Vista - Self-decrypting file

The problem with most common encryption programs is that you must use the same program to decrypt the file. This extremely cuts down on portability and ease of use. I'm looking for some nice freeware that can encrypt a file and create a self-decrypting (most likely .exe) file. For example, a .exe file that when opened, prompts the user for a username and password. When the correct password is supplied, a decrypted file is placed in the same directory. Essentially the same thing as self extracting ZIP or RAR achives, but with encryption instead of compression.

Thanks,
Zach

try 7zip.org

I've been using 7zip and so far I am very happy with it. I used to use the same method on XP since it had native support for adding passwords. Microsoft actually downgraded since Vista home does not support adding passwords to zip files, but that's a whole different story. This works because I can encrypt more than one file as one, and I can compress them so they take up less space. I don't really know how good the encryption is other than it uses zip or AES, but I'm sure it is good enough for my use.

I'm still open to suggestions, but if I don't find anything else I'll keep using 7zip.

Thanks,
Zach

I actually ended up finding an application for this by accident today. It came in a suite/compilation of many smaller programs, called "Net Tools 4"