COLGeek :
                
        
                
                    
                       Does your external HDD come with any encryption tools?
Also, check out Veracrypt: https://www.veracrypt.fr/en/Home.html
                    
                 
             
         
looks way to complicated for me; i have very little computer knowledge...also, i want something that will make the file/folder invisible without  being accessed by a password. 
 the programs i've tried all lock it from being opened (and even that i got around somehow) but not being identified as being on the pc thru a search (using 'search everything' program)