How to Archive Folders

No matter what you use your computer for, sooner or later you will want to archive some of your folders that contain information you want to keep but that you rarely access. Archiving your folders, especially if you compress, or zip them...

Method 1 of 2:

Archive Folders in Windows

Compress your folders when you archive them. If you don't compress them, they will take up the same amount of disc space. Windows gives you the option to compress your folder at the same time you archive it.
1. Open the folder you want to archive
  
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2. Click 'Organize' on the top menu bar then click Properties
  
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3. Click 'advanced.'
  
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4. Click 'folder is ready for archiving.'
  
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5. Click 'compress contents to save disk space.' (This step isn't required to archive the folder, but it is advisable.)
  
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Specify exactly what you want to archive. You will be given two choices:
1. Apply changes to this folder only, or
  
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2. Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files
  
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Re-open archived folders. If you ever want to access your archived folders, simply double-click on the folder. Windows will open it for full view, but you will have to repeat the archival steps again once you have opened it.

Method 2 of 2:

Archive Folders on a Mac

Find the folder you want to archive.
Scroll down the 'File' menu to 'Compress folder' and click.
Double click on the folder to reopen it. The folder will remain compressed until you do so, which frees up disk space for you.