Copyright: 5.5   Tuesday, September 05, 2000 09:52:17
Citation: Aladdin Browser 5.5: Aladdin Systems, Inc.


Introduction

Aladdin's StuffIt Browser provides a familiar Explorer-style interface that allows you to create and expand archives in a variety of common formats. This versatile program offers support for SIT (StuffIt), ZIP, CAB, LZH, ARC, TAR, TGZ, GZ, Z, UUencoded, and MIME/Base 64 formats. There is also StuffIt Browser support for additional external formats if purchased separately (RAR, ARJ, and ACE).

When you select a compressed file the contents are displayed as if you had opened a folder. You can add or delete files, view documents, call Quick View, and in most cases perform basic file management operations such as copy, move, rename, and synchronize directories whether or not the file or folder is contained within an archive.

Drag-and-drop operation is supported for file management functions. StuffIt Browser also allows you to easily create self-extracting (EXE & SFX) ZIP archives. StuffIt Browser supports variable compression levels for SIT and ZIP archives (and RAR, ARJ, and ACE if installed) and MultiVolume archives for ZIP and CAB files (and RAR, ARJ, and ACE if installed).

By default, an automatic Archive History log of each archive is created and stored in a History folder. Archive History files contain a list of the archive contents, the archive name, creation date, and any description you may have entered. The Archive History interface is very similar to the Windows Explorer and also allows you to create a new record from any existing archives.

StuffIt Browser supports several system options such as Map Network Drive, Find File, File (Folder or Drive) Properties, Open With, and so on. This version of StuffIt Browser allows you to virus check all supported archive formats. It is fully compatible with Norton AntiVirus™ for Windows, McAfee VirusScan™, and F-Prot for Windows.

For Registration and License information, click here:


Using StuffIt Browser
Using the StuffIt Browser

StuffIt Browser allows you to compress or expand files, and to view existing archives.

1.	From the Start Menu, locate the Programs Menu item called StuffIt.

2.	Select and release on StuffIt Browser.

3.	Locate and select the archive you want to view.

4.	Do one of the following:

•	Use the Browser like Windows Explorer to view files and folders contained within the archive.

•	Locate and select the files or folders you wish to add to the archive, then click the Add to Archive button.

•	Locate files or folders you wish to expand, then set up the options and click the Expand button.

To create an archive, refer to Compressing files.

To expand an archive, refer to Expanding archives.

See also:

File formats the StuffIt Browser supports

Note:

The procedures outlined in this Help system assume some basic working knowledge of the Windows 95, 98, 2000, or NT 4.0 user interfaces. If you are unfamiliar with the Windows 95, 98, 2000, or NT 4.0 user interface, there are many good third-party guides that can be purchased in most bookstores. Online help is also available by selecting the Help command located on the Start menu.


Registration and License Information

Registration and Updates

Register online with Aladdin Systems at:	 (http://www.aladdinsys.com/register).

Be sure to fill out and email your registration information. Doing so will ensure that you are notified of updates and new releases. You will also be eligible for technical support.

To check for all product updates via the Web:  http://www.aladdinsys.com/updates

Comments and Suggestions

We at Aladdin Systems, Inc. are open to any suggestions that can enhance the usability and features of any StuffIt product. Please address your correspondence to Product Manager - StuffIt Windows, and use any of the addresses listed above.

To provide comments via the Web:  http://www.aladdinsys.com/company/comments

License Agreement

LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR STUFFIT

This is a legal agreement between you and Aladdin Systems, Inc. covering your use of StuffIt (the "Software"). Be sure to read the following agreement before using the Software. BY USING THE SOFTWARE (REGARDLESS IF YOU HAVE REGISTERED THE SOFTWARE OR NOT), YOU ARE AGREEING TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, DO NOT USE THE SOFTWARE AND DESTROY ALL COPIES IN YOUR POSSESSION.

The Software is owned by Aladdin Systems and is protected by United States copyright laws and international treaty provisions. Therefore, you must treat the Software like any other copyrighted material (e.g., a book or musical recording). Paying the license fee allows you the right to use one copy of the Software on a single computer. You may not network the Software or otherwise use it or make it available for use on more than one computer at the same time. You may not rent or lease the Software, nor may you modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Software. If you violate any part of this agreement, your right to use this Software terminates automatically and you must then destroy all copies of the Software in your possession.

The Software and its related documentation are provided "AS IS" and without warranty of any kind and Aladdin Systems expressly disclaims all other warranties, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Under no circumstances shall Aladdin Systems be liable for any incidental, special, or consequential damages that result from the use or inability to use the Software or related documentation, even if Aladdin Systems has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event shall Aladdin Systems' liability exceed the license fee paid, if any.

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. If for any reason a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of the Agreement, or portion thereof, to be unenforceable, that provision of the Agreement shall be enforced to the maximum extent permissible so as to effect the intent of the parties, and the remainder of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

The Software and documentation is provided with RESTRICTED RIGHTS. Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subdivision (b)(3)(ii) of the ASPR Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause as 252.227- 7013.

The supported ACE32, ARJ, and RAR compressors are not free software and must be installed separately. If you use any of these programs for compression you must register it with the appropriate vendor. The LHA, CAB, and TAR DLL's are free. Expansion of ACE32, ARJ, and RAR archives in StuffIt is free.

SPECIAL NOTES

MultiVolume self-extracting ZIP archives with extensions .z00, .z01, are registered and under copyright to Aladdin Systems. Distribution of programs for revenue made with SFX ZIP archives made with this software requires a license from Aladdin Systems.

