Copyright: Copyright 1999 JCL Developments


System Requirements

The below requirements must be met in order to run Backup Plus on your system properly and effectively:

Computer Requirements:

Minimum:

IBM or Compatible Pentium

16 MB Ram

SVGA Display (256 Colors)

Suggested:

Pentium 133 or higher

16 MB Ram

SVGA Display (High Color)

Installed, ExpressZIP requires approx. 8 MB of hard drive space.

Operating System Requirements:

Windows 95/98

Windows NT 4.0+


File Menu

Below you will find the available options for this menu.

New

Allows you to create a new archive.

Open

Allows you to select an existing archive and open it.

Close Archive

Allows you to close an open archive.

Archive Properties

Allows you to view properties on an open archive.

Move Archive

Allows you to move the open archive to another location.

Rename Archive

Allows you to rename an open archive.

Delete Archive

Allows you to delete an open archive.

Exit ExpressZIP

Allows you to exit ExpressZIP at any time.


Actions Menu

Below you will find the available options for this menu.

Add

Allows you to add files to an open archive.

  Note:  This option is not available if the opened archive was created in Mutiple Disk Mode (spanning).

Extract

Allows you to extract files from an opened archive.

Delete

Allows you to delete the selected file from an open archive.

View

Allows you to view or play the selected file in an opened archive.

Virus Scan

Allows you to virus scan the contents of an opened archive.

Test

Allows you to test the integrity of an archive.

Install

Allows you to install a program from within an opened archive.

  Note:  This option will only be available if the opened archive contains an INSTALL.EXE or SETUP.EXE file.

Comment

Allows you to view the opened archives' comment or add a comment to the opened archive if one does not exist.

Convert to EXE

Allows you to convert the opened archive (ZIP) to a self-extracting EXE archive.

SFX Wizard

Opens the SFX (Self-extracting EXE) Wizard, allowing creation of a new EXE style archive.

Zip Wizard

Opens the Zip Wizard, allowing creation of a new Zip style archive.


Options Menu

Below you will find the available options for this menu.

Settings

Allows you to open ExpressZIP's settings menu.

Favorites

Allows you to open the Favorites portion of ExpressZip.


Help Menu

Below you will find the available options for this menu.

Help Contents

Display the contents of this file.

FAQs

ExpressZIP Web Site

About ExpressZIP


ExpressZIP FAQ

Below you will find answers to the most commonly aksed questions concerning ExpressZIP.  At the bottom of the page, you will also find a link to the online Internet FAQ page for ExpressZIP.

  How do I create a new archive?

There are several methods available when you want to create a new archive.  You can click on the New toolbar button and create your archive in the main ExpressZIP environment, or you can use either of the ExpressZIP Wizards - Zip Wizard - EXE Wizard.

  How do I extract files from an open archive?

You can choose to extract all of the files in an opened archive by simply clicking the Extract toolbar button, or you can extract individual files by selecting them with your mouse and using your CTRL or SHIFT keys to select groups of files.  You can also extract individual files by placing a check mark in the check box next to the files you wish to extract.

When you have selected all of the files you wish to extract, simply click the Extract toolbar button to call up the extraction screen.

On the extraction screen you can choose to extract all files, selected files, or checked files (if any are indeed checked).

  When I double click a file in an open archive, the internal ExpressZIP viewer shows the image of text file.  What if I want my system default program to show the image or text file?

Under the Settings option, you can change how viewers are used when viewing files within an open archive.

Online Internet FAQ page address:

http://www.avantrix.com/exfaq.htm


ExpressZIP Error Codes

Below you will find a listing of error codes that can be encountered during ExpressZIP operations.

Each error contains a brief description and possible remedy for the situation.

Common Error Codes

# 502 - Premature end-of-file encountered in the archive.

This can happen when an archive is being read, but an end-of-file condition occurs.  The archive is probably corrupted.

# 503 - An error occurred while attempting to initiate writing of the archive.

This can happen if a network drive is unavailable or has become disconnected or if you are writing to a device that is not ready.  It can also happen if you are writing to a CD which has not been pre formatted to accept direct file writes or is not being managed by a packet writing program.

# 504 - An error occurred while attempting to write the temporary file used by ExpressZIP when it is updating an existing archive.

By default, the temporary file is created in the Windows\Temp folder.  If there is not enough space available to write the temporary file or ExpressZIP does not have the proper permissions to write in this folder, this error can occur.

