Extracting a zip file | HELPDESK (2024)

Zip files are "archived" files. They take up less space and are an easy way to pack several files together, for example into a single e-mail attachment file.

7-zip is a free program, which lets you create and extract zip files. It has been pre-installed on university computers, but if necessary, you can download and install it on your home computer as well.

    Table of contents

    • Extracting 7zip files
    • Creating 7zip files

    Extracting 7zip files

    Zip files are extracted using the 7-zip program as follows:

    • Locate the desired zip file.
    • Right-click it and select 7-Zip > Extract Here. The file will be extracted to the folder containing the zipped file. Select Extract files to change the extraction folder.

      Extracting a zip file | HELPDESK (1)

    The files contained in the zip file have now been extracted to the location of your choosing, and can be used as normal.

    Creating 7zip files

    Zip files are created using the 7-zip program as follows:

    • Locate the file or files you wish to archive.
    • Click the folder or file with the right mouse button, bring the mouse over the 7-zip menu item and choose Add to "name.zip".

      Extracting a zip file | HELPDESK (2)

    • Next, the program will create a zip file into the folder where the original files are located. If you want to add more data into the archive, you can simply drag a nearly unlimited number of files and folders into it.

      Extracting a zip file | HELPDESK (3)

    The program also lets you create 7z files. They are practically the same as zip files. However, you will always need the 7-zip program to open 7z files, whereas zip files can be opened with any program intended for archiving or extracting. We recommend using zip files.

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    Extracting a zip file | HELPDESK (2024)

    FAQs

    How do I open and extract a ZIP file? ›

    Do one of the following:
    1. To unzip a single file or folder, open the zipped folder, then drag the file or folder from the zipped folder to a new location.
    2. To unzip all the contents of the zipped folder, press and hold (or right-click) the folder, select Extract All..., and then follow the instructions.

    What does it mean to extract a ZIP file? ›

    Extract/Unzip Zipped Files

    When you extract files from a zipped folder, a new folder with the same name is created which contains the files. The compressed (zipped) version also remains. Right-click the zipped folder saved to your computer. Choose "Extract All..." (an extraction wizard will begin).

    Why can't i extract files from zip? ›

    One of the most common reasons you can't extract ZIP files is file corruption. If the ZIP file itself is damaged or incomplete, Windows may struggle to extract its contents.

    How do I automatically extract a ZIP file? ›

    How to create a self-extracting file using WinZip
    1. Download WinZip from the official WinZip website, then open WinZ.
    2. Click on the Create button in the toolbar and choose Self-Extracting Archive from the dropdown list.

    How do I unzip a separate ZIP file? ›

    How to extract multiple files in WinZip
    1. Step 1 Open WinZip.
    2. Step 2 Using WinZip's file pane select the file(s) you want to unzip.
    3. Step 3 Click Unzip.
    4. Step 4 Choose where you want to save the files to.

    Is it safe to extract a ZIP file? ›

    Some may contain a virus, zip bombs, Trojans, or other malware. The main way to protect your device from harmful zip files is by scanning zipped files with malware protection or antivirus before extracting them.

    Can I open a ZIP file without extracting? ›

    Tap the ZIP file.

    This displays the contents of the ZIP file. If you're using a Samsung Galaxy, you'll see checkboxes next to each file inside. If you don't want to unpack all of the files, you can tap the checkmarks next to the files you don't want. This prevents those files from extracting.

    What is the command to extract a ZIP file? ›

    How to unzip files using command prompt
    1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
    2. Navigate to the directory where the zip file is located using the cd command.
    3. Enter the following command, replacing 'Name' with the name of the zip file, and press Enter. tar -xf Name.zip.
    4. You will get a success message.
    Mar 12, 2024

    How do I force a ZIP file to extract? ›

    Open File Explorer and find the compressed folder. To unzip the entire folder, right-click to select Extract All, and then follow the instructions. You can also select Extract All from the command ribbon.

    How do I download a ZIP file? ›

    Windows
    1. Click on the link for your download.
    2. Click Save.
    3. A dialog box* will open asking what you want to do with the file. ...
    4. Choose the location* where you want to save your download and click Save. ...
    5. After the download has completed, click Open.
    6. Click Extract all files to save the forms in a folder on your computer.

    Why is extracting a ZIP file taking so long? ›

    This means that with downloaded/received Zip files, all files you attempt to extract are subjected to additional processing by the operating system, and that files not blocked by Windows, extract with the same zone information as the Zip file. To prevent slow extraction: Right-click the Zip file. Choose Properties.

    Why do you extract a zip file? ›

    By unzipping the files, you can speed up and ease your job. Modification: If you want to change, delete, or add to certain files in the archive, you need to open them first. Most apps don't let you change files that are inside a zip folder.

    How to extract Zip files? ›

    Windows
    1. Double-click the ZIP file. File Explorer will show you the file's contents. ...
    2. Right-click the ZIP file. Then select Extract All from the drop menu.
    Feb 23, 2022

    Are Zip files self extracting? ›

    Self-extracting Zip files have an extension of . EXE and can be run as commands. When a self-extracting Zip file is run, the files in the Zip file are automatically extracted. This is convenient because the end user does not need an unzip program (such as WinZip) to extract files from these self-extracting Zip files.

    What is a ZIP file and how do I open it? ›

    ZIP files are used to compress files into smaller versions, making them easier to store and transport. In order to view and use a ZIP file's contents in the proper format, you'll need to extract (or "unzip") the ZIP file to a regular folder.

    How to convert ZIP file to pdf? ›

    Step 1: Open the Adobe Acrobat, zip file to PDF converter on your PC. Step 2: Select 'File' from the toolbar and click on 'Create'. Step 3: Click on 'PDF from File' and choose the zip file that you want to convert. Step 4: After you have decided on your files click on 'Create' or 'Convert'.

    How do I open a self extracting zip file? ›

    A self-extracting Zip file is a Windows executable file (.exe). It will contain a Zip file and a small program to extract (unzip) the files in the Zip file. A user can run (execute) a self-extracting Zip file just as they run any other program: just double-click on the .exe file.

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