Copyright: ZipCentral is copyright © 1998-2000 by Johan Savås


From the ZipCentral main window
Notice how this child's parent topic cannot have it's text edited. Headers are placeholders only. Nice for structuring the Contents of your help file.


Welcome to ZipCentral
Welcome to ZipCentral!

Thank you for using ZipCentral, the free, robust and easy to use zip file manager for Windows 95, 98 and NT 4.0.

If you are new to the concept of zip files, please read the section What is a zip archive?

Feel free to send any comments and questions to the e-mail address: zcentral@hotmail.com

Please keep in mind though, that ZipCentral is a completely free product without any guaranteed support. The ZipCentral web page at: http://members.xoom.com/zipcentral will always be updated with the latest information regarding this product.


What is a zip archive?

A zip archive lets you add one or more files together in a single file. For instance, you could create a new zip file in ZipCentral called "Setup.zip" and add two files from you hard disk called "Setup.exe" and "Readme.txt" to the zip file.

Well, what's the use of adding several files to a single file? The answer is that the zip format uses compression to shrink the size of the files within the archive. This means that the size of the zip file "Setup.zip" is less than the combined size of the two files "Setup.exe" and "Readme.txt". The actual compression level achieved depends on the content of the files you wish to add to an archive. Generally, you could expect a good compression level on almost all file types with the exception of already compressed files.

This can be very useful when it comes to downloading files from the Internet. First of all, only one file transfer operation (download) is required to obtain all files related to an application (or whatever you want to download), and file transfer time is minimized because the files in an archive are compressed.


What's new in version 2.06

Changes from version 2.05 to 2.06:

* Fixed a problem that appeared in version 2.05 when adding subfolders to archives.

* Fixed an issue with the password protection of archives that appeared in version 2.05.

Changes from version 2.02 to 2.05:

* Corrected a problem that made ZipCentral stop responding. The problem appeared when extracting a zip file that contained only one file, and only if that file whas selected during the extract operation.

* Fixed an issue with enabling/disabling the menu items "Convert to executable" and "Convert to zipfile" on the "Actions" menu.

* Changed one of the options for default extract folder from "System default" to "Same as active archive folder". In that way, you can set the default extract folder to be the same as the folder the current open archive is stored in.

* The extract window can now automatically create a new folder and any number of new subfolders that you type in the "extract to" field. The new functionality is also included in the copy, move, read span and write span windows. Previously, only one new folder without subfolders could be created.

* Changed the menu captions and shortcuts in the context menu.

* Fixed a problem that could occur when adding certain folders to a zip file by using the context menu.

For full version history, please see the file Whatsnew.txt located in the ZipCentral program folder.


From the ZipCentral main window
Creating a new archive from the ZipCentral main window

To create a new archive, press the "New" button on the toolbar or choose "File->New archive" from the main menu bar. If you prefer to use the keyboard, press "Ctrl+N".

The "Create new archive" dialog will be displayed, in which you can choose location and name for the new zip file. When you are done, press the "Open" button to create the new archive. If the archive already exists, you will get a question if you want to overwrite the existing archive. Select the appropriate action.

When the new archive has been created, the add dialog will be displayed in which you can choose the files to add to the archive. Please see the section: Adding files to an archive from the ZipCentral main window. If you do not want to add files now, press the "Cancel" button. If you wish to add files by using drag and drop instead of using the add window, please see the section: Adding files to an archive by using drag and drop.


From Windows Explorer
Creating a new archive from Windows Explorer

Please locate the folder where you want to create the new zip file. On the right hand side in Windows Explorer, right click to bring up the context menu and select "New->ZipCentral File". This will create a file called "New ZipCentral File.zip" in the current folder. There are three different ways of opening the zip file but the easiest way is just to double click the file. Please see the section Opening from the ZipCentral main window or Opening from Windows Explorer or Opening by using drag and drop.


From the ZipCentral main window
Opening an existing archive from the ZipCentral main window

Click the "Open" button in the main toolbar or click "File->Open archive" in the main menu bar. If you prefer to use the keyboard, press "Ctrl+O".

The "Open existing archive" dialog will be displayed in which you can locate the zip file or exe file you want to open. Exe files are executable files and some of them can be a self-extracting archive containing compressed files. ZipCentral can only open exe files if they are self-extracting archives. If you are new to the concept of self-extracting files, please see the section Converting a zip file to a self-extracting file.

When you have located the file to open, press the "Open" button to have ZipCentral to read and display the contents of the file.