# 505 - An error occurred while reading data from the archive.

This can happen if the network drive where the archive is located on suddenly becomes disconnected, or if the floppy disk the archive is on, is removed from the drive while it is being accessed.  It can also happen if there is a bad sector on the drive where the archive is located.

# 506 - An error occurred while attempting to write the temporary file used by ExpressZIP when it is updating an existing archive.

By default, the temporary file is created in the Windows\Temp folder.  If there is not enough space available to write the temporary file or ExpressZIP does not have the proper permissions to write in this folder, this error can occur.

# 507 - An error occurred while writing to the archive.

Make sure that the drive where your archive is being written to is not full or has not become full and has not been disconnected or rendered inaccessible.  This error can happen if the network drive the archive is located on suddenly becomes disconnected, or if the floppy disk the backup archive is on, is removed from the drive while it is being created or updated.

# 509 - No files ended up being processed.

This can happen when all the files specified in an operation ended up being skipped due to reasons such as being unable to find or open the file, etc.

#  510 - ExpressZIP attempted to update an archive that ended up being too big to fit in the current location.

The archive must be completely recreated in order to be updated to a 'Multiple Disk' archive.

# 511 - The system ran out of memory.

A memory allocation requested by ExpressZIP was refused by the operating system.  The machine was low on available memory.

# 515 - ExpressZIP tried to add files to an existing 'Multiple Disk' archive.  This type of operation is not supported.

The 'Multiple Disk' archive must be recreated from scratch.

# 999 - Undetermined error occurred.

Contact AVANTRIX with full details on the operation that produced this error.


Contacting AVANTRIX

Internet Contacts

Home Page:  http://www.avantrix.com

E-mail:  support@avantrix.com  sales@avantrix.com

Phone Contacts

Orders Only

Sales:  1-877-448-1491 (Toll Free - US & Canada)

International Sales:  780-448-1491

Fax:  630-982-1018

Support

Main Phone:  780-448-1491

Fax:  780-448-1579

Mail Contact

AVANTRIX Inc.

Suite #335, 11215 Jasper Avenue

Edmonton, Alberta

Canada  T5K 0L5


Self-Extracting Wizard - Introduction
Self-Extracting (SFX) Wizard

The self-extracting wizard walks you through steps required to create a self-extracting EXE archive.  This style of archive can be sent to another user or taken to any other computer and simply run.  It does not require any type of Zip software installed in order to extract the files contained within it.

Step #1 - Location & Name


Zip File Wizard - Introduction
Zip File Wizard

The Zip file wizard walks you through steps required to create a standard ZIP archive.  This style of archive can be opened by any ZIP compatible software.

While an EXE style archive allows you to set many different properties, the Zip file wizard allows you to create a standard ZIP file, which does not support many of the EXE style archive properties.


SFX Wizard - Location & Name

Step #1 - Determine the location and name of your self-extracting archive.

By clicking the button beside the Location & Name field, you can select the location and name your self-extracting archive.  By default, these style of archives have the extension of EXE, which will be added to the name you enter automatically.

Step #2 - Title & Intro


SFX Wizard - Title & Intro

Step #2 - Determine the title and introduction message for your archive.

When the self-extracting is run, the default title and introduction message is displayed to the user.  Here you can determine what the archive title and introduction message should say.

These can be left as the defaults or changed if you wish.  Also, by selecting the spelling button above the introduction message, you can spell check the introduction message if you wish.

Step #3 - Icon Graphic


SFX Wizard - Icon Graphic

Step #3 - Determine what icon graphic your archive will use.

You can determine what icon image is displayed for the created archive when the file is viewed in Windows Explorer for example.

You can leave this graphic as the default ExpressZIP icon, or change it to just about any icon image you wish.  Keep in mind that icons used must be no more than 256 colors.

Use the 'Change Icon Graphic' button to select another icon image.

Use the 'Restore Default Icon' to reset the icon image to the default ExpressZIP icon.

Step #4 - Archive Files


SFX Wizard - Archive Files

Step #4 - Determine which files will be included in your archive.

This portion of the wizard allows you to define which files will be included in your archive.

By clicking the 'Keep Folder Info' check box, when files are added, they will be stored in the archive with their folder information as well.

An example:

If you include files from the folder C:\Temp, when the end user extracted those files to whichever folder they chose, C:\MyFolder for example, the files would be extracted into C:\MyFolder\Temp.

Adding files to your archive is as easy as clicking the 'Add Files' buton and selecting the files you wish to add.  Multiple files can be chosen from one folder at a time, by using your CRTL or ALT keys and clicking on which files you want to add.

