.htaccess files to protect a file and a sub directory using different "realms"...

Is it possible to protect a file and also a sub directory using different password files? As I am now, everytime I enter a password to access the file, or the directory, I can access both the file and the directory.

This is not what I am interested in doing. I want one or the other, otherwise 2 passwords have to be entered to get both.

Is this possible?

Thanks,

Tim

Yes. If you have access to httpd.conf, use <LocationMatch>. If not, use <FilesMatch> in your .htaccess file.

<FilesMatch "somefile.html$">
AuthName "Dimman Site"
AuthType Basic
AuthUserFile /path/to/.htpasswd
require valid-user
</FilesMatch>
<FilesMatch "anotherfile.html$">
AuthName "Dimman Site"
AuthType Basic
AuthUserFile /path/to/another/.htpasswd
require valid-user
</FilesMatch>

The known bug of using FilesMatch for your purpose is that, if the same file is found under the subdirs of your .htaccess, it will also match and prompt for login. Using <LocationMatch>, however, give you exact URL match.

<LocationMatch "^/private/anotherfile.html$">