From Windows Explorer
Opening an existing archive from Windows Explorer

If you double click on a zip file in Windows Explorer, ZipCentral will start up and load the zip file.

If you already have ZipCentral running, the new file will be displayed in either the current window or a new ZipCentral window will start up. The setting “Reuse ZipCentral Windows” on the “Options menu” can control this behavior.


From the ZipCentral main window
Adding files to an archive from the ZipCentral main window

First, create a new or open an existing archive. Then, press the "Add" button in the main toolbar or choose "Actions->Add" from the main menu. You can also right-click in the main window to bring up a menu. If you prefer to use the keyboard, press "Shift+A".

The add dialog will now be displayed. Select the files and/or folders you would like to add to the current archive. There are several options you can apply to the add operation:

Save folder names

If set, stores the path in the archive.

Use full path

If set, the full file path of every file will be stored in the zip file (without drive letter).

Use relative path

If set, only the relative path to the current folder of every file will be stored in the zip file.

Use separate entries

If set, folder names will be stored as separate entries in the zip file. This can be used to create empty folders when extracting a zip file. Note that all subfolders within the current folder will be added when using this option.

Include subfolders

If set and one or more files and folders are selected, the selected files plus all files in subfolders will be added to the archive. Set "Save folder names" to keep the existing directory structure and to be sure that all files in subfolders are added (you can not add two files with the same name if "Save folder names" is not set).

If set and only one or more files (not folders) are selected, all subfolders will be scanned for files that match the name of the file you selected. If several files are found, they will all be added to the archive if the "Save folder names" option is set. If the "Save folder names" option is not set, the drive will still be scanned but only one file will be added. Therefore, to speed up the add operation, only use "Include subfolders" when necessary.

If not set, no files in subfolders will be added.

Use disk spanning

If set, the zip file can be split on multiple floppy disks if it does not fit on one disk. To learn more about disk spanning, see the section Options for disk spanning.

Protect files with password

If set, you will be asked to enter a password. This password is needed when extracting the files in the archive.

Compression level

Select compression level to use. Normal level gives you good compression while maintaining speed. Maximum compression gives the best compression but takes longer time to complete. Fast and Super Fast compression gives compression but maximizes speed. None stores all files without compression.


By using drag and drop
Adding files to an archive by using drag and drop

To add one or more files using drag and drop, drag the files from the Windows Explorer to the ZipCentral main window. If an archive is open, the files will be added to the current archive. If no archive is open, you will be asked to create a new one.

When you have dropped the files, a window will be displayed which lists the files you have dropped. Select the options you would like to apply to the dropped files:

Save folder names

If set, stores the path in the archive.

Use full path

If set, the full file path of every file will be stored in the zip file (without drive letter).

Use relative path

Not available when using drag and drop.

Use separate entries

Not available when using drag and drop.

Include subfolders

If set and one or more files and folders are selected, the selected files plus all files in subfolders will be added to the archive. Set "Save folder names" to keep the existing directory structure and to be sure that all files in subfolders are added (you can not add two files with the same name if "Save folder names" is not set).

If set and only one or more files (not folders) are selected, all subfolders will be scanned for files that match the name of the file you selected. If several files are found, they will all be added to the archive if the "Save folder names" option is set. If the "Save folder names" option is not set, the drive will still be scanned but only one file will be added. Therefore, to speed up the add operation, only use "Include subfolders" when necessary.

If not set, no files in subfolders will be added.

Note that when using drag and drop, option of storing the relative path is disabled. Also, separate folder entries cannot be used.

Use disk spanning

If set, the zip file can be split on multiple floppy disks if it does not fit on one disk. To learn more about disk spanning, see the section Options for disk spanning.

Protect files with password

If set, you will be asked to enter a password. This password is needed when extracting the files in the archive.

Compression level

Select compression level to use. Normal level gives you good compression while maintaining speed. Maximum compression gives the best compression but takes longer time to complete. Fast and Super Fast compression gives compression but maximizes speed. None stores all files without compression.


From the ZipCentral main window
Extracting files from an archive from the ZipCentral main window

First, open an existing archive. Then, click "Extract" on the main toolbar or choose "Actions->Extract" from the main menu. You can also right-click in the main window to bring up a menu. If you prefer to use the keyboard, press "Shift+E".

In the "Extract to" field, type the location where you want to put the extracted files or press "Browse" button to choose a location.

The following options control how the files are extracted:

Expand folders

If set, folder names stored in the zip file will be created. If not set, all files will be extracted into the same folder even if the zip file contains folder names.

