impilcature

I am looking for an option in XP to password protect a folder. I don't really need it encrypted per se but i would like to restrict access. The specific files that i am trying to protect are word files containing tax info and some interview boards for my MECEP Package. I don't know of any freeware that i can get my hands on and would like to hear suggestions. as of now the folder and its contents are hidden but i would like to protect it.

EDIT: UPDATE

I do have it zipped and password protected but i don't know how well that works. just the default compression on XP. It isn't classified or anything but i don't trust some of the PPL in my database administrator dept here.