File Compression In Windows Vista

Windows Vista has built in compression so you do not need to purchase a third party utility to compress your folders and files. Compressing a folder or file in Vista is simple. Just right click the folder or file, point to Send To and click Compressed (zipped) Folder.

Instead of compressing individual folders and files, it might be easier to create a single compressed folder and then add to it any folders and files you want compressed. The folders and files you add to the compressed folder will also be compressed. You can create a new compressed folder in Windows Vista using the following steps:

1. Open Windows Explorer.
2. From the File menu, point to New and click Compressed (zipped) folder.
3. Type in a name for the folder that includes the ‘zip’ extension.
4. Press Enter.

Windows XP let you password protect compressed folders and files. However, this feature is no longer available with Windows Vista. You best bet for protecting a compressed folder is to hide it. To do so, right click the compressed folder, choose Properties and click the Hidden option from the General tab.