Automatically create new folder

If set, ZipCentral will try to create a folder that has the same name as the zip file (without the .zip extension) and put the extracted files in that folder. If you have a zip file called "Setup.zip" and choose to extract it into the folder "C:\DOWNLOAD", a new folder called "Setup" will be created under "C:\DOWNLOAD". In that folder, the extracted files will be placed. If ZipCentral cannot create a folder (i.e. if it already exist), the files will be extracted to the existing folder.

If any of the files to extract already exists in the specified extract folder, you will have to confirm if you want to overwrite that file or not, or if you wish to overwrite or skip all existing files.

Tip: If you want to put the extracted files in a folder that does not exist, you do not need to click on the "New Folder" button. Simply type the name of the folder (including full path) in the "Extract to" field. ZipCentral will then create the folder for you and put the extracted files in it.


By using drag and drop
Extracting files from an archive by using drag and drop

First, open an existing archive. Then drag the file or files you want to extract to the desired folder in the Windows Explorer or to the desktop.


By using drag and drop
Opening an existing archive by using drag and drop

You can open a zip archive in ZipCentral by dragging a zip file from the Windows Explorer and drop it on the ZipCentral main window.

If you already have a zip file open, it will be closed and the contents of the dropped zip file will be displayed.


What is disk spanning?

Disk spanning lets you store a large zip file on multiple floppy disks. You can create a new archive that will be spanned across multiple disks, or you can open an existing archive and convert it to spanned.


Options for disk spanning

You can set the following options for disk spanning, either in the configuration window by selecting the tab "Disk spanning" or in the add window by pressing the button "Disk spanning":

Max size of a volume

Enter a value to control how large a volume can become. If you set the value to 0 (zero), all available space on the disk will be used before you are asked to insert next disk.

Do not use a disk unless it has this many bytes free

Enter a value to control how much free disk space a disk must have before it is accepted for storing a part of the archive.

Leave this many bytes free on the first disk

Enter a value to set how many free bytes should be left on the fist disk. This can be used to leave space for another file, i.e. a readme or setup file.


Running a file in an archive

First, open an existing archive or create a new one and add files to it. Then, either double-click the desired file in the ZipCentral main window or select "Actions->Open" from the main menu. You can also right-click in the main window and choose "Open".

If the file is an executable, all files will be extracted into a temporary folder and the selected file will be run. This is done, because very often an executable file in an archive depends on other files in the archive in order to run.

If the file is not an executable, ZipCentral will open the file in it's associated program.

If the file is not an executable and do not have a program associated with it, no action will be performed.


Viewing a file in an archive

First, open an existing archive or create a new one and add files to it. Then, select "Actions->View with notepad" to view it with Notepad or "Actions->Quick view" to view with the Quick View program. You can also right click in the main window to bring up a menu.

If the file you want to view is a text file (i.e. "Readme.txt"), you can simply double-click it to run it in the associated text viewer.


Converting a zip file to a self-exctracting file
Converting a zip file to a self-extracting file

First, open a zip file or create a new one and add files to it. Then click "Convert" on the main toolbar or select "Actions->Convert to executable" from the main menu. You can also right-click in the main window to bring up a menu.

The "Create self-extracting archive" window will be displayed. In this window you can customize your self-extracting archive. If you do not change any of the options, a standard self-extracting file will be created.

Note that the zip file you have open will be converted to a self-extracting executable file with the same name when you click the "OK" button.

The following options are available for customizing the executable:

Default extraction folder on users computer

Type the name of the folder to use as the default extraction folder when the archive is executed. To use the temporary folder, type two arrows "><".

Execute following command after extraction

If you want a file to be executed or a text file to be displayed after the extraction is complete, specify it in this field. Program names and arguments must be separated with a vertical bar "|".

To specify the actual extraction folder, type two arrows "><".

Example:

notepad|><readme.txt

This will run notepad and display the file "Readme.txt" located in the extraction folder.

Default overwrite action

Let's you specify the default action to perform if files already exist in the extraction folder.

Create an autorun sfx

If set, the created file will run automatically when you double-click it in the Windows Explorer. The files within the archive will be extracted to the directory you specify in the field "Default extraction folder on users computer". Use this option carefully since files will be extracted on to a users computer without his/her knowledge. To really make the file auto run, you need to change the filename so it starts with an exclamation mark (i.e. !AUTORUN.EXE).


Converting a self-extracting file to a zip file

First, open an existing self-extracting file. Then press "Convert" on the main toolbar or select "Actions->Convert to zip file" from the main menu. You can also right-click in the main window to bring up a menu.

