Some downloaded files are in .zip or .rar format. These files must be “unzipped” before they can be used.

On Windows XP and Vista, unzip support is built-in. First, double-click on the .zip file to open it up.

In the window that opens, click Extract all files.

The Extraction Wizard will open. Click Next to continue.

From the Select a Destination dialog, select the location where you want the folder to be placed (by default this will be in a subfolder of the folder the .zip file is in). Then click Next to extract the files.

Make sure Show extracted files is checked, and then click Finish. The unzipped files will appear in a new window.