Blocking others from copying files from my external hard drive

Hello all

was wondering if there was a way to block others from copying files from my external hard drive but at the same time allowing then to view my films and listen to my music on their pc?

The easiest way is to make them read-only. It's not going to stop some one who's determined to modify something but it will stop accidental changes

so will it stop them from copying onto their HD?

Sorry I've mis-understood.

The short answer is no.
Reading a video file is just like copying, whether streaming or copying then playing.

To prevent the file being copied or reused you'd need some kind of commercial rights management and those accessing the files would need a particular player to watch them.

Perhaps if you described then actually scenario you have in more detail we could offer up an alternative solution

Well I do allot of graphic design and flash video stuff and I want To distribute them via USB sticks to say friends and potential customers. I just don't want them to be able to copy onto their HD. Thought I explained it pretty well

As was mentioned earlier, if they can read it. They can copy it. The only thing that comes to mind it water marking your stuff.