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File Compression in Microsoft Windows 7
Creating a compressed (zipped) folder allows for large or multiple files to be stored in a format which requires less space. This makes downloading files from the web and sending emailing attachments faster and easier.
Compressing Files
- Ensure all files are all highlighted.
- Right click on the file(s) to be compressed.
- From the sub-menu select Send to and then Compressed (Zipped) Folder. This will create a zipped folder in the same location as the files it contains.
- If required, rename the compressed folder by right clicking on it and selecting Rename from the sub-menu.
Extracting Files from a Compressed Folder
Extracting a single file
This method of extraction is for folders containing a single file or multiple files where only one file is to be extracted.
Note: Software sent as a compressed folder containing multiple files should not be extracted in this way. If you are uncertain of what the compressed folder contains, use this method to view the contents.
- Double click on the compressed folder. Notice that the folder opens in a new window.
- To move a file from the compressed folder, hold down the left mouse button and drag the file to a new location in the navigation pane on the left side of the window.
Extracting all files within a compressed folder
- Right click on the compressed folder.
- Select Extract All….
- In the Select a Destination and Extract Files window, notice the proposed folder into which the files will be extracted.
If you want the change this, click on Browse, navigate to an alternative folder and click on OK.
- Check the Show extracted files when complete box and click on Extract. A dialog box with a progress bar may appear while the extraction takes place. When complete the extracted a window will appear displaying the extracted files in their destination folder.
Deleting a Compressed folder
After files have been extracted a copy of the compressed folder remains. This can be deleted by right clicking on the folder and select Delete from the sub-menu.
