So I am trying to figure out how to password protect a zip file using the built in zipping utility in windows 7. In windows xp and vista once you have created a zipped file you open the file and select file>add password. In windows 7 (currently using pro) there is no "add password" option, anyone have any idea why this is? Or is there some other way of adding a password to a windows zip file that I am not aware of? Am I being forced to add a 3rd party zip app in order to password protect files? if so my other question is why would such a simple/convenient feature be removed from an operating system that is suppose to be superior then the previous?

According to the Windows 7 Help file there is no such capability in windows 7: Can I protect files or folders with a password? No, you can't use a password to protect files and folders in Windows. However, some programs that run on Windows allow you to protect individual files with a password. For more information, check the Help for the program you're using. There are other ways to protect your files and folders in Windows. You can encrypt your files using Encrypting File System (EFS), manually specify who can access the folders or files by setting permissions, or hide them. Choose your method based on how secure the folders or files need to be. Encrypting is the most secure, while hiding the folders is the least secure. For more information about EFS, see What is Encrypting File System (EFS)? For more information about permissions, see What are permissions? Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.