Using WinZip

There are several different methods that can be used to compress files before sending attached to an E-mail. WinZip is a program that you can download from the Internet as an evaluation copy. You can use it without registering it. Each time you use the program you will need to agree to the registration information on the opening screen. If you purchase the program you can eliminate this step.

Below are some simple steps that will help you use the program. You can also run a short tutorial from the Help menu to better familiarize yourself with the program.

Compressing a folder and its subfolders:

    1. Start WinZip®. (Depending upon how the program was installed you may or may not be able to start the program from your Windows Explorer Window with a right mouse click on any file) If necessary you can start the program from the Start Button on the taskbar. Once the program is running proceed below.
    2. Go to File, Wizard (a wizard will start that will help you through the process)
    3. First you type name of the archive, e.g.,C:\mydocuments\myfile (do not put a period after file name and winzip will add the .zip extension)—assuming you are saving the file in mydocuments
    4. Next you will need to pick the files
    5. Program will take you to Windows Explorer window where you can pick the files that you want to add. To add multiple files click the first one, then hold down the Control Key and click next file, continue until you have selected all the files you want to add to the archive.
    6. Once you have selected the file(s) they will show in a box
    7. Tell program to Zip Now

Other programs cannot read files that are compressed. Therefore you must reverse the compression process in order to open files with another program such as Word, Excel or Access. This process is referred to as restoring.

How to restore a folder and its subfolders:

  1. Locate the file to be unzipped. It could be attached to E-mail or saved on disk.
  2. Double-click on the file (this should start the WinZip program)
  3. Name of file(s) to be extracted will show in box on screen
  4. Click the Extract button
  5. Select the location where you want the file to be stored from the Folders/Drive area of the Extract window
  6. Click Extract – In a matter of seconds the files will be uncompressed to the location that you selected.