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How to Download Files With Windows 3.1
By Dan Pacheco
WashingtonPost.com
These instructions explain how to use Winzip to download files from Netscape Navigator in Windows 3.1. If you are using a PC, we can also help you install Winzip for Windows 95. Macintosh users should get Stuffit Expander.
You won't find a better program for unpacking files from the Web than Winzip. The program, available as a functional demo, handles the most common type of archive (.zip files) for Windows software. It also handles a number of other formats. After following these instructions, you won't even have to pay attention to whether a file is compressed.
Since you will be using this Web page frequently to complete the setup, bookmark it now by choosing the "Bookmarks" menu and choosing "Add Bookmark." You may also find it useful to print out this page and follow along both on the screen and the printout.
Download and Install Winzip
If you haven't done so already, create a new directory at the top of your hard drive called "download." To do this, go to the Main program group, and double click on File Manager. Then choose "File" and "New Folder."
Next, go to the Winzip download page and click on the link for Windows 3.1. Version 6.2 for Windows 3.1 is 575 kilobytes.
When Netscape prompts you, opt to save the file in the c:\download directory you created.
Once the download is complete, minimize Netscape and return to File Manager. Click twice on the downloaded file, Winzip31.exe.
When prompted, choose to install Winzip in the directory C:\WINZIP. Choose the "Express" setup, and be sure to read the licensing agreement. When all is read, said and done, you will see a new Winzip program icon in a window on your desktop.
Introduce Winzip to Netscape Navigator
One of the most useful functions of Winzip is its ability to work automatically through Netscape. Here's how to introduce the two programs to each other:
Click to download this sample zip file (PC, Zip, 1K). If you see a long stream of gibberish on your screen, skip this step and go on to manually configure Netscape.
If Netscape asks you what it should do with the unfamiliar file, find the box labeled "Unknown file type" and click "Pick
App...." Then choose "Browse" and navigate to c:\winzip\winzip32.exe. Click OK.
Netscape is now set up. Jump ahead to learn how to download compressed files with Winzip.
Oh No! It Didn't Work
If you got a string a gibberish when you tried the test download, you must manually configure Netscape to handle .zip files.
Open up Netscape, go to the "Options" menu and select "General Preferences."
Click on the "Helpers" tab.
The cryptic characters in the window before you contain what are called "MIME types." Scroll down until you see any MIME type that contains the word "zip." For instance, the listings application/x-zip-compressed and application/zip are both MIME types for .zip files.
Click once on a listing to select it. When prompted, click on the "Browse" button and locate the Winzip program at c:\winzip\winzip.exe. Select it and click the "Open" button. Make sure the "Launch application" box has a check in it.
Netscape is now set up. Read on to learn how to use Winzip.
How to Use Winzip
After clicking "I Agree" (signifying that you accept the terms that appear on the screen), you should be prompted with a window labeled "Winzip Wizard." The Wizard automates many of the steps necessary to extract files and can even automate the installation of programs. If you don't see the Wizard, click the button "Winzip Wizard" at the lower left-hand corner of the window. Then click "Next" to continue.
Winzip will attempt to extract the file into the directory c:\unzipped. For the purposes of this tutorial, change the folder to c:\download folder you created. Once you've selected a directory, click "Unzip Now."
When the extraction is finished, the file you just unzipped will be in front of you. Double-click text.txt to read it.
Close the file and folder and click "Close" on the Winzip screen. Because you used the Wizard, you don't have to delete the test.zip file.
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