How to Open Zip Folders
Since computers can only hold a limited amount of data at one time, software developers create ways to shrink or compress the amount of space data takes up on the hard drive. One type of file compression is zip files or folders. Many downloadable programs come in zip folders because the compressed format allows for faster downloading. For those running Windows XP or Vista, opening zip folders is very straightforward. If you're running other versions of Windows, a third-party program is needed to open zip folders.
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Instructions
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Windows XP and Vista
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1
Create a new folder for the zip files by right clicking the desktop and selecting "New" then "Folder."
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2
Double click on the zip folder. Windows XP and Vista have built-in zip folder functionality, so they can be accessed by double clicking just like a normal folder.
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3
Click and drag a box around the files or folders within the zip folder that you want to use.
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4
Click on one of the items selected and drag the item outside the zip folder to the folder you created in step 1. The files will automatically be copied over as normal files.
Opening Zip Files in Older Versions of Windows
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5
Download and install a zip file-opening software program. WinZip is a popular zip program that can be downloaded on a trial basis for free.
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6
Double click on the zipped folder.
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7
Follow the unzipping wizard's instructions to unzip the files. The process will vary based on the program you are using, but you will generally have to select a location for the unzipped files to be saved and then select to extract some or all of the contents of the folder to that location.
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Tips & Warnings
Macs running OS 10.3 or later can open zip files simply by double clicking on them.
Don't extract all the files in a zip folder to the desktop since there may be many items in the folder that will fill the desktop.
