How can I protect a folder with its contents (files)with a password in MS-XP?

Answer 1

right click folder and choose propertys. Go to the sharing tab and add yourself and deleat everyone else.
If using xp home you must go too tools and turn off simple file sharing, this will allow you to change the share properties.
Also must set your account with a passowrd in accounts profile.

Answer 2

if your drive is formatted using NTFS just remove the permissions for everyone except yourself on that folder...