How to Compress and Decompress folders Windows 7, XP, Vista

How to Compress and Decompress folders on windows to increase disk space.

To Compress a Folder

1. Locate and select any folder on your Hard Drive, Additional Hard Drive, or a partition.
2. Right click the folder,then select Properties from the pop-uo menu.
3. On the General tab,take note of the size on the disk value.
4. On the General tab click Advance button.
5. Select the Compress changes to save Disk space check-box.
6. Click OK.
7. Select the Apply changes to this folder, Sub-folders and files radio button.
8. Click OK. The system will compress the folder and its contents (this may take several minutes)

To Decompress a Folder

1. Right click the same folder or a recently compressed folder select Properties from the pop-up menu.
2. On the General tab, take note of the size on the disk value.The size on disk value should be smaller than the original value.
3. On the general tab, click Advance button.
4. De-select the Compress contents to save disk space check-box.
5. click OK.
6. Select the Apply changes to this folder, sub-folders and files radio button.
7. Click OK. The system will De-compress the folder and its contents:this may take several minutes.

Note: Never compress System, or Boot files and folders.

Video Tutorial: