I would like to password protect a folder, using the windows Xp
comressed folder option I can do this with, But how safe is it?  Can
it be easy for somebody to hack?

I would use this password protected folder to send through email ,
where the person at the other end knows the password.

If this is very confidential data, don't use it. There are plenty of
utilities out there that crack the zip folder passwords.

When I forget the password to some of my files, I use a utility called
Zip Password (http://lastbit.com/zippsw/default.asp)

download the demo, password protect your zip file and run the program
on that file to see if the program can crack it. If it doesn't, its
safe enough to transfer your data via email. Otherwise look for other
options.

Many thanks for that, im surprise that no paid reseacher could give that answer
and make a quick $10

many thanks again....   :)