WinImp

WinImp is a program designed to help you compress files and extract content from archives. It can be easily handled, even by less experienced individuals.

The interface of the tool is clean and intuitive. Thanks to the Explorer-based layout, you can easily locate and select items for processing.

You can create a new archive by specifying a filename, output directory and format (IMP or ZIP). WinImp allows you to add files at a good compression quality (select between four algorithms).

You can include subfolders and store subfolder names, enable a multimedia filter and add error recovery date, as well as set attributes (e.g. include hidden/system files).

You can specify the sizes for the compression block, solid unit and volume, as well as add file comments. Experienced users can switch to advanced mode.

Other features of WinImp allow you to test the integrity of archives, edit file comments, remove error recovery data, build a self-extractor and sort items (e.g. by name, type). From the 'Configuration' area you can set file associations, integrate WinImp into shell and specify the path for the temporary files.

The simple-to-use program requires a low-to-moderate amount of CPU and system memory, has a good response time and supports keyboard shortcuts. We have not come across any issues during our tests; WinImp did not freeze, crash or pop up error dialogs.

On the downside, the interface needs some major improvements and you cannot password-protect archives. However, we must keep in mind the fact that WinImp has not been updated for a very long time.