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How do I compress files to make them smaller?

One way to store more data when you are low on hard drive space is by using compression to make the files and folders you already have on the drive take up less space. In the past, utilities such as Winzip were used for this purpose, but Windows XP has a built in compression utility that does the same job.

To create a compressed folder, open My Computer and locate the folder where you want to create the compressed folder (also known as an archive). Open that folder, then select File, New, Compressed (zipped) folder.

File, New, Compressed Folder

Type a name for the compressed folder and press enter. Your new compressed folder will have a zipper on its icon to indicate that any files contained in it are compressed.

To compress files (or make them smaller) simply drag them into this folder. To uncompress them (or return them to their original state) drag them out of the compressed folder.

Compressed folders even support a password option, allowing you to use them as a place to store sensitive information. You should be careful when using this feature, however. The password is not recoverable. If you forget it, your data stored in the compressed folder will be lost forever. To add a password, open the compressed folder and select File, Add a Password.

File, Add a Password

In addition to the compressed folders feature, Windows XP supports another type of compression if your hard drive is formatted as an NTFS volume. You can see it if your hard drive was formatted with NTFS by opening My Computer and then taking a look at the details section on the lower left.

Details

NTFS compression differs from compressed folders in that the NTFS compressed folders appear like any other folders. The operating system compresses and decompresses them on the fly each time you access and close them. NTFS compressed folders do not have a zipper on their icon. However, you can set up Windows to display them in a different color if you want to know which folders are NTFS compressed and which ones are not.

To set up an NTFS compressed folder, right-click on the folder you want to use and select Properties. In the General tab, click on the Advanced button.

Advance Properties

Toward the bottom of the window you will see a check box that will allow you to Compress contents to save disk space.

Advanced Properties, Compress

If you want to display your NTFS compressed folders using a different color, select Tools, Folder Options from an Explorer window. Then in the View tab, make sure Show encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color is checked.

Show encrypted in color

Additional Websites

Jan's Illustrated Computer Literacy 101: Working with Windows—Files and Folders

Microsoft.com: Windows XP File and Folder Management Overview

Tiptalk: From Microsoft at Home and at Work—File Management

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire LTS Online Help Documentation: Windows XP

Geekgirls.com: Windows XP—An Introduction to File Management

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Tech-Ease for Windows is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. A companion Tech-Ease for Mac site is also available. This collection is a part of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse and is funded in part by a grant from the Florida Department of Education. Copyright 2008 by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of South Florida.

			Quick answers to real classroom technology questions. An online service of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse.
ETC HOME	TECH-EASE HOME	FILES FAQ	SEARCH
How do I compress files to make them smaller? One way to store more data when you are low on hard drive space is by using compression to make the files and folders you already have on the drive take up less space. In the past, utilities such as Winzip were used for this purpose, but Windows XP has a built in compression utility that does the same job. To create a compressed folder, open My Computer and locate the folder where you want to create the compressed folder (also known as an archive). Open that folder, then select File, New, Compressed (zipped) folder. Type a name for the compressed folder and press enter. Your new compressed folder will have a zipper on its icon to indicate that any files contained in it are compressed. To compress files (or make them smaller) simply drag them into this folder. To uncompress them (or return them to their original state) drag them out of the compressed folder. Compressed folders even support a password option, allowing you to use them as a place to store sensitive information. You should be careful when using this feature, however. The password is not recoverable. If you forget it, your data stored in the compressed folder will be lost forever. To add a password, open the compressed folder and select File, Add a Password. In addition to the compressed folders feature, Windows XP supports another type of compression if your hard drive is formatted as an NTFS volume. You can see it if your hard drive was formatted with NTFS by opening My Computer and then taking a look at the details section on the lower left. NTFS compression differs from compressed folders in that the NTFS compressed folders appear like any other folders. The operating system compresses and decompresses them on the fly each time you access and close them. NTFS compressed folders do not have a zipper on their icon. However, you can set up Windows to display them in a different color if you want to know which folders are NTFS compressed and which ones are not. To set up an NTFS compressed folder, right-click on the folder you want to use and select Properties. In the General tab, click on the Advanced button. Toward the bottom of the window you will see a check box that will allow you to Compress contents to save disk space. If you want to display your NTFS compressed folders using a different color, select Tools, Folder Options from an Explorer window. Then in the View tab, make sure Show encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color is checked.			Additional Websites Jan's Illustrated Computer Literacy 101: Working with Windows—Files and Folders Microsoft.com: Windows XP File and Folder Management Overview Tiptalk: From Microsoft at Home and at Work—File Management University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire LTS Online Help Documentation: Windows XP Geekgirls.com: Windows XP—An Introduction to File Management
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Site Map \| Submit a Question \| About Tech-Ease \| Privacy Policy \| ETC Home Tech-Ease for Windows is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. A companion Tech-Ease for Mac site is also available. This collection is a part of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse and is funded in part by a grant from the Florida Department of Education. Copyright 2008 by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of South Florida.