How to Set a WinZip Key

WinZip allows you to compress large files to save hard drive space. It also makes sending or transferring files quicker and easier. WinZip uses compression to shrink a file size by up to half its original size. In some cases, files can be compressed even further. To add security to zipped files, WinZip allows you to place a key or password on the file. Without the key, no one can unzip the file to view its contents.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Right-click the folder you want to compress and choose "WinZip -- Add to Winzip."

2. Browse to the location you want the file to be stored in "Add to Archive." If you know the full path, you can type it instead of browsing. Choose a name for the file as well. You can use the default path and name if so desired.

3. Click "Password" and type a password into the password box. Click "Add" to add the password to your file.

4. Click "File -- Close Archive" to compress the protected file.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a backup copy of the file in case the password is lost or forgotten.
• Only give the key to people who need access. Sharing the key with others could compromise the data stored in the WinZip file.

Resources

• WinZip Website