Compressed Folders Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

• How do I create a compressed folder (ZIP file) in Windows XP?
• How do I add an item to a compressed folder?
• How do I remove an item from a compressed folder?
• How do I add a password to a compressed folder?

How do I create a compressed folder (ZIP file) in Windows XP?

• Open My Computer by double-click My Computer,
• Open the driver and Folder in the location that you want the compressed folder to be created. For example, if you want to make a compressed folder in the root folder of drive C, double-click My Computer, and then double-click drive C to open the root folder.
• From the File menu, point to New, and then click Compressed (zipped) Folder.
• Type a name for the new compressed folder, and then press ENTER. Your new compressed folder appears as a folder icon with a zipper.

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How do I add an item to a compressed folder?

Moving files and folders to or from compressed folders works the same as with normal uncompressed folders. For example, you can drag files or folders to the compressed folder or you can use the copy/cut command to cut and copy items into a compressed folder.(back)

How do I remove an item from a compressed folder?

When you open a compressed folder, the Extract all files command appears in the Folder Tasks list. When you click Extract all files, the Extraction Wizard starts. You are prompted to choose a location to place the extracted files, and then the files are extracted.

NOTE: The original compressed files remain in the compressed folder.(back)

How do I add a password to a compressed folder?

Files and folders in compressed folders can be protected by using a password. To password protect the contents of a compressed folder:

• Double-click the compressed folder that you want to password protect.
• On the File menu, click Add a Password.
• In the Password box, type the password that you want to use.
• Type the same password in the Confirm Password box, and then click OK.

NOTE: When you attempt to move or open a password-protected file, a Password Needed dialog box appears. Type the correct password in the Password box, and then click OK. The password for a password-protected compressed file is not recoverable. If you lose the password, you will be unable to access that file. (back)