Encryption will add a password to the zip file so that only those who know the password will be able to extract the files it contains. This is useful for archiving sensitive files that are stored on a computer with multiple users, sending archives over unsecured networks, or placing archives on media which is easily stolen like a DVD or thumb drive.

To encrypt an archive, click the "Encrypt" button on the toolbar or select Tools->Encrypt from the menu. This will open the Encryption Manager, which has three options:

• Add password protection to the archive: Use this option if the zip file you are working on does not already have encryption. Enter the password into the "New Password" field and retype it in the "Retype New Password" field.
• Change the current password: Use this option to change the password. Enter the current password into the "Current Password" field and enter the new password into the "New Password" and "Retype New Password" fields.
• Remove the current password: Use this option to remove the password and encryption from the archive. Enter the password into the "Current Password" field.

Currently, the following are the archive types that can be encrypted/decrypted by ExpressZip

• .zip
• .7z
• .arj
• .wim

Note: If WinRAR is installed on the user's PC, ExpressZip allows encryption/decryption for .rar files

Note: Passwords are only limited up to 256 characters

Opening an encrypted archive:

Depending on the format, most encrypted archives can be opened and browsed without providing a password. However, a password will be needed before files in an encrypted archive can be extracted or opened. Archive formats do not have any way to recover a password, so it is very important to remember the password associated with the archive.