Restoring .zip files to Compressed Folder in Windows Vista

I love WinRar, but sometimes you just have to use what comes with Windows, which means sometimes you have to go BACK to using what came with Windows.

So, if you’re like me, and you need to go back to Windows Vista’s default behavior, this is how you do it.

1. Click Start, All Programs, Accessories.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
3. Continue through the User Account Control authorization.
4. At the command prompt type:
   assoc .zip=CompressedFolder
5. Press Enter.
6. Vista will “process” for a few seconds and refresh your desktop. All .zip files should now be associated with Windows Compressed Folder (including the icon).

Also, if you want to password protect your .zip in Vista – you’re out of luck. That feature is no longer present. Did I mention that I love WinRar?