Learn how to zip and unzip files and folders with Windows Vistas built in compression function.
Compressing and uncompressing (zip and unzip) a folder or files can be done “out of the box” with Windows Vista. You don’t need to purchase software to zip or unzip files anymore.
This is not an obvious feature in Windows Vista. I’ve split this guide into two sections that explain how to zip and unzip files and folders using Windows Vistas compression feature.
Zip (Compress) Files and Folders
Right-click a file or folder with multiple files in it, point at Send To, then select Compressed (zipped) Folder.
Windows Vista will compress (zip) the file or folder and save the new zipped file in the same place as the original file.
Unzip (Uncompress) Files and Folders
You can unzip a file a few different ways.
Double-click the Zipped File
The easiest way to unzip a file is to double-click it. A window with the zipped files contents will open. You can click Extract all files or drag the files out of the window to the desired location (example: the desktop).
If you choose to click extract all files, the files will be extracted (unzipped) in the same location as the original file unless you specify a location in the Select a Destination and Extract Files box that appears when you choose to extract them.
Right-click the Zipped File
Right-click the zipped file and select Extract all. The Select a Destination and Extract Files window will open and let you choose if you want to save the files in the same location as the original zipped file or you can choose where you want to save the unzipped files by clicking browse and choosing a new location.
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