By right clicking on any file in your file listing, you can remove that file by selecting the 'Remove Selected File' option.  All files can be removed from your listing by right clicking in the file listing and selecting the 'Remove All Files' option.

Step #5 - Extended Properties


SFX Wizard - Extended Properties

Step #5 - Determine some extended properties for your archive.

This part of the wizard allows you to set two extended properties for your archive.  These can simply be skipped if you wish.

You can define a password required for your archive, so the files contained within cannot be extracted without the proper password being inputted.  You must enter your password in the first field and confirm the password in the second field.

Remember:  Passwords are case sensitive.

You can also set the File Overwrite Property here.  There are three settings for this property:

Prompt User

When set to this method (the default), when a file is set to be extracted from the archive, if the file already exists in the extraction location, the user will be asked if they want to overwrite the existing file or not.

Never Overwrite Files

When set to this method, when a file is set to be extracted from the archive, if the file already exists in the extraction location, it will NOT be extracted from the archive.

Always Overwrite Files

When set to this method, when a file is set to be extracted from the archive, if the file already exists in the extraction location, it will be extracted from the archive, overwriting the existing file.

Step #6 - Create Archive


SFX Wizard - Create Archive

Step #6 - Allows you to create your self-extracting archive.

This is the final step in the wizard.  By selecting the 'Create Archive Now' button, your archive will be created in the location you specified in Step #1.

You will be notified as to the creation status while the operation is proceeding.  Once the archive has been created, the wizard will display the newly created archive and it's contents in the main ExpressZIP environment for you.


Program Description

ExpressZIP is a fully functional archive management utility.  ExpressZIP allows you to open and create both ZIP and EXE archive files.

While ExpressZIP has many built-in features for even the most demanding user, it can also be used by less experienced users to manage any ZIP or EXE archives with built-in wizards to walk users through the creation and extraction process.

Opening and creating ZIP or EXE archives is made simple in ExpressZIP, with extended features to, convert, password protect, span multiple disks and even E-Mail created or opened archives to friends or associates.

ExpressZIP is an easy to use, well designed and attractive archive management utility.  The only ZIP utility you'll ever need!


Zip Wizard - Location & Name

Step #1 - Determine the location and name of your Zip archive.

By clicking the button beside the Location & Name field, you can select the location and name your Zip.  By default, these style of archives have the extension of ZIP, which will be added to the name you enter automatically.

Step #2 - Archive Files


Zip Wizard - Archive Files

Step #2 - Determine which files will be included in your archive.

This portion of the wizard allows you to define which files will be included in your archive.

By clicking the 'Keep Folder Info' check box, when files are added, they will be stored in the archive with their folder information as well.

An example:

If you include files from the folder C:\Temp, when the end user extracted those files to whichever folder they chose, C:\MyFolder for example, the files would be extracted into C:\MyFolder\Temp.

Adding files to your archive is as easy as clicking the 'Add Files' buton and selecting the files you wish to add.  Multiple files can be chosen from one folder at a time, by using your CRTL or ALT keys and clicking on which files you want to add.

By right clicking on any file in your file listing, you can remove that file by selecting the 'Remove Selected File' option.  All files can be removed from your listing by right clicking in the file listing and selecting the 'Remove All Files' option.

Step #3 - Archive Password


Zip Wizard - Archive Password

Step #3 - Allows you to define a password for your archive if you wish for it to be password protected.

You can define a password required for your archive, so the files contained within cannot be extracted without the proper password being inputted.  You must enter your password in the first field and confirm the password in the second field.

Remember:  Passwords are case sensitive.

Step #4 - Create Archive


Zip Wizard - Create Archive

Step #4 - Allows you to create your Zip archive.

This is the final step in the wizard.  By selecting the 'Create Archive Now' button, your archive will be created in the location you specified in Step #1.

You will be notified as to the creation status while the operation is proceeding.  Once the archive has been created, the wizard will display the newly created archive and it's contents in the main ExpressZIP environment for you.


Opening Archives

A Zip or Exe archive can be opened in a number of ways.  While in the main ExpressZIP program, you can select the Open toolbar button or select the Open option from the File menu.

You'll also notice that there is a drop down arrow beside the Open toolbar button.  If you click on this arrow, you will be presented with a listing of recently opened archives (The last five archives you have opened).  You can select the archive name of a recently opened archive here as well, if you wish to open it.

