When transferring large or numerous files, it is often difficult to complete the transfer. This can result from a number of issues:
- Large files, and certain file types (such as .exe) are often blocked by spam filters. Even some email clients have filtering built in that will reject such messages.
- The file is too large to send. Sometimes mail servers can only handle files of a certain size. When larger files are sent the server may reject the file.
- Large or numerous files take longer to send and receive. This can be a pain for the sender and the recipient.
The easiest way to resolve many of these issues is to zip a file using a file compression software package. Most operating systems include a zipping utility with the operating system. Zipping a file or files has three major benefits:
- The file size is generally reduced (results vary). This is because zipping is a type of file compression. The file is less likely to be too large to send and will transfer faster.
- Files with the .zip extension are not executable, so nearly all spam filters will not block a file if it is zipped.
- You can send multiple files by attaching a single file to your email.
For instructions on how to zip a file, please refer to the appropriate operating system below.
Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306531
Windows Vista:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-us/help/7050d809-c761-43d4-aae7-587550cd341a1033.mspx