View source for Game Help:Extracting From Archives Using 7-Zip

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=Extracting From Archives Using 7-Zip=

This guide explains all about 7-Zip: why you need it, where to get it, how to install it, and how to use it.


==What is an archive?==

A '''zip, rar, or 7z file''' is what is known as an '''"archive"''' file.  An archive is sort of like a folder on your computer.  It has its own name and location, and it can contain other files and folders inside of it.  An archive is a bit better than a folder, though, as the files inside it are compressed, so the space taken up on your computer is smaller.  This also makes it faster to download, as there's less data being sent.


Opening an archive file and uncompressing the contents to use elsewhere is known as '''extracting'''.  You will usually need a special program on your computer to extract from most archive files (though your computer may already know how to do this with zip files).  There are many programs that can extract from archives, some better than others.


==What is 7-Zip?==

7-Zip is a program that will allow you extract from archive files.  It can also create archive files, which is useful if you want to share stuff you've made on MTS in future.

'''7-Zip is completely safe to use and is totally free, forever.'''  MTS recommends 7-Zip because it is an easy to use program, and because we know it won't harm your computer or ask you for money.  

7-Zip works with pretty much all Windows operating systems, including XP, Vista, and Windows 7.  

If you have Mac OSX and need a program to extract from archives, see: [[Game Help:Extracting from Archives Using Keka|Extracting from Archives Using Keka]]


==Where to get 7-Zip==

'''Get 7-Zip from: [http://www.7-zip.org/ www.7-zip.org]''' - that is the official site for 7-Zip.  While it can be gotten elsewhere, those will be the latest updated files, and they are safe (no viruses!).


==Downloading 7-Zip==

7-Zip comes in two versions: an .exe version for 32 bit operating systems, and an .msi version, for 64 bit operating systems.  You need to download the correct version for your system.


: '''How to tell if you have a 32 bit or 64 bit OS:'''  If you are using Windows XP or Vista, 99% chance you have a 32 bit OS.  You really only need to check if you are running Windows 7...  

::Go to Start > Control Panel.  
::Click on the System icon.  You'll get a window that has "View basic information about your computer" at the top.  
::Look in the list under the "System" heading.  Look next to "System type:" - it will say either "32-bit Operating System" or "64-bit Operating System" there.


Then you just download whichever is the appropriate version for your OS: either the 32 or 64 bit version.  Save it to your computer somewhere you can find it - your computer's Desktop is easy enough.


[[Image:7-zipdownload.jpg|center]]


==Installing 7-Zip==

To install 7-Zip, double-click on the .exe or .msi file you downloaded.  You'll get a standard install program.


:'''32-Bit OS:'''  Just click Next through the prompts to install with the default settings.
:'''64-Bit OS:'''  Click Next through ''most'' of the prompts.  When it asks where you want to install the program, click Browse and change it from '''C:\''Program Files''\7-Zip''' to '''C:\''Program Files (x86)''\7-Zip\'''


Click Finish on the last prompt, and 7-Zip will be installed.  Just to be safe, reboot your computer to make sure all the changes take effect.


==Extracting From Archives==

After 7-Zip is fully installed, you should be able to download any .zip, .rar, or .7z file normally - just click the Download link from MTS or elsewhere, save it somewhere easy to find on your computer (like a folder on your Desktop) and wait until it's finished downloading.

Then, you can right-click on the file to extract it directly to that folder - right-click, 7-Zip > Extract Here.


[[Image:7-zipextract.jpg|center]]

You will see the new files appear in that folder alongside the .zip, .rar, or .7z archive they were contained in.  If you have multiple archive files (even of different types) you can select all of them, right-click, 7-Zip > Extract Here.


==After Extracting==

You can then install the extracted files according to what type of file they are:

* '''[[Game_Help:Installing_Sims_3_Package_Files|Installing Sims 3 Package Files]]'''
* '''[[Game_Help:Installing_TS3_Packs|Installing Sims3Packs]]'''
* '''[[Game_Help:Installing_TS3_Sims|Installing Sims 3 Sims]]'''

The original .zip, .rar, or .7z file can be deleted - all you need are the extracted files, not the original archive(s).


==Related Pages==

* [[Game_Help:TS3_CC_Basics|The Sims 3 Custom Content Basics]]

* [[Game_Help:Installing_Sims_3_Package_Files|Installing Sims 3 Package Files]]
* [[Game_Help:Installing_TS3_Packs|Installing Sims3Packs]]
* [[Game_Help:Installing_TS3_Sims|Installing Sims 3 Sims]]

* Mac OSX: [[Game Help:Extracting from Archives Using Keka|Extracting from Archives Using Keka]]

[[Category:Game Help]]
[[Category:Sims 3]]


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