Thread: Replacing the Windows ZIP tool with a better one

The Windows ZIP handler offers limited comforts. Third-party archive programs can do much more. Since you do not use the integrated function, you would rather switch it off.

IZArc is a powerful archiving tool. At the time of installation, select your language and click on 'OK'. The next step automatically takes you to the program's options. Check the allocation of filetypes here. By default, formats of CD images are not selected. If you want to link these as well. click 'Select all'. The tool integrates itself in Windows Explorer, allowing you to take control of tasks directly from context menus. You can access the tool from the context menu, where the individual commands are clearly summarized in a sub menu and are dependent on the selected item. In the program options, you can specify which commands should be shown in the 'Explorer enhancements' tab.

The right method for deactivating Windows' internal ZIP function depends on the version being used.

The IZArc program remains unaffected. To make changes in the registry of Windows Vista type 'regedit' in the start menu and press [Enter]. Now navigate to 'HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ CLSID\ {E88DCCEO- B7B3-11dl-A 9FOOOAA0060FA31}' and create a backup by right clicking and selecting 'File I Export'. Enter a name such as 'zipwinl. reg' for instance, check 'Selected Branch' in the lower part of the dialog, and click 'Save'. Finally, delete the key with 'Edit I Delete'. Now navigate further to 'HKEY_ CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{OCD7A5CO9F37-11CE-AE65-08002B2E1262}'. Create a backup file for this as well and then delete the key. The internal ZIP function is deactivated after you restart your computer.