Computer question-.zip file

I downloaded a song (don’t worry it’s legal, from the artist’s webstie) and when it was done it asked how I wanted to open the file. I clicked quicktime, but after I clicked it I noticed a little box that was checked that said “always open this with quicktime?”

The song won’t open, something about not understanding the file, and I don’t know how to change the quicktime thing.

Help me please, I really want to hear this song. It’s a tribute to Elliot Smith.

Thanks.

.zip files are in a compressed format. To use them you must first uncompress (unzip ) them. There’s a free utility called WinZip which will allow you to manipulate and create zip files. Get it at http://download.com.com/3000-2250-10161502.html

:cool:

zip files are compressed archives in pkzip format. On 'doze you’ll need to find Winzip - anyone on a new Mac should have the command-line program “unzip”.

Also, since you checked the box to “always open ZIP files with quicktime”, you’ll have to go into your file settings and remove this association (since Quicktime doesn’t understand ZIP files).

Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | File Types

Find the extension “ZIP” and edit the “Opens With” field.

Point of clarification. WinZip is not a free utility. While you may download an evaluation copy, to continue using it you are required to purchase a license.

UltimateZip is a far better utility and it’s free, supporting many more formats than .zip.

As long as we’re plugging, 7-zip.

This is not true. You can use the evaluation copy forever. To use the registered copy, you must buy it.

as usual, if you’re using XP, MS barging in with their pre-installed compressed folders utility that uses the .zip format

A basic version of Stuffit Expander is included with most Mac OS installs, so you don’t have to worry about the command line. Plus, OS X 10.3 has built-in support for .zip file expansion.

A simpler way of doing what Jpeg said is to do the following:

Single click on the file and highlight it.
Then press your shift key and right click on the file.
You then get an option called “open with”.
Clicking on the option opens a box from which you can choose what program you want to use to open this particular type of a file.
Select Winzip and make sure the little checkbox is ticked.

Hope this helps.