ExpressZIP will then open the selected archive and inform you as to the operation progress when opening the archive.

Once it is opened and no errors have been encountered, a listing of all the files contained in the archive will be presented to you.

  Note:  By clicking the drop down arrow on the open dialog next to the 'Files of Type' option, you can also search for ACE, CAB and RAR archives.  ExpressZIP is able to extract the files from these types of archives as well.  For more information, see the Other Archive Types section.


Extracting Files

When you wish to extract any files from within an opened archive, you have three choices.  You can individually select files to be extracted by using your mouse and your CTRL or SHIFT key, you can check any of the check boxes next to any files you want to extract, or you can simply extract all files by not selecting any files.

  Note:  You can quickly select/check all files or no files by right clicking in the listing and choosing the appropriate menu option from the right click popup menu.

You can select the Extract toolbar button to begin extraction or select the Extract option under the Actions menu.

You will then be presented with the extraction screen.  You can decide upon several extraction options here:

Files/Folders to Extract

This is set automatically depending on if you have checked any of the files in the open archive listing.  If you have, the Checked files/folders option will be set, otherwise the All files/folders option will be checked.  If you have checked any items to extract you can also change this option to All files/folders, to overwrite any files you have selected and extract all files/folders.

All files/folder

This would extract ALL files/folders from the currently open archive.

Selected files/folders

This would extract any selected/highlighted files/folders from the currently open archive.

Checked files/folders

This would extract any files/folders that have a check mark beside them.

Options

The Overwrite existing files/folders option, if checked, will cause ExpressZIP to overwrite any existing files or folders with the same name that exist in the extraction location.

The Keep folder structures option, if checked, will cause ExpressZIP to keep any folder names that files within the archive may have.

Extract Location

This option allows you to determine where the files/folders are extracted to.

Depending on the setting for this folder, the same folder as the open archive reside in will be listed here, your last extracted location will be listed here or a specific folder you have specified will be listed here.

You can also change this by clicking on the button next to the location field, a popup box will be presented to you.  You can choose from two options:

Favorites

This option allows you to select an extraction location from a favorites listing.  Each time you extract to a new location, it is added to your favorites location automatically.  The favorites locations store the last ten selected extraction folders.  Simply click one of the favorite locations and select OK to extract to that location.

  Note:  If the favorite folder location does not exist any longer, it will automatically be created when the files are extracted.

System

This is the default system menu that will allow you to select from any existing folder on your drive or any network drives.  Select the folder you want to extract to and select OK to extract to that location.


Adding Files to Archives

While an archive is open in the main ExpressZIP environment, you can add files to it at any time.  You can add files by using the Add toolbar button or choosing the Add command from the Actions menu.

  Note:  Files cannot be added to archives that span multiple disks.  Once a multiple disk archive has been created, files cannot be added or removed.

The add screen allows you to change the drive you are currently on by selecting the drop down arrow.  You can also change the folder you are currently in by double clicking that folder.  Files that are in the particular folder you are currently in will be listed in the file list box.  You can select which files you wish to add in the file list box.

Use your CTRL or ALT keys to select multiple files.

Add Options

Action

This drop down listing allows you to determine how the files are added to the opened archive.  Here is a description of each setting:

Add(and Replace) Files - ExpressZIP will add any files that you have selected that do not already exist in your archive and will replace any existing files.

Freshen Existing Files - ExpressZIP will only freshen any files that exist in your archive, with the selected files.  If a selected files is older than the file that already exists in your archive, it will not replace the existing file.  No new files will be added, regardless of the files you have selected.

Update(and Add) Files - Same as the Add(and Replace) Files option, although existing files will be updated only if the selected files are newer than what exists in the archive.

Compression

This drop down listing allows you to determine which type of compression is used when files are being added to the archive.  The Normal setting is the best option in most cases, while you can also choose from Maximum compression or no compression at all.

Save Extra Folder Info

This option when checked, tells ExpressZIP to save any of the folder information with the file(s) being added.

For example:  Adding the Picture.bmp file from the C:\Temp folder with this option checked, would cause the file to be stored in the archive as:  \Temp\Picture.bmp.

Password Protect

Clicking the password protect button allows you to password protect the file(s) being added to the archive.  See Password Protecting Archives for more information.


Folder Locations

This option allows you to set your default settings for different initial folder positions when usingExpressZIP.

Startup Folder

System Default - Whatever folder the system happens to be currently at.

Last Open Archive - The last folder that an archive was opened from.  Default.

