7 Less Known Features of 7Zip

7 Zip is a popular name in the world of file compression utilities. Apart from opening common archive types like ZIP, TAR, etc. it has its own file extension called .7ZIP which can be opened exclusively by 7 Zip. Here are some features of 7 Zip, apart from compression and decompression of files which are not so known by general user.

1. File Explorer

Apart from compressing files, as you can see, 7Zip can also be used as a file explorer. It is actually an advanced kind of file browser with additional information about files being displayed.

7zip file explorer

You can go in to details like Size, Creation, Modification and Accessing Dates, etc.

Another advantage of using 7Zip file explorer is that, it can open any kind of compressed archive files directly in browser. And if you press F9, it opens up another column to browse.

2. Test Performance of Computer

In Tools, you will find ‘Benchmark’ option, it basically tests the capability of your computer to compress files. By this, you can get the idea about the performance of your system.

7zip performance becnhmark tool

The benchmark shows a rating in MIPS (million instructions per second). The rating value is calculated from the measured speed, and it is normalized with results of Intel Core 2 CPU with multi-threading option switched off.

3. Look inside Executable or Disk Image

7Zip can open EXE file in such a way that you can see contents of that file. Though, it isn’t easy to understand everything as all are code files but you can find interesting things about a executable like Help instructions, Icons, etc.

7zip inside exe

To do this, you have to select any EXE file and “Open Inside” from File Menu. It can also be opened in this way using CTRL + PgDwn shortcut keys.

It can work somewhat similar to Resource Hacker if you are aware of.

4. Get Checksum Value / CRC of File

The checksum lets you know the CRC, SHA-1 and SHA-256 code of any file. These figures will be very useful if you share files over the Internet and want to check that it is transferred completely as it is without any corruption.

7zip checksum tool

To get it, right click on file and select “Calculate Checksum”.

5. Create Password Protected Files

I won’t say this isn’t a known function but it is not as visible as it should be in the program interface.

7zip password encryption

To create a password protected file, right click on it >> 7 Zip >> Add to Achive. Now, you can specify the type of archive along with the password to encrypt it. Optionally, you can also encrypt the file names to be unrecognizable without the correct key.

6. Split and Merge Files

HJ Split is a commonly used software to split and merge files whenever we want to share a large file. If you want to cut a large file into pieces for the ease of transferring or sharing online, use 7 Zip’s inbuilt feature.

7zip split and merge

Navigate to the folder where the file from 7zip, and from file or from the context menu (right-click mouse) select Split File . 7Zip lets you choose between sizes predefined ideal for CD or DVD, although the figure can customize to suit your needs.

7. Add Comments to File

Adding to comments to file, something which is not possible using Windows explorer can be done using 7 Zip. Comment could be a note about a file which is only read by 7 Zip and not any other file browser.

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MANSOOR AHMED - February 4, 2013

WOWWW…, THATS GREAT. THANX FOR SHARING.
ALSO PLEASE SUGGEST A FREEWARE TO OPEN “.SME” FILE. I EXPORTED SMS FROM SAMSUNG WAVE-II VIA KIES PC SUITE. THE EXPORTED FILE IS IN “.SME” FORMAT. I WANTS TO OPEN OR CONVERT THE SAME TO XML FORMAT, FOR SAVING THE SAME FOR FUTUTE REFERENCE.

ALSO PLZ SUGGEST ANY GOOD FREEWARE FOR DVD RIP.

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