Latest revision as of 09:57, 3 June 2010

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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: Extracting from Archives Using Keka

[edit] Where to get 7-Zip

Get 7-Zip from: 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!).

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

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.

[edit] After Extracting

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

• Installing Sims 3 Package Files
• Installing Sims3Packs
• 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).

[edit] Related Pages

• The Sims 3 Custom Content Basics

• Installing Sims 3 Package Files
• Installing Sims3Packs
• Installing Sims 3 Sims

• Mac OSX: Extracting from Archives Using Keka