Receiving and Preparing Files for Decoding

The message you receive with an encoded file will need to be prepared for the simple WinZip® decoding operation. The steps you take will depend on the e-mail program you are using.

For example, if you are using MSMail:

Highlight the message (DO NOT open it; large messages are not handled well by MSMail).
Select Save As from the File menu item.
Enter a file name using .UUE as the extension; for example: FILENAME.UUE.

If you are using another e-mail program, a method similar to the above may also work with your program. Be aware that some e-mail programs may crash or cut off parts of unusually large messages, so saving them as files without opening them is the preferred method.

Your e-mail program may save a message attachment as an external file in a folder designated to receive them. In that case, it may automatically be named; you may wish to rename it, using a .UUE extension, for maximum convenience.

Sometimes you may receive multiple messages, where a file is split up into more than one message because of size limitations. You will need to use a text editor or the DOS COPY file command to paste the files together into one large file, and save it as a text file with a .UUE extension.

UUencoded, XXencoded, BinHex, and MIME files

Sending Files using Internet Mail

The Why behind UUencoding and Other Schemes

Receiving and Preparing Files for Decoding

Decoding Files using WinZip

UUencoding a File using WinZip

Mailing a UUencoded File

Hints, Tips, & Troubleshooting