Note: This article does not include information concerning the e-mail feature in WinZip Jobs.
WinZip delivers features that make it possible for you to compress and e-mail files and folders. While WinZip's various e-mail options are easy to use, underlying issues may interfere. Brief descriptions of the e-mail features will be provided prior to discussing possible causes for issues. These features are:
- Zip and E-mail: Right click files or folders and click this WinZip option to quickly attach a Zip file to a new e-mail message. If any of the files are photos, you will also be given the option to resize them, which can significantly reduce transmission time.
- Zip and E-mail Plus: This works like Zip and E-Mail but also allows you to specify the name of the Zip file and to add encryption if desired.
- Attach to E-mail: If you have a Zip file open in the WinZip ribbon interface, you can click this button on the Home tab (if you are using Legacy menus/toolbar, choose Send To
Mail Recipient (as Zipped Attachment) on the File menu). If you just click Attach to E-mail or if you have nothing selected (highlighted) in the Zip file and you choose Convert and Attach from the drop down menu, a copy of the entire Zip file will be attached to a new e-mail message. If any files or folders are selected and you choose Convert and Attach, WinZip will offer you the option to send only the selected files or the entire Zip file.
Use with a MAPI e-mail program
If you use an e-mail program such as Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird, or Windows Live Mail as your default e-mail program and if WinZip is configured appropriately, WinZip's e-mail support will use your e-mail program. WinZip uses a protocol for this named MAPI (Mail Applications Program Interface), specifically Simple MAPI. MAPI is a standard Windows interface that allows WinZip and other programs to instruct your
e-mail program to create a new message and attach a file to it.
Generally, you would only need to have your e-mail program set as the default and have an e-mail account configured, to have simple MAPI working. It is not uncommon for an e-mail program to let you know that it is not set as the default when you open it. Usually, this information dialog will also make it possible for you to set this e-mail program as the default.
With Windows 7 or Windows Vista you can also use the Default Programs applet to reset your default e-mail program. To do this:
- Click Start and click Default Programs (on the right side)
- Click the link that reads Set your default programs
- Click your e-mail program in the list of Programs
- At the bottom right click the area that says Set this program as default

- Click OK and close Default Programs
With Windows XP it may be easier to use the Internet Options applet. To do this:
- Click Start and open the Control Panel
- Open Internet Options and click the Programs tab
- Click the drop arrow to the right of E-mail
- Click your e-mail program in the list

- Click OK
Use with WinZip's built-in e-mail program
If you do not have a MAPI compatible e-mail application, WinZip will use its own built-in e-mail program. In this case, it would be possible that WinZip's e-mail features will work, while the Send To
Mail Recipient feature used by Windows and other programs may not work.
You will need to define an e-mail account in the E-Mail tab of the Configuration dialog before you use WinZip's built-in e-mail program. Otherwise, you will be prompted automatically when you first try to use one of WinZip's e-mail features (see the picture below).

If you are not successful or if you need assistance, please send an e-mail message to Technical Support.
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