How to Zip a File in Vista

Zip files function as one of the most common compression formats used. Compressed files take up less space on your hard drive. The amount of space saved depends on the format of the file you are compressing. If you need to zip a file and are running Windows Vista, you are in luck. Unlike the previous versions of Windows, Windows Vista provides the capability to zip files and folders without having to buy or download any other zip programs.

Instructions

1. Right-click the file that you would like to zip. Scroll down to the "Send To" option in the menu that appears.

2. Click the "Compressed (zipped) Folder" option. Wait for Windows Vista to create the zip file.

3. Right-click zip files and select "Extract All" from the menu to expand them in Windows Explorer. Double-clicking a zip file opens it like a normal folder. Dragging a file you outside of a zip folder expands it without expanding the rest of the files.

References

• Microsoft: Compress and Uncompress Files