Compress & protect files & folder in Windows XP/Vista/7?

Windows XP/Vista/7 has a default files & folders compression/zip process. For which no third party software (like Winrar or WinZip) is essential to zip files & folders in Windows XP/Vista/7. Even it is quite simple to protect a zipped file/folder  through password.

How to compress files and folders in Windows XP/Vista/7?



Fig 3.1 : File Compression/Zip Process in Windows XP/Vista/7 



1. Locate the file you want to zip.
2. Right click on the file and select “Send To” and “Compressed (zipped) Folder.” This will create a new compressed folder with the same name as the file but with the extension .zip.
3. To add another file to this zip, right click on the other file and select “Copy.”
4. Next right click on the compressed folder created in step 2 above and select “Paste.” The copied file is pasted into the compressed folder. Repeat steps one to four until all the files are copied to your compressed folder.

How to password protect zip file or compressed folder in Windows XP/Vista/7?

Fig 3.2 : Password Protect a Compressed/Zipped File in Windows XP/Vista/7

                                                                 

1. Right click on the compressed folder and select “Explore.”
2. In “File,” select “Add a Password.” Enter the password and confirm the password.

How to remove or disable password from zip file or compressed folder in Windows XP/Vista/7?

1. Right click on the compressed folder and select “Explore.”
2. In “File,” select “Remove Password.”