With Windows ME, Microsoft threw in a nifty wee utility called Compressed Folders which is similar to ever popular [WinZip] (Shareware) and [Aladdin Stuffit Expander] (Freeware) both of which are expectionally good but as ME ships with it's own version of a 'Zip' program you might as well use it!

So why's it nifty? First... it's totally compatible with other 'Zip' programs which is great news! Secondly if you're surrounded by nosey parkers or just want a tad of privacy you can encrypt (with passwords) your Compressed folders quickly and simply... always a bonus. In quick sucession comes the following... you can 'Drag n Drop' or 'Copy/Cut n Paste' files straight into it!! No hassle, no time, no worries and with the ability to individually zip files or create an archive of batched files, folders and pictures you'll wonder how you ever lived without it! Once the files are compressed you can view it's contents (without unzipping) by simply double clicking on the folder and this will supply you with all the information about the files stored within it... like original file size, compression ration, size, date etc. Over all it's very simple to use and install and with the typical windows 'look' you'll have no problems understanding it functions. That being said it's onwards and upwards...

Create a Compressed Folder
Right Click any blank area on your Desktop
Select New
Select Compressed Folder
This will give you a compressed folder icon on your desktop
Name the folder as you like then hit enter (on your keyboard)
Now you can drag files, folders, pictures etc straight to the folder and it'll zip them as they go in!

Compress a single File/Folder
Right Click the File/Folder
Select Send to
Click Compressed Folder

To Encrypt the Compressed Folder
Right Click the Folder/File
Select Encrypt
In the Password box type a password
In the Confirm Password box type the password again
Note: Passwords are case sensitive

To Install/Uninstall Compressed Folder Utility
Double Click My Computer
Double Click Control Panel
Double Click Add/Remove Programs
Select the Windows Setup Tab
Select System Tools
Hit Details Put a Check beside Compressed Folders 0.6MB to install (uncheck to uninstall)
Hit OK
Hit OK


If you run into trouble with Compressed Folder then try uninstalling then re-installing the utility. A list of Microsoft Knowledgebase articles relating to Compressed Folders can be found [HERE]

Compressed Folder Information
Size: 0.6MB (varies between versions)
Registry Key: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CompressedFolder

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