Folder - Specify a specific folder here by clicking the folder command button.

Add Folder

Open Archive Folder - The same folder that the currently open archive is in.

Last Add Folder - The last folder that was accessed when files were added to an archive.  Default.

Folder - Specify a specific folder here by clicking the folder command button.

Extract Folder

System Default - Whatever folder the system happens to be currently at.

Last Extraction - The last folder that files were extracted to.  Default.

Folder - Specify a specific folder here by clicking the folder command button.

Work Folder

System Default - By default, this is usually the Windows\Temp folder.  Default.

Folder - Specify a specific folder here by clicking the folder command button.


E-Mail

This option allows you to set your default settings when using the E-Mail portion of ExpressZIP.

SMTP Server

This is the server that ExpressZIP will use to send E-Mail and archive attachments.

SMTP Port

This is the port that ExpressZIP is to use when sending E-Mail.  By default this is 25.

E-Mail Address

Enter your E-Mail address here.  This will be put into the From and Reply To fields for any sent E-Mail messages.

Name or Organization

Enter the name you would like any E-Mail messages to appear from.  This can be your name or your company name for example.


Viewers

This option allows you to set your default settings when you wish to view files within opened archives in ExpressZIP.

Text Viewers

ExpressZIP Internal - Can read both .txt and .rtf files.

Using this setting, ExpressZIP will allow you to view TXT and RTF files right in the ExpressZIP environment, without having to start any external software.  Default.

System Default Viewers - Depends of type of file.

Using this setting, ExpressZIP will start the default program on your system for viewing the selected type of file, if one exists on your system.

Image Viewers

ExpressZIP Internal - Can read most common graphics.

Using this setting, ExpressZIP will allow you to quickly view many types of graphics files right in the xpressZIP environment, without having to start any external software.  ExpressZIP can view GIF, JPG, BMP, ICO and WMF file types.  Default.

System Default Viewers - Depends of type of file.

Using this setting, ExpressZIP will start the default program on your system for viewing the selected type of file, if one exists on your system.

  Note:  If you have the Viewer Settings set to use ExpressZIP's Internal Viewers, keep in mind that the viewers can only view the files specified above.  If ExpressZIP cannot read the file, it will pass the task along to the default viewer on your system for that type of file.  If no default viewer exists on your system for the type of file you are trying to view, ExpressZIP will notify you with an error.


Favorite Zip Files

This option allows you to catalogue your favorite Zip files in order to keep track of them.

You can use the Favorite Zip Files toolbar buttons to add new items or simply right click in the tree listing.

The toolbar allows you to create a new item, open a selected archive, delete the selected item and spell check your notes on any item, respectively.

The right click menu consists of the following commands:

Create a New Item

This option allows you to create a new 'Top Level' item. Top Level items allow you to organize your archives by description and catagories that you define.

The item will automatically be added to the tree listing and it's contents highlighted, allowing you to type in the name of the new item.

Once added, you can type a description for the item into the description field on the right hand side of the Favorite Zip Files screen.

Add New Archive to Item

This option allows you to add a new ZIP or EXE archive to a Top Level item.  Select the Top Level item you wish to list the archive under and choose this option.  ExpressZIP will then present you with the file dialog to allow you to select the archive file you wish to add.

Once added, you can type a description for the file into the description field on the right hand side of the Favorite Zip Files screen.

Delete Selected Item

This option allows you to delete the selected item.  If the item is a Top Level item, all of it's contents will be deleted as well.

Open Selected Archive

This option allows you to open any selected archive file in ExpressZIP quickly.  Once this option has been selected, the ExpressZIP open archive screen will be presented to you with the listing of the archive contents.

  Note:  When the Favorites screen is loaded, if any archives listed are no longer present in the folder they were added from, they are automatically removed from your Favorites listing.


Viewing & Opening Archive Files

Most files within an opened archive can simply be double clicked in order to view that file.

ExpressZIP features built-in support for viewing most common types of picture files including;  JPG, GIF, ICO, WMF, EMF, BMP type files.  ExpressZIP can also use it's internal viewers to view TXT and RTF files right in the main ExpressZIP environment.

The way these files are viewed and with what program, depends on the settings you specify under the Viewers option.

You can also right click on a file and select the View/Run Selected File option, click the View toolbar button to view a file or select the View option from the Actions menu.

  Note:  If multiple files are selected when the view option is selected, the last selected file is the file that will be viewed.


