Windows XP has a built in file compression utility which allows you to compress files and directories into a compressed or “zipped” file for easier handling of multiple or large files for transferring to USB flash drives, CD/DVD disks, floppy disks, email attachments and ftp uploads. You can also password protect zipped files for security if you have sensitive data. If you need to unprotect the zipped file you can remove the password.

 

Make a zipped file

To make a zipped file, highlight the folders and/or files you want to zip with the left mouse button using Shift key for selecting full lists of files or Ctrl key for selecting individual files, then go to File, New, Compressed (zipped) folder and give the new zipped file a name (it will be highlighted in blue). The zipped file is then created in the same directory you currently are in.

Password Protect a zipped file
Open the new zipped file, then select File, Add a Password…from the drop down menu to add your password to the zipped file. If you need to remove the password, open zipped file and select Remove Password from an already password protected zipped file.