Iowa State University

When e-mailing files, it is wise to zip them into a .zip folder before sending. Using a .zip folder will compress the files, reducing their size and the time it takes to send them.

A word of caution: Beware of zip files and other attachments sent via email, even from people you know, if they are not accompanied by a personal message you recognize as coming from the individual. Virus programs often send email attachments automatically, and may use the zip format.

First, right click in an explorer window go to "New" --> "Compressed (zipped) Folder"

A folder with a zipper will appear. Rename the folder, making sure that ".zip" remains at the end of the name.

Next, put files into the .zip folder by dragging and dropping the icons onto the folder. The files will remain where they were, and a compressed copy is in the .zip file. Normal folders can also be put into a .zip folder, and all files within them will be there as well.

Double clicking the folder will allow you to view which files it holds and allow you to add or delete files from the .zip folder.