Protect folders in XP

[spider]

I got a couple of folders that use all of the time so i do not want to delete them by mistake .

Is there a way to protect them from deletion using XP or any freeware tool ?

 

[VIPER_1069]

make the folders invisible and read only in atributes and then hide folders in the tools//folder options/view menu


or alternative find a freeware tools that will encrypt or lock a folder with a password

theres lots out there