Recently in email, a reader asked for my recommendation for sending someone multiple files fast and easily. My answer? File compression.
Using file compression not only makes the files that need to be sent smaller, it also compresses multiple files into a single file making the file transfer much easier and faster than sending each file one at a time.
File Compression is also a great way to store/archive data using an external USB/FireWire/eSATA drive or a free online service like SkyDrive, ADrive or Mozy (SkyDrive being a personal favorite being that they just upgrade the free space from 5 GIGS to 50 Gigs). Just archive / zip the files up and upload them. All done, all backed up!
Secure / Encrypt your Data
When transferring files, or storing them on your Personal Drive or Online Service / in the “Cloud”, you might want to be sure that only those authorized can actually open and access your data. If your an Old School groovyReader, you might remember my Tutorial a while back – Use WinZip to Encrypt, Store or Email Sensitive Data.
Although Winzip is still a valid option, there are actually SEVERAL other great tools that can be used to provide the same level of encryption/protection for little to NO cost. Here’s a few Archiving / Compression tools I’ve used:
IZArc – 7-Zip – PeaZip – jZip – WinRAR – Scifer
There is also the choice of using the default Windows Compression (built-into Windows) tool. Although the Built-in windows tool does an OK job with compression, it’s not the most secure. That being said, it provides a better first line of defense than no password at all. Typically a longer more complex password will take longer to crack and that’s true with all products most of the time. Remember, PASS PHRASES is the key. Passwords are soooo 1981. 
Since Windows XP and Vista conveniently have the built-in file archive tools, let’s talk about those!
Here’s a groovy how-to using the built-in Windows Compression archive tool. All other file archivers are very similar to this one.
Note: This encryption feature is not available with Windows Vista built-in Compression, it was removed due to the security risk I mentioned above and the fact that they probably wanted people to use EFS instead.
Password protecting single or multiple files in Windows XP
1. Right-Click on the file or folder you wish to encrypt. Click Send To, Compressed (zipped) Folder.
If you don’t want to password protect your files, then congratulations! Your Done! For the rest of you, read on to review How-To add a password.
2. Double-Click the .zip file you just created in Step 1, it should automatically open in the Compressed file in a new Window.
3. Click File, Add a Password… Type your desired Password in both boxes, and Click OK.
Note: In the case it doesn’t open up in the built-in compressor, you can use the Open With… command to Select WinZip.
Remember: Password protected .zip Files using the Windows XP Built-In Tool allow users to open the .ZIP file and see the filenames and folders of compressed/protected files. However, if they try to open the files, they will be prompted for the password.
Enjoy this groovy, light-weight file protection & compression!
Comments, Questions? Ask below or create a new topic in our Community Forum!
No idea why anyone would use the built-in Windows XP to zip something. Perhaps if you were in a tight crunch orr???
Anyway – I 7-Zip rules. I use it. It’s free, easy and Windows Vista / 2008 compatible. Three thumbs up for that one. Did I mention it’s free? Much better than any of the others.
7-zip for the win.
I’m trying to password protect large files in a compressed folder unsuccessfully.
A 461MB file works, as does a 622MB file, but a 809MB file does not. When the compressed folder is opened, and the “File, Add Password” command is envoked, nothing happens… You do not get the normal Message Box that says that XP is adding a password to a file.
Has anyone else had success with password protecting large files?
Thanks,
Brian
@Brian – That’s a great question. To be honest, I’ve never compressed anything larger than a few megs using the built-in Windows XP compression/password options. I’ll do some testing this afternoon and post back my results.
MrGroove— I’m still very interested in this question… Did you have a chance to give it a look?
Thanks so much,
Brian
@Brian – So… After playing with 10 different files and sizes, I’ve confirmed your findings. Every time my file size goes about 550MB (on my computer – XP SP3 4 gigs memory) the password feature dies.
So, I think it’s a BUG for sure over at Mickysoft. My advice? Go grab a copy of 7-zip. Have you tried out 7-Zip yet? The encryption is superior, compression fantastic AND, it’s free.
Let me know how it goes. I’m going to ping a few old friends from MSFT and see if they knew about this issue. I’ll let ya know if I hear anything.