A zip-file (compressed folder) is kind of a package with another file within. Let's assume it's a .mp3 file or any other file that it can paly. Then you have to get that file out of the package, so to say. That's called "unzipping" or "extracting".
The easiest way to do it: doubleclick the zip-file you received in My Computer or Windows Explorer. You'll see the contents in the right pane. Then drag and drop that to any other (normal) folder in the left pane. Then use WMP to open that extracted file.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Compress-and-uncompress-files-zip-files tells more.
Kees
I have Windows Vista with Windows Media Player 11. When I want to download a zip file that I have received, WMP gives me the following message.
"The selected file has an extension (.zip) that is not recognized by WMP."
It will not open the file and continues with the next message.
"Windows Media Player cannot play the file. The Player might not support the file type or might not support the codec that was used to compress the file."
What do I need to do so the WMP will open these files for me? I have not experienced this problem before and I haven't a clue as to how to fix it. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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