Zipping Files in Windows
I'm trying to zip a file in Windows 7; it doesn't let me do that, it creates a zipped FOLDER.
I don't want a folder, I just want a zipped file.
How can I do that?
I don't want a folder, I just want a zipped file.
How can I do that?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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SOLUTION
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WinZip is inexpensive and the payback in your time is very quick. My view at any rate.
Richard Korts--
Have you tried the Windows compression app?
Right click on the file you want to compress|Send To|click Compressed (zipped) folder.
If that fails when you upload to server, what happens? Error messages?
Have you tried the Windows compression app?
Right click on the file you want to compress|Send To|click Compressed (zipped) folder.
If that fails when you upload to server, what happens? Error messages?
If you want, a popular freebie is 7-zip
@Richard Korts - Thanks and I was happy to help.
Hi Richard,
> I tried that "folder" & it failed.
Seems that you're right. I've never used the zipping in W7, but I just tried it, and the context menu Send to says Compressed (zipped) folder. I'm with you — seems to me it should create a zipped file, not a folder. Anyway, as I said, I never use the zipping built into W7 because I'm a big fan of the free 7-Zip:
http://www.7-zip.org/
One word of caution — I don't recommend using its proprietary 7z format. Although it claims that it compresses 7z format 30-70% better than ZIP format, it would mean that the user on the other end would need to have 7-Zip. Better to stick with ZIP format. 7-Zip also claims to compress ZIP format 2-10% better than most other ZIP programs, but even if it doesn't, stick with its ZIP format. I've sent out a ton of ZIP files compressed with 7-Zip and never had a single person say it couldn't be unpacked. Regards, Joe
> I tried that "folder" & it failed.
Seems that you're right. I've never used the zipping in W7, but I just tried it, and the context menu Send to says Compressed (zipped) folder. I'm with you — seems to me it should create a zipped file, not a folder. Anyway, as I said, I never use the zipping built into W7 because I'm a big fan of the free 7-Zip:
http://www.7-zip.org/
One word of caution — I don't recommend using its proprietary 7z format. Although it claims that it compresses 7z format 30-70% better than ZIP format, it would mean that the user on the other end would need to have 7-Zip. Better to stick with ZIP format. 7-Zip also claims to compress ZIP format 2-10% better than most other ZIP programs, but even if it doesn't, stick with its ZIP format. I've sent out a ton of ZIP files compressed with 7-Zip and never had a single person say it couldn't be unpacked. Regards, Joe
Oops...I see you already closed the question...guess I took too long to write the reply. :) I hope it's helpful, anyway. Regards, Joe
Hi Joe,
> seems to me it should create a zipped file, not a folder.
Some additional info...
Using RT here... don't have Windows 7 ATM.
In Windows Explorer, it creates a .zip file but treats it like a folder, i.e. in the Navigation pane, it shows as a folder does.
In the CMD prompt, zip files show as other file types.
> seems to me it should create a zipped file, not a folder.
Some additional info...
Using RT here... don't have Windows 7 ATM.
In Windows Explorer, it creates a .zip file but treats it like a folder, i.e. in the Navigation pane, it shows as a folder does.
In the CMD prompt, zip files show as other file types.
Hi NVIT,
I've been reluctant to try it, but I just gave it a spin in a W7/64-bit Pro sandbox — you are correct! It creates a plain ol' ZIP file. I have no idea why Microsoft uses the terminology "folder" in the context menu, but it creates a standard ZIP file that both my file manager (Total Commander) and 7-Zip had no problem unpacking. Thanks for the tip — learn something new every day. :) Regards, Joe
I've been reluctant to try it, but I just gave it a spin in a W7/64-bit Pro sandbox — you are correct! It creates a plain ol' ZIP file. I have no idea why Microsoft uses the terminology "folder" in the context menu, but it creates a standard ZIP file that both my file manager (Total Commander) and 7-Zip had no problem unpacking. Thanks for the tip — learn something new every day. :) Regards, Joe
ASKER
To all,
I awarded the points to close it out. I don't know the right solution (if there is one).
It was too complex to explain the REAL objective, the web host had me ftp the file & they will "do the rest".
I still think it is a problem, I suspect John Hurst was the closest ; "Use WinZip".
Sometimes I cannot understand why Microsoft feels compelled to make is so hard.
I awarded the points to close it out. I don't know the right solution (if there is one).
It was too complex to explain the REAL objective, the web host had me ftp the file & they will "do the rest".
I still think it is a problem, I suspect John Hurst was the closest ; "Use WinZip".
Sometimes I cannot understand why Microsoft feels compelled to make is so hard.
> I don't know the right solution (if there is one).
> It was too complex to explain the REAL objective
Without knowing the real objective, it's impossible to come up with the right solution.
> I still think it is a problem
What's the problem? There's no difficulty creating a ZIP file if that is, indeed, the problem.
> I suspect John Hurst was the closest ; "Use WinZip".
I have all the respect in the world for John, but that is not the case. WinZip, 7-Zip, and W7 Windows Explorer [via right-click/Send to>Compressed (zipped) folder] all create a ZIP file. In that sense, WinZip is not doing anything that is different from the other two.
> Sometimes I cannot understand why Microsoft feels compelled to make is so hard.
I don't know why they call it "folder", but other than that, right-click/Send to>Compressed (zipped) folder isn't so hard. Regards, Joe
> It was too complex to explain the REAL objective
Without knowing the real objective, it's impossible to come up with the right solution.
> I still think it is a problem
What's the problem? There's no difficulty creating a ZIP file if that is, indeed, the problem.
> I suspect John Hurst was the closest ; "Use WinZip".
I have all the respect in the world for John, but that is not the case. WinZip, 7-Zip, and W7 Windows Explorer [via right-click/Send to>Compressed (zipped) folder] all create a ZIP file. In that sense, WinZip is not doing anything that is different from the other two.
> Sometimes I cannot understand why Microsoft feels compelled to make is so hard.
I don't know why they call it "folder", but other than that, right-click/Send to>Compressed (zipped) folder isn't so hard. Regards, Joe
And no award to http:#a40719112
ASKER
I don't think so, my objective is to upload the zipped file to a web server, I tried that "folder" & it failed.
I used to use WinZip, but it costs money & I don;t have it on Win 7.