How to Password Protect Zip Files
Due to variations in Microsoft Windows versions, only Windows XP Professional and Home Editions have the built-in ability to password protect a compressed (zipped) file. Various third-party applications exist for password protecting files in Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Apple's Mac OS X, which do not have password protection of compressed files built into the operating system.
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Instructions
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Find the file you wish to compress (zip).
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Copy the file into a compressed folder with an identical file name. To do this, move the mouse over the file, right-click and choose "Send to." Then choose "Compressed (zipped) Folder."
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Add any other file you wish to the compressed folder. Do this by right-clicking on a file you want to add and selecting "Copy." Then double-click on the compressed folder to open it. Right-click within the compressed folder and select "Paste." The copied file will appear in the compressed folder. Add as many files to the compressed folder as desired using this copy and paste process.
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Go to the "File" menu of the compressed folder and choose "Add a Password."
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Enter and confirm a password.
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Close the compressed folder. The files within it can't be opened without the password.
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Tips & Warnings
To remove a password from a compressed folder, double-click to open the folder, go to the "File" menu and choose "Remove password."
Though a password is required to open protected files, the file names are still visible. If you want to protect the file names, first add them to a single folder with an innocuous name. Begin the compress and encrypt process with your folder, thereby creating a folder within the compressed folder that hides the file names from view.
Passwords are not recoverable. Choose a recognizable password, or record your password in a safe place.
References
- Photo Credit data security image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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TimZ
May 05, 2010
thanks, I like Protemac Logintrap