License Agreement

License Agreement

READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT CAREFULLY.  THIS PROGRAM IS COPYRIGHTED AND LICENSED (NOT SOLD).  BY INSTALLING THE PROGRAM, YOU ARE ACCEPTING AND AGREEING TO THE TERMS OF THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT.  THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT REPRESENTS THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT CONCERNING THE PROGRAM BETWEEN YOU AND AVANTRIX INC., (REFERRED TO AS "LICENSOR"), AND IT SUPERSEDES ANY PRIOR PROPOSAL, REPRESENTATION, OR UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

1. License Grant.  Licensor hereby grants to you, and you accept, a nonexclusive license to use the program in machine-readable, object code form only, for use only as authorized in this License Agreement.  You agree that you may not reverse assemble, reverse compile, or otherwise translate the Program.

2. Licensor's Rights.  You acknowledge and agree that the Program is proprietary to Licensor and protected under copyright law.  You further acknowledge and agree the all right, title, and interest in and to the Program, including associated intellectual property rights, are and shall remain with Licensor.  The License Agreement does not convey to you an interest in or to the Program, but only a limited right of use revocable in accordance with the terms of this License Agreement.

3. No Warranty; Limitation of Liability.  YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE PROGRAM IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.  LICENSOR MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES REGARDING THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PROGRAM.  LICENSOR EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  LICENSOR SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, BY THE PROGRAM, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY INTERRUPTION OF SERVICES, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF DATA OR SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES.

4. Costs of Litigation.  If any action is brought by either party to this License Agreement against the other party regarding the subject matter hereof, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover, in addition to any other relief granted, reasonable attorney fees and expenses of litigation.

5. Severability.  Should any term of this License Agreement be declared void or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration will have no effect on the remaining terms hereof.

6. No Waiver.  The failure of either party to enforce any rights granted hereunder or to take action against the other party in the event of any breach hereunder shall not be deemed a waiver by that party as to subsequent enforcement of rights or subsequent actions in the event of future breaches.


Password Protecting Archives

Archives can be easily password protected by selecting the Password button on the Add Files screen, when adding new files to an archive.

Once a password has been set, any newly added files will be automatically password protected with the selected password.

  Note:  While Zip password protection is quiet safe in most cases, very sensitive data should not be protected this way, as the Zip password protection can be cracked in most cases.


Viewing & Adding Archive Comments

Whenever you attempt to open an archive that contains a comment, you will be prompted whether or not to view the comment.

Choosing the Comment option under the Actions menu allows you to view the archive comment at any time.  When you choose this option, if the archive does not contain a comment, you can add one.

Archive comments are generally a desciption concerning the contents of the archive, but can be anything you wish.


Virus Scanning

Selecting the Virus Scan option on the Actions menu allows you to scan an opened archive right in the main ExpressZIP environment.

  Note:  You must have setup your default system Virus Scanner under the Settings/Virus Scanning portion of ExpressZIP, with any command line switches required in order for the Virus Scanning operation to proceed.

Also, your virus scanner must support the scanning of files within archives, as the files are not extracted to be scanned for your protection.  Most virus scanners support this operation automatically, while some require that you pass a certain parameter on the command line.  Check your virus scanners documentation for more details.


Terminology

Some users may be unfamiliar with terminology used within this help file as well as within ExpressZIP itself.  In an effort to make using ExpressZIP easier to use, some of the terminology used within the application and this file is explained here.

Archive:  This is simply another term to describe a ZIP or EXE file created using ExpressZIP or another ZIP utility.  An archive is a single file, consisting of one or more files that have been compressed into it to make it more compact and easier to work with.

Compress:  ExpressZIP will take a file and rearrage it's data to make the file smaller.  The original data remains intact, it is simply squeezed and compacted to become smaller.

Extract:  When you extract files from a ZIP or EXE archive, you are telling ExpressZIP that you want those files back to their original form (uncompressed) and outside of the archive.  When files are extracted, they are uncompressed and written to your hard drive or other destination, in their original format.  Compressed copies of the file still remain intact inside the archive.

UnZip:  This is the same as Extract.  When you UnZip an archive, you extract files from within the archive onto your hard drive or another destination, back to their original state.  Compressed versions of the files still remain within the archive after unzipping.

Zip:  The opposite of UnZip.  This allows you to compress files and put them into a single archive.  This action compresses the files and squeezes them into a single file (archive).


Installing Archive Programs

This option allows you to install a program contained within an archive without unzipping the archive first.

