the same computer.

If you want to share a vault, create it on a network drive or removable media (USB drive, CD, DVD). You can then create a link to your vault on the other user account or computer. Click here to learn more from McAfee.

Note: Vaults created on a CD or DVD will be read-only.

Recovering a lost password

1. Double-click the McAfee vault you want to unlock.
2. Click I forgot my password.
3. Type the answers to your three security questions and click Next.
4. Enter a new password in the Password and Confirm Password fields and click Next.
5. Click Finish and your McAfee vault password will be changed to the one you typed, and the vault will be unlocked.

Related readings

• About: McAfee Multi Access
• About: McAfee True Key
• About: BlueCurve Network Security