Compressing Files with Winzip

Not only can you use winzip to uncompress archived files but you can use it to compress or create an archived file. If you need to send a folder, file or a group of files to somebody, you can reduce the size of the file(s) and therefore the transfer time and cost. We will look at two methods to archive files. Please note that it is also common to archive just one file to reduce the file size.

Archiving - Method 1

Using the Winzip Wizard

First of all you need to find the Winzip 'icon' that would have been created when ou installed Winzip. If you haven't downloaded and installed Winzip then see the 'Downloading and Installing Winzip Tutorial' by Clicking here.

When you have found the Winzip icon (see Figure 1), double click on it and you will get a Window similar to Figure 2.

Figure 1

Figure 2

To create a new archived file, click on the 'New' icon on the top toolbar as in Figure 2. A Window similar to Figure 3 will appear.

Figure 3

Type in a name for your archive file in the 'File Name:' field and click 'OK'. The 'Add' Window will appear similar to Figure 4.

Figure 4

Select your file(s) or folder(s) from the appropriate folders through the 'Add' Window in Figure 4. You can select other options like password protecting the archived file so nobody can open it without the password. You can see the other available options from Figure 4.

You will notice I have highlighted three files. Please note that you can archive files that are already archived so that they can be transferred as one file. Archiving an existing archive will NOT reduce the file size any further.

Once you have selected the files or folders, click the 'Add' button and a Window similar to Figure 5 will appear and your zipped file is ready! You can now send your zipped file from wherever you saved it.

Figure 5

Archiving - Method 2

Using the Windows winzip option

With the current Version of Winzip, you can use Windows to select files to be zipped. To do this find the files/folders you want to archive and highlight them (See Figure 6)

Figure 6

Once you have highlighted the files/folders you want to archive, click your right mouse button on one of the highlighted files. From the popup box select the 'WinZip' option and from the sub menu popup box select 'Add to Zip File'. See Figure 7.

Please note if you don't see the 'Winzip' option in the first Window then Winzip has not been integrated into the Windows environment and you wont be able to use this method without re-installing Winzip.

Figure 7

Once you click on the 'Add to Zip File ...' option you will get a Window similar to Figure 8 where you need to type a name for the new archived file (test2 in my example) and select any of the other options.

Figure 8

You then click 'Add' in Figure 8 and you get the familiar Window of Figure 9 and your archive is created. Congratulations, you are now a ZIP expert!

Figure 9

For more tips, hints and tutorials like this one please visit the Tell Me How Resource Center at http://www.tell-me-how.com