zip/unzip excel files

[SHANTA MENON]

I have 2 computers both using Windows XP.
In one computer I can compress the excel file when I want to e-mail large
files.
I open the file and use "send to" which shows me the option to compress the
file.
In the other computer I do not see this option. I surched for all the help
in compression and zip files with no help. some how, this computer drive
seems to be formatted as NTFS. and I am not sure how to use this NTFS
compression. I did as the help topic suggested, but still the size on the
file has not changed.
Could someone out there help me?
I have to work with large files and cannot do my job without this. Not sure
one is working and other does not.
Thanks.
shanta

 

[M-A]

Shanta,

This sounds like it isn't an excel issue, but is related either to XP or
(more likely) the set up of your individual PCs.

Firstly, are these your machines or company machines? If company machines I
would suggest that the best thing to do is contact your IT department. They
know about the set up of your machines, so can help you more than any public
boards because this doesn't sound like something you are doing wrong.

Assuming it's your own machine:
I'm trying to work out what is happening to try to help you find the right
place to look for your answer. On the machine that works:
- When you use Send To are you using the option "Compressed (zipped)
folder" or is there a different instruction?
- When you perform the zip what does the result look like? (is there a
folder with a zip in it and the result still has a .xls extension, does it
create a new type of file with .zip or .rar at the end?)
- When you open the compressed file does a new program or window launch?

When I first read your question it sounded to me like one machine has a
compression utility installed (such as winzip) and the other one doesn't.
However, I think that XP came with a 'preloaded' simple compression utility.
If that is what is broken then I think you would have to go to an XP board
and find out if it can be repaired.

M-A

 

[SHANTA MENON]

Thanks a lot for the help!
It is my home Computer. Because it was not working and Did not know what to
do, I downloaded a ZIPITFREE program. so when I go to "send to" this
program shows up. I do not like using it. The other computer is at work,
and there there is a zip file and no problem. So I would like to get to the
"preloaded" utility which came with Windows XP.
So how would I fix it, because I not sure how to go to an Xp board to find
out it can be repaired?
Thanks again.
Shanta

 

[M-A]

I'm afraid I'm not very good on OS things.

I also have XP and when I use 'send to' it has an option called 'compressed
(zipped) folder'. I didn't add that so I assume it was with XP. also, my
home machine and work machine both have that option and they use different
zip programs, so I'm guessing it's in basic XP.

Alternatively, you could try googling for a better zip utility and see what
reviews you can find. Personally, I am using freeware called ZipCentral.
I'm not an expert in these things at all - just a PC user - so I'd suggest
doing a bit of research, but as a personal comment I've never had any
problems with it.

I wonder if anyone else can recommend a board for you if you still have
problems?

M-A