Hints for Working with Downloaded Files

WinZip® makes it easy to work with files downloaded from the Internet and online services like America Online.

• The Install feature makes it easy to install most software distributed in Zip files: if a Zip file contains a "setup" or "install" program, a desktop theme, or a screen saver, WinZip can unzip the files, run the installation program if present, and clean up temporary files. If the Zip file does not contain any of these, you can use the CheckOut Feature to try the downloaded file.
• The Favorite Zip Folders feature makes locating Zip files you want to open much easier.
• The Downloading and Processing Files with WinZip topic provides further hints, tips, and helpful procedures.
• The Archive Management features make it easy to move archives to floppies, or to delete them if they don't meet your needs.

Of course, you should always use appropriate caution when using files downloaded from the Internet. See Security Hints and Tips for some basic security information to keep in mind when you work with downloaded files.

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One strategy for handling downloaded files involves three folders:

A relatively empty download folder makes it much easier to stay organized. It is a good idea to download all archives into your \DOWNLOAD folder, and after each on-line session perform the following steps for each archive:

1. Open the archive. An easy way to open files is to first open the \DOWNLOAD folder in My Computer or Windows Explorer. Then double click on an archive to open it. You will probably want to click on the Modified column header in My Computer or Windows Explorer so that the most recent files are shown at the top of the list.
2. Read about the software in the archive. Many archives contain a file named "file_id.diz". By convention this file contains a brief description of the archive contents. If this file is listed in the main WinZip window, double click on it to view its contents. When you are done viewing the file, close the program being used to view the file. Repeat this process for any files with the word "read" in the filename (e.g. "readme.txt" or "read.me").
3. Try the software if the archive looks interesting. One easy way to do this is with the Install or CheckOut buttons on WinZip's toolbar. If the archive contains an "install" or "setup" program, a desktop theme, or a screen saver, the Install button will be displayed, otherwise, it will contain the CheckOut button. Note: downloaded software should always be scanned for viruses before you install or use it. If you download archives containing software, you should obtain a reliable virus scanner, keep it up to date, and always use it on the contents of such downloaded archives. See the section titled Virus Scanner Configuration for information on configuring WinZip to use your virus scanner to test the contents of archives for virus infection.
4. Move each archive out of your download folder after trying the software. If you want to keep the archive on your hard disk, choose Move from the Manage Archive submenu of the File menu to move the archive somewhere else on your disk, such as \ARCHIVES. Note that the folders you have most recently used for move and copy operations are available for quick access in a drop-down list. If you don't want to keep the file you downloaded, you can easily delete it using the Delete entry in the Manage Archive submenu.

Of course, these are just suggestions. There are other good ways to use WinZip to work with downloaded files. Feel free to use whatever method works best for you.

Related Topics:

Hints and Tips

More Hints and Tips

Using the Explorer Interface

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)