How to Zip a File in DOS

Phil Katz founded PKWARE Incorporated and introduced the ZIP format in 1989. His file compression programs, PKZIP, PKUNZIP and ZIP2EXE became today's compression software standard. PKZIP compresses files, PKUNZIP extracts compressed files and ZIP2EXE creates compressed files that extract automatically by typing the file name. The last full DOS version was PKZIP 2.04g. PKZIP 2.5, though still a DOS version, added support for the long file names under Windows 95 and 98. Still available to download on many websites, the "shareware" requires purchase after evaluation.

Instructions

1. Locate and download PKZIP 2.04. The program file is named "pkz204g.exe." Also, PKZIP for DOS can still be purchased, though unsupported, from the company's website.

2. Type "CD\" and then press "Enter" at the DOS command to get to the root directory.

3. Type "md PKWARE" and "Enter." This will create a new directory called PKWARE. Copy the downloaded file to this directory.

4. Type "CD\PKWARE" and press "Enter."

5. Type "pkz204g" and press "Enter." The downloaded file will extract to three files called "PKZIP.exe, ""PKUNZIP.exe" and "ZIP2EXE.exe."

6. Type "CD\" and "Enter" to return to the root directory.

7. Type "Edit Autoexec.bat" and "Enter." In the edit window, navigate to a "PATH" line. At the end of the line containing directories in the path, type "C:\PKWARE", save the file and exit.

8. Type "Autoexec.bat" and "Enter" at the "C:" prompt. This will add the new directory and its programs to the path, making it possible to run the PKZIP programs from any other directory.

9. Type "CD/filedir", then "Enter," where "filedir" is the directory containing the files you wish to compress.

10. Type "PKZIP zipname.zip file1.doc file2.doc" and "Enter" to compress the files. Substiture "zipname" for the file name you choose. Substitute "file1.doc file2.doc" with the files you wish to compress.

Tips & Warnings

• Type "PKZIP -h" for a list of the commands and instructions.

• The * wildcard character can be used in file selection, rather than listing each file.

• Type "PKUNZIP filename.zip" to extract a compressed file.

• Do not type the quotation marks while entering the DOS commands.

• Be careful downloading software from unknown sites.

References

• University of North Texas: Instructions on Using PKZIP and PKUNZIP
• Rutgers University: Heyward Ehrlich
• PKWare: Zip Application Note

Resources

• WebHQ: Motherboard Manuals Data and More
• Computer Hope: PKZIP and PKUNZIP Help