Uncompress Zip Files in Windows XP

Summary

You've downloaded a .zip ("zipped") file. Now what? In order to use the contents of the file, you'll need to uncompress or extract the file.

There are many ways to accomplish this:

• Windows XP's "Compressed (zipped) Folders Extraction Wizard"
• Third-Party application (WinZip, etc.)

What's Covered in This Tutorial This page will focus on the built-in Windows XP extraction wizard. There are many excellent third-party applications that can accomplish the same task. Please refer to those company support Web sites to assist with those third-party applications.

Jump to Detailed Instructions

Detailed Instructions

1. Locate the .zip file on your computer.
   
   
2. Right-Click the file.
   
   
3. Select Extract All...
   
   
   
   
4. Wait for the Extraction Wizard to open.
   
   
5. Click Next on the welcome screen.
   
   
   
   
6. Confirm the directory to where you want to extract the files. Click Browse if you want to select a different location on your hard drive.
   
   
   
   
7. Click Next.
   
   
   
   
8. Click Finish.