A Zip file (also known as a Compressed or Archive file) is a means of reducing the size of an existing file, and can be used to collect files together into one single file for easy storage and distribution.
Computers which run Windows XP use their own Compressed Folder facility which uses Zipped files in a similar way to WinZip.
If not using Windows XP, specialist software, which is often free to download, is needed to create and open Zip files. Zip files have the file extension .zip.
Windows XP: Compressed Folders
Computers that run Windows XP have their own way of creating and using .zip files called Compressed Folders.
To create a compressed folder, use either of the following methods:
Via My Computer:
- Open My Computer and then open the folder where you want to make the compressed folder.
- Select the File menu and New, and then select Compressed (zipped) Folder.
- Type a name for the new compressed folder and then select enter on your keyboard.
Your new compressed folder will appear as a folder icon with a zipper.
Right-click a blank area on the desktop or in a folder:
- Right-click on a blank area in an open folder or on the desktop. Select New and then Compressed (zipped) Folder.
- Type a name for the new compressed folder and then select enter on your keyboard.
Your new compressed folder will appear as a folder icon with a zipper.
Moving files and folders
Moving files and folders to or from compressed folders works the same as with normal folders. For example, you can drag files or folders to the compressed folder. When you place a file in a compressed folder, that item is automatically compressed. A file that is moved from a compressed folder is automatically uncompressed.
Extracting files
When you open a compressed folder, the Extract all files command appears in the Folder Tasks list. When you select Extract all files, the Extraction Wizard starts and you will be prompted to choose a location to place the extracted files. The original compressed files will remain in the compressed folder.