Making folder private in Windows XP would restrict others from accessing that private folder. It would also disable folder sharing feature.
1) Open your Windows Explorer and locate the folder which you want to set private. Right click the folder and click Sharing and Security.
2) Your folder Properties will appear. Select Sharing tab and tick Make this folder private, so that it can’t be accessed by others. Finally click Apply.
Note: This option is only available for folders included in your user profile. Folders in your user profile include My Documents and its subfolders, Desktop, Start Menu, Cookies, and Favorites. If you do not make these folders private, they are available to everyone who uses your computer.
Note: When a folder became private, all of its subfolders are private as well.
Note: When a folder became private, you can’t share the folder and subfolders till you disable this private folder option.
Note: You cannot make your folders private if your drive is not formatted as NTFS.