First of all id like absolve myself any blame for this not working if it doesn't in the end.
Its been a while since i've fussed around on XP, but I've it used for years prior so i should have some idea. First of all, go find your 'Application Data' folder under 'Local Settings', which may or may not be hidden. Once you've found that, look for 'Ironclad Games'. When you get in there, try and find 'Sins of Solar Empire'(which shouldn't be too taxing on ye olde brain, it IS the only folder there.). Open that baby up and set your visage upon all before you. You should be able to discern a folder entitled something along the lines of 'Mods-Entrenchment v1.055'. Extract your dooblydoo into that foldeer and replace all the files. Now, that should work. If it doesn't, call an exorcist.
In the end, the path ought to look like this C:\Documents and Settings\'USERNAMEHERELOL'\Local Settings\Application Data\Ironclad Games\Sins of a Solar Empire\'something about entrenchment mods'
Hope that helps!
Yeps. Also available ingame under the "Mods" option, click "Show mod path"
Thats where you need to install stuff...
Oh also, because this is a pet peeve of mine, you do NOT need any additional software to open a .zip file. None. Unless you managed to delete windows explorer...