Downloading "Zip" Files

[ozzy72]

I have a little problem and I am useless with software, so a little help would be appreciated.....Thanks

I have just reformatted disks and re-installed Windows Me and all my software (including MS Office 2000, word etc).

Problem is, when I download 'Zip' files from the Net or from Outlook Express email etc, I don't get the 'zip' file Icon, I get this little 'unknown' fella':



Of course, I can't unzip because the option doesn't appear when I right click or call for a 'selection' of file types.

Can anyone tell me what I need to do to get the system to 'recognise' these files as 'zip' files.

(It has happened every time from numerous emails and Net sites, so it's not an 'isolated' thing).

Thanks  ;D

[ozzy72]

Download the latest version of WinZip Steve and when setting it up let it have zip files as one of its default options

Mark

[Professor Brensec]

Will do mate.

Where do I get 'winzip' from (from MS??). And more importantly, does it come as a 'zip' file (because if it does, I'm screwed........... ).

Thanks

[Hagar]

Unfortunately the WinZip free trial now has a time limit. It might be better to try another unzipper utility. There's several alternatives available. http://www.thefreesite.com/Free_Software/Unzipping_compression_freeware/

I haven't tried them all as I have a registered version of WinZip.

[Professor Brensec]

What is the 'standard' extraction facility that comes with each Windows version? The one where you just right click and choose the "Extract" option?

I've always used that. Never had to download any unzippers or such things. Does anyone know why the files are not being recognised as 'zip' files? That's all that's stopping me from using the inbuilt extracting tool that I mention above.

Is there any way to make windows recognise the zip files and make them appear as the little 'yellow folder with the zipper on it'

Thanks  ;D

[Hagar]

WinXP is the only M$ OS I know of that includes its own unzip utility. Win95/98/Me never had a default unzipper. Most people used WinZip as the earlier versions had a free trial with no time limit. Unfortunately this is no longer the case. The older versions (up to WinZip 8 I think) will still work if you already downloaded one.

PS. Your PC might have been supplied with WinZip already installed. You might find an earlier free version on a magazine cover disk.

[Professor Brensec]

WinXP is the only M$ OS I know of that includes its own unzip utility. Win95/98/Me never had a default unzipper. Most people used WinZip as the earlier versions had a free trial with no time limit. Unfortunately this is no longer the case. The older versions (up to WinZip 8 I think) will still work if you already downloaded one.

PS. Your PC might have been supplied with WinZip already installed. You might find an earlier free version on a magazine cover disk.

I don't know what it is or where it came from, but it's been on the old PC from new (it's still there - I still have the old PC set up). It's called the "Unzip Wizard" and when you right click on the folder, you get this:



I've never installed any type of extractor because, with this, I never needed one.

I've seen the 'Winzip' program (on PC's at work). I think that has a different icon for the folders (I think it's supposed to be a picture of a 'vice' of some sort). The 'stock' program I have on the old PC just uses the 'yellow zipper' type folder.

So this thing definitely isn't Winzip and it came new with Windows Me, on the OEM disk from Compaq.

Anyway, regardless, what you're saying is that these zip files aren't being recognised because the Me OS doesn't come with a default unzip program?

Thanks

[Hagar]

That's a new one on me. I've used every version of Windows from Win 3.1 thru WinMe & never seen it. Might be a Compaq thing. If it came with your PC it's possible you can find it on the disks supplied with it.

This is the WinZip icon.


PS. This is the right-click option I use to extract all zipfiles.

The files will be extracted to a new folder that's automatically created in the same location as the zipfile. Voila......!


Works every time & you don't have to go hunting round for the extracted files as they're right there in front of you. Quickest & easiest method I know.

[Professor Brensec]

I see. Must be a Compaq 'special'. Come to think of it, I've never come across it in my travels anywhere either. It's obviously something I've gotten used to because it's always been there.

I actually expected it to be on the new PC when I loaded everything.  ???

This thing works in the same way, without having to deal with any windows or new boxes or applications. You just hit 'extract' and it extracts the file into the same location that the zip folder is in. Very easy. That's why I wanted it and wasn't really interested in 'Winzip's and Bells and whistles' etc. Never had to use 'em. It uses the 'yellow zipper' folder, not the 'vice' that Winzip uses. (I often wondered why nobody else ever had the little yellow zipper folders and I did. Now I know why. I was 'Special'!!!!

Anyway, there you go. eh! eh???    :D

[Hagar]

If anyone's been following this thread & wants a free alternative to WinZip I've tried EazyZip here. http://www.thefreesite.com/easyzip111.htm

It seems to work very well & has similar features to WinZip, including full integration with Windows Explorer & the right-click menu options. From what I've seen so far I can recommend it.

[eno]

For older none time limited versions of loads of useful utilities ... INCLUDING WINZIP try

OLDVERSION

Cheers
eno

[Gixer]

My mate had ME and it had its own unzip thingy like XP  ???

If you do have it you should just be able to right click on file and then select 'Open With' and you should see somthing like 'Compressed (Zipped) Folders'

Best bet is go get winzip though I use that and Winrar for my extracting of files.  I got Winzip 8.0 (its on that oldy site) and mine has never asked me to register it, though not all functions are available (Like make auto extractors) but the main unzip function works and thats all that matters  ;D

[Professor Brensec]

[quote]My mate had ME and it had its own unzip thingy like XP

[Hagar]

[quote]Anyway, Hagar, I got that one you recommended, Easyzip. It's as good as any and simple to use. Thanks mate.

[Professor Brensec]

You're right. The 'default' extractor in the Mrs Compaq PC (the one I've been refering to), simply gives the added option to 'Extract' we you right click on a 'zipped' folder. You get the option to browse for another location to unzip to, but there are none of the other options, as in Winzip and Easyzip.

I've found it very useful. Thanks  ;D