If the archive contains an INSTALL.EXE or SETUP.EXE file, then this option will be available when viewing the contents of an archive.

Clicking this button will cause ExpressZIP to extract the contents of the archive to a temporary location and begin the install process.  ExpressZIP will take care of cleaning up the extracted files within the extracted temporary folder.

  Note:  By default, ExpressZIP will attempt to run the SETUP.EXE file first if found.


E-Mailing Archives

This option allows you to E-Mail an open archive to another individual.  The following fields can be populated:

To

Specify the E-Mail address of who the message is going to here.  Multiple E-Mail addresses can be specified as long as they are seperated by commas.

Subject

Specify the subject of the message here.

Cc

Specify any E-Mail addresses that receive a carbon copy of the message and attachment here.  These names will be visible in the headers of the message for the receiving parties.  Multiple E-Mail addresses can be specified as long as they are seperated by commas.

Bcc

Specify E-Mail addresses that receive a Blind Carbon Copy of the message and attachment.  The recipient list will be surpressed as long as this is the only field that is populated by E-Mail addresses.  Multiple E-Mail addresses can be specified as long as they are seperated by commas.

Body

You can then type in your message in the body field of the E-Mail screen.  You will see the attached archive above the body field as well.

Spell Check

Use the spell check button to check the body of your message for spelling errors.

Send

Use the send button to send the E-Mail message and attachment.

  Note:  You must have specified your E-Mail settings under the Settings option before attempting to send an E-Mail message.

Also, the E-Mail portion requires a standard POP3 account for sending E-Mail as well as a connection to the Internet.


Testing Archives

ExpressZIP allows you to test archives to ensure the integrity of the archive itself and the files contained within can be extracted properly.

If you have an archive open in the main ExpressZIP environment when you choose the Test option on the Actions Menu, ExpressZIP will ask you if you wish to test the currently open archive.  If you choose Yes, the currently open archive will be tested, otherwise it will display the file open dialog and allow you to choose an archive to test, as it would if there is no archive currently open in ExpressZIP.

Once the test is complete, ExpressZIP will inform you as the results of the test, whether it was successful and if any errors within the archive were found.


Drag & Drop Operations

ExpressZIP allows the basic functionality of drag and drop operations when working with archives and files from Windows Explorer.

Here are a few examples:

Opening an Archive:

If ExpressZIP is open and no archive is currently open, you can drag a ZIP file from Windows Explorer onto the main Open window and ExpressZIP will automatically open that archive.

  Note:  If an archive is currently open in the main ExpressZIP environment, ExpressZIP will assume that you want to add the dropped ZIP file to the currently open archive, if one is dropped onto the window, as opposed to opening it.

Adding Files to an Open Archive:

If you have an archive open in ExpressZIP, you can drag a folder or a selection of files onto the archive listing from Windows Explorer.  ExpressZIP will then popup the Dropped Files addition window and allow you to specify settings for the newly added file(s).


Environment

This option allows you to set your default settings for the main ExpressZIP environment.

Show Gridlines in File Listing

If checked, this will cause gridlines to be displayed in the file listing for an open archive.  Default is not checked.

Allow Full Row Select

If checked, this will allow you to select a file in the currently open archive listing by clicking anywhere in the file's row.  Default is checked.

Allow Mouse Hover Selection

If checked, this will select the file that the mouse is hovering over at anytime in the currently open archive listing.  Default is not checked.

Allow Column Reorder

If checked, this will allow you to drag the column headers of a currently open archive to different positions if you wish.  Default is not checked.  Any reordering is not saved when ExpressZIP is closed down.


Creating Spanned Archives

Whenever you are creating an archive on removable media like a floppy disk, if the archive is too large to fit on a single disk, ExpressZIP will automatically span the archive over multiple disks for you.

There is no need for you to decide if the archive being created will be too large to fit on a single disk.  If the first disk becomes full when the archive is being created, ExpressZIP will prompt you automatically for a new disk.

  Note:  Whenever writing is to begin on a new disk, ExpressZIP will check the existing contents of the new disk.  If the disk already contains data, you will be prompted as to what to do with the data on the disk.  You will have the option to insert another disk, erase the contents of the disk or append the archive to the disk, not effecting any of the existing data.


Adding Full Folder Contents

While an archive is open in the main ExpressZIP environment, you can add the contents of full folders to it at any time.  You can add a full folder of files by clicking the drop down arrow on the Add toolbar button or choosing the Add Folder sub option of the Add command from the Actions menu.

