Securing a zip file

I need to send, via email, some tax related files to my accountant ( doc, xls, pdf etc)

I thought the easiest way to do this, with some level of secrity/deterrent , would be to zip them and apply some security/encryption.

I currently have no zip software other than native Win 7 (send to compressed folder). Is there any recommended software that can get the job done easily with making the process to complicated. I am open to any commercial software as well.

I downloaded 7-zip Ver 9.2 but could not see any security.

Is WinZip still a good choice? I downloaded Winziip V16 64-bit ( but not WinZip courier just yet). So far I hate it. It doesnt remeber where my files are ( always need to drill down) and I cannot figure out yet how to password protect the zip files. Ver 4, circa 1990, was so much easier

Flatiron said:

7-zip should do the job.

Using 7-Zip to Compress and Encrypt Your Files and Folders | Windows7hacker

How to encrypt ZIP files securely using 7Zip

Many thank s, but man is this ever frustrating. The screen shots in those links seem to refer to a different program !! ARGH !!!

When I create a zip file, and right click, what I see is per attached ( Ie all I can get to is the 7 zip file manager- which gives me no options) !!

I do NOT see this window at all:



I only see this:

The only wway I can get it to work is by leaving windows explorer (where I can see my files), going to Start / 7-Zip and drilling down back to where my files are. Totally not what I wanted.

Worse. when I create an encrpted file, it offers no protection on the zip file itself...its wide open for anyone to read the filenames within... it only prompts for a password when the file is clicked. Thats completely useless. I dont see any ability to set any options.

Hmm. any other program out ther that work? Not having any luck with Winzip or 7-Zip. Its 2012 ! It should not have to be this complicated. What ever happned to keeping this simple???

With older version of Winzip, it was a breeze. I used to be able to select files, create a zip, add a password, done. Thats all I am after but I am striking out big time.

fseal said:

Try looking under "Send To" on that context menu? They could have moved it there...

Thanks, but nope - nothing there.