Using WinZip – Features and FAQ’s.                  by Bryan Fletcher

 

Table of Contents:

 

Terms

Why is a zipped file useful?

Will others need WinZip to open the Zipped file I send them?

How do I unzip a Downloaded zip file?

How do I make a Zipped file?

What is the difference between Add or Move when making a zip file?

Can I add to a Zipped file

Do I need to unpack a zipped file to work on one of the documents inside?

Password Protecting a document or file using WinZip (goes to another webpage)

Can I copy a file from the zipped one into another folder on my hard drive?

How do I  spread a large file over several floppies.

How do I make a Self Extracting file?

Where from, How much, and Installation advice.

 

1. Terms

 

A zipped file  is often called an archive file. Initially it was used for storing files is a compressed space saving format, but since the wide spread growth of the Internet and email usage, zipped downloaded files or zipped attachments are now common place.

A Self Extracting file  is one that automatically installs itself, being user friendly for those without WinZip to open a zipped file or just unfamiliar with it's features.

 

2. Why is a zipped file useful?

 

1)      A compressed or zipped file saves Hard drive space. (between 20 & 80 %) 

2)      Lessons the transmitting time when sent as an email attachment. This to me acts like a suite case for multiple or large files.

3)      Allows large files to be transported via floppy disks.

4)      WinZip can also make a zipped file into a Self Extracting one. (.exe)

 

3. Will others need WinZip to open the Zipped file I send them?

 

No. - Once a file is zipped, you can make it into a Self Extracting file which unpacks or decompresses the file once activated inside the guest computer.  However if WinZip is installed the receiving computer, then opening is just a click away.

 

3a. How do I unzip a Downloaded zip file?

 

1)      Simply double click it open.

2)      Once inside and it's a programme, there are two ways to install it.  If it has a Setup.exe file then WinZip will have an Install button to click on and this will install the programme for you.  If it has exe type files in it along with readme files etc…, then click the Extract button and extract all of the contents into a new folder of your choice.  By making a shortcut of the programme's exe file you can paste it somewhere handy for opening this programme.

 

 

4. How do I make a Zipped file?

 

One file:

1)      Right click over the file and click Add To (named) Zip and it's completed.

 

Two or more files:

1) Select the files and Right click over them choosing Add To Zip.

2)      Give the new zip file a name and click Add to complete the process.

 

5. What is the difference between Add or Move when making a zip file?

 

Add means to make a copy of the selected files and compress them.

Move means to move the selected files into the new zip file.

 

6. Can I add to a Zipped file

 

1)      Simple, Either cut/copy or paste on top of the zip file in Windows explorer, or click on the zip file to open it and click Add to backtrack to the file to be added.

2)      You can also drag a file over the top of a zip and it will be added.

3)      You cannot add to a zipped file, that spans many disks or was made into an exe file.

 

7. Do I need to unpack a zipped file to work on one of the documents inside?

 

No - just click on the zip file and it will list the contents. Click on the file to be amended and it's normal application will come to life for editing. On closing that document, it then returns inside the zip file for storage.

 

7b. Can I copy a file from the zipped one into another folder on my hard drive?

 

Yes, select it, then extract it (click the Extract button) to the new location. The original stays in the zipped file.

 

8. How do I  spread a large file over several floppies.

 

1)      With the first floppy inserted, go to Windows Explorer and view the 'A' drive contents.

2)      With 'A' drive highlighted, go to the File Menu, make a New WinZip folder, and name it.

3)      Now double click this new folder and click Add.  Backtrack to where the files are on you hard drive.  Select them, (they can include all types including other .zip & .exe files) and click Add.  Click Move only if you want the originals zipped and no copies made.

4)      As this is used more for transporting large files, you can only add to this archive at this initial time. N.B. However non-spanning zip files can be added to at any time.

5)      You will be prompted to insert additional floppies as required.

6)      To Install or Open this archive insert the last floppy, this will ready the transfer by prompting further insertions.

 

9. How do I make a Self Extracting file?

 

1)      Select a zip file and Right click on it.

2)      Click on Make Self-Extracting file.

3)      You can now designate a folder for the file to install into on activation and click OK, or let the default setting send it to C:\Windows\Temp.

4)      Once activated it will unpack the entire zipped file into the folder specified.

5)      If the folder doesn't exist on that computer, it will create it automatically before unpacking.

 

10. Where from, How much, and Installation advice.

 

Visit www.winzip.com for a free evaluation download.(5.65Mb) $29.95usd to Buy.

 

When installing, you will be prompted to tick Classic or Wizard configuration, choose Classic. Also tick the personal self-extracting components.

 

 

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