From time to time we need to send, backup or share certain files from a folder. The ZIP file format that goes by the file extension “.zip”, allows compression of selected files into an archive directory. This compression utility is available in Microsoft Windows® XP and higher by default. Compressing files can be achieved in several simple steps.
Instructions for MS Windows® XP:
- Click on the “Start” button and select “My Computer”.
- Locate the folder that contains the files you would like to compress.
- While holding down the “Ctrl” key on your keyboard, click on every file you would like to compress.
- Right-click on the selection and choose “Send to > Compressed (zipped) Folder“. The compressed folder will be created and named as one of selected files with the .zip” file extension.
- Right-click on the created .zip folder and choose “Rename” to enter a desired name. Press the enter key on your keyboard.
Instructions for MS Windows Vista® and 7:
- Click on the “Start” button and select “Computer”.
- Locate the folder that contains the files you would like to compress.
- While holding down the “Ctrl” key on your keyboard, click on every file you would like to compress.
- Right-click on the selection and choose “Send to > Compressed (zipped) Folder”. The compressed folder will be created and named as one of the selected files with the “.zip” file extension.
- Right-click on the .zip folder and choose “Rename” to enter a desired name. Press the “Enter” key on your keyboard.