  Note:  Files cannot be added to archives that span multiple disks.  Once a multiple disk archive has been created, files cannot be added or removed.

Once the Add Folder screen is presented to you, you can select a folder to add it's contents to the currently open archive.

Add Options

Action

This drop down listing allows you to determine how the files are added to the opened archive.  Here is a description of each setting:

Add(and Replace) Files - ExpressZIP will add any files that you have selected that do not already exist in your archive and will replace any existing files.

Freshen Existing Files - ExpressZIP will only freshen any files that exist in your archive, with the selected files.  If a selected files is older than the file that already exists in your archive, it will not replace the existing file.  No new files will be added, regardless of the files you have selected.

Update(and Add) Files - Same as the Add(and Replace) Files option, although existing files will be updated only if the selected files are newer than what exists in the archive.

Compression

This drop down listing allows you to determine which type of compression is used when files are being added to the archive.  The Normal setting is the best option in most cases, while you can also choose from Maximum compression or no compression at all.

Include Sub Folders

This option when checked, tells ExpressZIP to scan and include any files within any sub folders beneath the main folder you are adding.

Save Extra Folder Info

This option when checked, tells ExpressZIP to save any of the folder information with the file(s) being added.

For example:  Adding the Picture.bmp file from the C:\Temp folder with this option checked, would cause the file to be stored in the archive as:  \Temp\Picture.bmp.

Password Protect

Clicking the password protect button allows you to password protect the file(s) being added to the archive.  See Password Protecting Archives for more information.


Deleting Files from Open Archives

When an archive is open in the main ExpressZIP environment, you can select a file or multiple files by using your CTRL or SHIFT buttons and choose to delete those files from the open archive.

You can choose the Delete option by right clicking in the file listing or under the actions menu.


Sorting Archive Listings

Once an archive has been opened in the main ExpressZIP environment, the listing of files contained within it can be sorted easily.

Files can be sorted by Name, Size, Compressed Size and Date/Time.  You can quickly sort the files by clicking the approprate column header.

Files can also be sorted by right clicking anywhere in the file listing and choosing one of the available popup menu options.  There are two groups of sort menu options on the right click menu.  Once group contains the phrase Asc, which means the files will be sorted in Ascending order, while the second group contains the phrase Des, which means the files will be sorted in Descending order.


Virus Scanning

This option allows you to set ExpressZIP to use your system virus scanner to scan archives opened in the program.

AntiVirus Software to Use

Click the browse button next to this text field in order to search for and select your default virus scanner program file.

Command Line Parameters (if any)

You can enter any optional command line parameters here if your antivirus software requires any.  Check your virus scanner's documentation for more details on any command line parameters.


Thanks To...

AVANTRIX Inc. would like to acknowledge the following people with regards to ExpressZIP's creation, testing and use:

Compulsion Software - For their Ace & Rar DLL's which allows ExpressZIP to extract files from both ACE and RAR archives.

ExpressZIP Beta Team - Thanks to all of the users who participated in the ExpressZIP Beta Program.  These users devoted time and effort to help with the creation and testing of the final product you see here.


Other Archives

This option allows you to set how ExpressZIP handles some other types of archives.

ExpressZIP can deal with three other types of archives, other than the standard ZIP and EXE format archives.  Along with these, ExpressZIP can extract files from ACE, CAB and RAR style archives.  Each archive type allows you to set the way that ExpressZIP is to handle one of these types of archives when opened.

Use ExpressZIP Internal

ExpressZIP will allow you to define a location to extract the files contained within the selected archive to as well as define a password for the archive if it is password protected.

Use External Program

You can also define any external program to open and manipulate the chosen archive with.  By clicking the folder button next to the external program text field, you can browse your hard drive to find the external program to use.  If you do not have any other archiver programs on your system, you can leave these settings to use the ExpressZIP Internal options.

  Note:  See the Other Archive Types section for more information.


Other Archive Types

ExpressZIP also recognizes and can extract files from three other types of archives you may encounter.

Depending on the Settings you have defined for other archives, ExpressZIP will allow you to extract files from ACE, CAB and RAR style archives.

When you select to open an archive, you can click the drop down arrow next to the 'Files of Type' option to change it, allowing you to select from these three types of archives as well as ZIP and EXE style archives.

If you have chosen to use the Internal functionality in ExpressZIP to extract files from these styles of archives (which is the default), then you will be able to set the destination folder to extract the files to and define an archive password if the archive is password protected.

ALL files from within one of these types of archives will be extracted to the folder you select.