Create a Compressed (Zipped) Folder

Introduction

The capability to create compressed zipped files has been added to the Windows XP operating system, so it is no longer necessary to install a third party software to accomplish this. If you have already installed a third party zip or compression software, it will take precedence over the Windows XP compression and these instructions will not be applicable. In order to take advantage of the Windows XP compression components, uninstall the third party compression application.

This document is intended to assist in the creation of a zipped or compressed folder on a Windows XP operating system only.

Procedure

NOTE: These instructions are based on the Windows XP operating system and will not work for other versions of Windows.

1. Click the Start menu button, and click My Computer.
    
2. Double-click a drive or folder where you would like to place the compressed folder.
    
3. Select the File menu, point to New, and click Compressed (zipped) Folder.
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4. Type a name for the new folder, and press ENTER.

Tips

1. Just like with normal uncompressed folders, you can cut, copy, paste, drag, and drop files and folders into a compressed folder.  When a folder or file is placed in a compressed folder, that item is automatically compressed. A file that is moved from a compressed folder is automatically uncompressed.
    
2. You can identify compressed folders by the zipper on the folder icon.
    
3. You can also create a zipped compressed folder by right-clicking the Desktop, pointing to New, and then clicking Compressed (zipped) Folder.
    
4. If you have had a third party compression software installed in the past, have uninstalled it, and these instructions still do not seem applicable (i.e. there is no Compressed (zipped) Folder option in your menus), you may need to re-register the file which controls this component. To do so, click the Start menu button, click Run, in the Run window, in the Open box, type regsvr32 zipfldr.dll and click OK. Click OK to the message stating the process has succeeded, and restart your computer.

Reviewed: 0706 By: CD