How to Email Compressed Zip Files
By Louise Balle
If you have a large-sized file, like a high-resolution flier or image file, some email sending servers may have problems transmitting it to your recipient. Your email account will display an error or the recipient's server won't ever accept the file. As an example, Gmail only allows you to send a file sized up to 25 megabytes via its email system. If you have a 30 megabyte file you can compress it into a zip file in order to resolve the issue.
Navigate to Windows Explorer (right-click your Windows Start menu and click "Explore" as a shortcut).
Find the file that you want to compress. Right-click the file and select "Send to" then "Compressed (Zipped) Folder." A new zip file will form in the folder--this might take a while depending on the file size.
Open the zipped file and click the option to "Extract" the file to assure that the file compressed correctly.
Open your email account and click the option to compose a new message. Choose "Add Attachment" or the similar option. Navigate to find the zip file. The email system will take a few moments to attach the file to your new message.
Type in your recipient, subject and text in the email message box as you would normally. In your message, ask the recipient to confirm receipt. Place your own email address in the "CC" or "BCC" field to assure that the message goes through properly. Sometimes ZIP files can get lost or corrupted in transit.
Send the email to your recipient.
References
Tips
- You can add a password to your compressed zip file before emailing it if you want. Just right-click the white space inside of the compressed file folder when you're in Windows Explorer (step three above) and select "Add Password." But keep in mind that some email systems may reject a password-protected compressed file because the email system cannot properly scan it for viruses.
Warnings
- These instructions apply to Windows operating systems.
Writer Bio
Louise Balle has been writing Web articles since 2004, covering everything from business promotion to topics on beauty. Her work can be found on various websites. She has a small-business background and experience as a layout and graphics designer for Web and book projects.