OS 10.14.6
I thought I would create a password for a folder via utilities. I find I am creating a disk image which looks like it is taking forever

How can I stop it? If I rebooted using my backup, would that remove the problem?

jaybass

Just restarting may be enough.

I tried to restart but disk utility wouldn't let me. The same for shut down! This thing has taken over.

jaybass

Have you tried to FORCE quit DU via Apps/Utilities/Activity Monitor?

(If DU won't even let you restart/shut down, will it let you boot into another volume?)

I have just force quit DU and the window disappeared. Does that mean everything is back to square one?

How do I know for sure?

jaybass

I assume that all is back to square one if the window has disappeared, but look in Activity Monitor. DU should no longer be running.

By the way, I'm not aware of any way to password-protect a folder in Disk Utility (or otherwise on macOS) without creating a password-protected disk image to contain it.

I believe I've run across 3rd party utilities that will do it, though.

When I duck ducked a way to create a password for a folder, there were serveral suggestions using DU

However, I'll leave it for now.

Thanks for your input.

jaybass

artie,

Have successfully created a folder with a password using DU. When I click on it, it asks for my new password and when I click ok. it creates another dmg which allows me to access my account. Great!

Problem is, the next time I click on the first dmg, it does not work. If I trash the second dmg and again click on the original dmg, it asks for the password ok. This means of course that before I can successfully use the first dmg, I have to

trash the second dmg before the first one will work. I guess I could manage that but why is it happening? Any ideas?

jaybass

I have decided to dispense with the passworded folder...too much trouble.

jaybass

I'd really love to be looking over your shoulder.

I've successfully done what you're trying to do more than once, and never with any issues, so I can't begin to guess what's going wrong.

Tell me how you did it and where do you live?

jaybass

I used DU to create an empty encrypted disk image and then dragged my folder into it. Additionally, I just created a disk image from a folder with expected success.

When you said you wanted to password-protect a folder I took you literally...why I said it couldn't be done in DU.

I live in NYC.

To be more specific: Disk Utility > File > New Image > Image from Folder > Select folder > Select encryption > Select format (presumably read/write)

Caveat: I'm don't know if a dmg created thusly will allow for the addition of much new info. Your best option may be to create an empty dmg of sufficient size for your purposes...either that or a sparse bundle disk image.