Windows 7 can reduce the number of bytes in a file or folder on your hard drive in order to save space. This is especially useful if, for example, you need to send a large file or folder via e-mail. Uploading and downloading very large files is time-consuming. So reducing the size of a file lets you send it more quickly. A compressed file or folder needs to be uncompressed by the recipient. When a compressed file or folder is uncompressed, it is identical to the original, uncompressed file or folder.

Files and folders are managed independently, which means that a compressed folder can contain uncompressed files, and an uncompressed folder can contain compressed files.

Follow the steps to compress files and folders:

1. Open the folder that contains the files and folders you want to compress.
2. Select the files and folders you want to compress.
3. Right-click a selected file or folder.
4. In the menu that appears, select the Send to command.
5. Select Compress (zipped) folder.
6. Windows 7 copies the selected files and folders, compresses the copies, and places them in a special compression folder, also called a ZIP folder. Type a descriptive name for the compression folder and press Enter.