The current self-extracting file will be converted to a zip file with the same name.


Searching for files and folders

To bring up the search window, choose "File->Search files" from the main menu. If you prefer to use the keyboard, press "F2".

Since the search window is the standard Windows search applet, see your Windows documentation to learn how to search for files using the search window.


Mailing an archive

To mail an archive, you need an Internet e-mail program installed and configured on your computer. ZipCentral uses the default e-mail program to send the current zip file.

First, open an existing archive. Then, click on "File->Mail archive" in the main menu. If you prefer to use the keyboard, press "Shift+M".

A new e-mail message will be created. As attachment to this message, you will have the current archive. Type in a valid e-mail address. Optionally you can enter a subject and some text in the message body that tells the receiver what this file is and how to use it. Then, send the message (how to perform this action varies depending on the e-mail program you use).


Converting a spanned archive to a single file

To convert a spanned archive on a floppy disk to a single zip file, click on "Actions->Read disk span" in the main menu. You can also right-click in the ZipCentral main window to bring up a menu.

The "Read disk span" window is now displayed. Follow the instructions on-screen to convert the spanned archive to a single zip file.


Converting a single zip file to a spanned archive

To convert a single zip file to a file spanned across multiple disks, click on "Actions->Write disk span" in the main menu. You can also right-click in the ZipCentral main window to bring up a menu.

The "Write disk span" window is now displayed. Follow the instructions on-screen to convert the single zip file to a spanned file.


Copying or moving an archive

First, open an existing archive. Then, click on "File->Copy archive" or "File->Move archive" in the main menu. If you prefer to use the keyboard, press "F7" or "F8".

In the "Copy archive to" or "Move archive to" field, type the pathname where you want to put the archive or choose "Browse" to select a folder.


Renaming an archive

First, open an existing archive. Then, click on "File->Rename archive" in the main menu. If you prefer to use the keyboard, press "Shift+R".


Year 2000 Compliance

ZipCentral is a freeware application without any warranty. No extensive Y2K compliance testing has been performed, and will not be performed. Those that are concerned about the Y2K compliance of ZipCentral need to carry out the necessary testing themselves to find out if it meets the required needs. The reason for this is simple: A free product without advertisements generates no profit for the author.

The goal is to keep improving ZipCentral after the year 2000. Currently, no issues related to year 2000 has been detected in any version of this product. The ZipCentral web page (http://members.xoom.com/zipcentral) will be updated with the latest information and new versions as soon as they are released.


Renaming files in an archive

First, open an existing archive. Then, select the desired file and click on "Actions->Rename" in the main menu. If you prefer to use the keyboard, press "F2". Enter the new name and press Enter.


Virus-scanning

To use the virus-scanning feature, you need to have an anti-virus software installed on your computer. The first time you use this feature, you need to tell ZipCentral what program you are using and any optional parameters to use. To do that, click on "Options->Configuration" in the ZipCentral main menu and then click on the "Program Locations" tab. In the "Virus scanner" section, select the program you have installed from the pre-defined list, or type the name of the file including full path. You can also click on the button to the right to browse for a program.

Type any additional parameters to use for the anti-virus software in the Parameters field.

When the configuration is ready, the menu item "Virus scan" on the "Actions" menu will be available.


Installing programs

If the archive you have open contains a file called "Setup.exe" or "Install.exe", you can run it by clicking "Install" on the main toolbar or by selecting "Actions->Install" in the main menu. If you prefer to use the keyboard, press "Shift+I".

ZipCentral will then extract all files in the archive and run the setup file.


From Windows Explorer
Adding files to an archive from Windows Explorer.

To add files to an archive from Windows Explorer, select the desired file(s) and/or folder(s) and then right-click to bring up the context menu.

If one file and/or folder is selected, you have two options available: "Add to zip with ZipCentral..." and "Add to <filename>.zip with ZipCentral...". If two or more files and/or folders are selected, only the first option will be visible.

The first option starts up ZipCentral and asks you for location and name of the new zip file. After that, a window containing the file(s) you selected is displayed. In that window you can specify options to use for the addition.

The second option creates a new zip file with the same name as the file you selected (but with .zip extension). ZipCentral will start up and display a window containing the file you selected. Specify the desired options for the addition and the press OK.


From Windows Explorer
Extracting files from an archive from Windows Explorer

To extract files from an archive by using Windows Explorer, select the desired zip file and then right-click to bring up the context menu.

Click the item "Extract with ZipCentral to..." to open ZipCentral and display the extract window. Select the desired location for the extracted files and the options you want to apply, then click OK.