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Description of Zip (.zip) Files

Article ID: 259177 - View products that this article applies to.

This article was previously published under Q259177

SUMMARY

Zip (.zip) files are files that are compressed to decrease the total file size. Files are compressed to reduce the amount of disk space needed for storage, to reduce download times, and so on. Note that after you obtain a .zip file, to view or use the contents of the .zip file, you must uncompress (unzip) it.

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MORE INFORMATION

Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows 98, and Windows 95 do not include the ability to uncompress a .zip file. However, Windows Millennium Edition (Me) and Plus! 98 includes this capability. Also, there are many different third-party tools you can use to unzip files. To unzip files use the appropriate method:

Windows Millennium Edition

Click Start, point to Programs, and then click Windows Explorer.
In Windows Explorer, right-click the .zip file, and then click Extract All.
Follow the instructions on the screen to finish the unzipping process.

Plus! 98

Click Start, point to Programs, and then click Windows Explorer.
In Windows Explorer, right-click the .zip file, and then click Extract.
Follow the instructions on the screen to finish the unzipping process.

You can also use any of the following third-party compression utilities to unzip files:

Compact Pro
StuffIt
PKZIP
UnZip
ZipIt

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.

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