Linking to files outside the directory structure...?

I wanna protect a few files from reandom downloads. I'm moving hosts soon, and will loose my mod_auth_mysql module that let it talk to the .htaccess file. What I want to do is store a number of files, outside of my web folder, say one level under it, but still get my browser to retrive that file. Perhaps with some coding in PHP? is this at all possible, or am I barking up the wrong tree...? Any ideas? Tris... ********************************************************************* The information contained in this e-mail message is intended only for the personal and confidential use of the recipient(s) named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this document in error and that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by e-mail, and delete the original message. ***********************************************************************