Manufacturer is: Aladdin Systems, Inc., 245 Westridge Dr., Watsonville, California, 95076, United States of America (831) 761-6200 telephone, (831) 761-6206 facsimile.


File menu

Use the file menu to perform the following operations. Many of these options can also be accomplished using the tool bar.

Quick View 	Allows you to view the specified file or folder if it is supported by Quick View.
See the Microsoft Help system to learn how to install and associate Quick View.

Edit	Edits the specified text file

Open Archive	Opens the specified archive

Compress/Encode	Compresses the specified files into an archive

Add to Archive 	Adds the selected files and or folders to the selected archive

Expand	Expands the specified archive

Move	Moves the specified file or folder

Copy	Copies or extracts the specified file or folder

Delete	Deletes the specified file or folder

Rename 	Renames the specified file or folder

Run 	Runs the specified application

New Folder 	Creates a new folder

See also

Drag-and-Drop

Using the Toolbar


Edit menu

The Edit menu lets you select files and or folders within the browser and view or edit the properties.

Select All 	Selects all files or folders

Invert Selection	Selects the opposite of the currently selected files or folders

Select Files 	Selects specific files

Options 	Displays the Options dialog boxes


View menu

The View menu controls how the StuffIt Browser looks. You can select the level of detail you want to view. These options allow you to see different icon sizes and details in the File List Box.

Details 	Displays detailed file information

Small Icon 	Displays small icons

Large Icon 	Displays large icons

Close Archive/Refresh 	Closes or refreshes the selected archive


Tools menu

The Tools menu allows you to create a new archive history, or open an archive history. You can also run a virus scan, and connect to or disconnect from a network drive.

Map Network Drive 	Allows you to map a network drive

Disconnect Network Drive	Disconnects a specific network drive

New Archive History 	Creates a new archive history

Open Archive History 	Opens the existing archive history

Virus Scan	Runs a virus scan on the archive

The Map Network Drive and Disconnect Network options open a system dialog box where you can connect or disconnect the network drive same as in Explorer.

Archive History files contain a list of the archive contents, the archive name, creation date, and any archive or file description you may have entered. See Creating an archive history to learn more.

Virus Scan performs a virus check on the selected items. This version of the StuffIt Browser, is fully compatible with Norton AntiVirus for Windows 95 (only version 4.0), McAfee SCAN 95, and F-Prot for Windows 95. It allows you to virus check all format archive files. Your current anti-virus program will plug in automatically.


Help menu

The Help menu provides quick access to the entire StuffIt Help file. To view the entire Help Topics Window with Contents tabs, click the Help command. You can view, browse, or search for specific Help topics.

Information on Aladdin’s StuffIt development team may be found by clicking the About StuffIt Browser icon.


Context Menu

This menu displays whenever you right-click in the File List area of the StuffIt Browser. It allows you to perform commands on the currently selected files or folders.

Open With…	This will open the selected file with its associated application.

Quick View 	Views the specified file if it is supported by Quick View.
See the Microsoft Help system to learn how to install and associate Quick View.

Edit 	Edits the specified text file

Compress/Encode	Compresses the specified files into an archive

Expand	Expands the specified archive

Add to Archive	Allows you to select additional items to compress in an existing archive

Open Archive 	Opens the specified archive

Close Archive/Refresh 	Closes or refreshes the selected archive

Copy	Copies or extracts files from the specified archive

Move 	Moves the specified file

Delete 	Deletes the specified file

Rename 	Allows you to rename the specified file

Properties	Displays the standard Windows properties information for the item


Error Dialog

This dialog displays errors or warnings. Each dialog contains a simple description of the error or warning. Usually the text includes a sentence or two describing the most likely cause. Sometimes the text will describe how to fix or avoid the error. The dialog shows the archive or encoded file that was being processed along with the particular file within the archive where the error occurred. Occasionally errors occur where the archive or file might not be known, so these fields would be blank.


Password Dialog

This dialog box displays during processing of an encrypted archive. It displays the encrypted archive’s pathname. You should enter the password into the edit field. Asterisks (‘*’) are displayed for each character typed to protect your password from view by other people. Pressing the OK button causes the StuffIt Browser to use that password to decode the archive. If the password is not correct the archive will not be decoded. You must re-enter the archive pathname to start the process over.


Splash Screen Dialog

This is the Aladdin Systems, Inc. splash screen dialog. This dialog box displays whenever the StuffIt Browser is launched. It displays information about Aladdin Systems, Inc. and how to contact Aladdin as well as the product name and version.


Progress Dialog

This dialog box displays when the StuffIt Browser is compressing or expanding an archive. The title will display either Compressing or Expanding depending on the current operation. The archive pathname is displayed, along with the current file being processed and a progress bar.


Destination Folder Warning Dialog

This dialog box warns you that the destination folder may not be what you want. There are several situations where the current destination may not be appropriate:

1.) 	The archive is located in a network folder. Most likely, you want to expand the archive on you main drive.

2.) 	The archive is a MultiVolume or segmented archive and/or the archive is on a floppy or other removable media. Most likely, you want to join and expand the archive on your main drive.

3.) 	The destination folder does not contain sufficient space to expand the archive completely. Continuing with the expansion will result in some or all of the files not being output.

4.) 	The archive is on a CD-ROM or the destination is read only, write protected, or write access will be denied. Continuing with the expansion at the current destination folder will result in a fatal error where no files could be output.

These warnings range from advisory to serious. You can choose a new temporary destination folder that will be used on the current archive. You can edit the destination or browse to select another destination. In addition, you can specify the new destination folder for all the archives or encoded files in this group of selected files and or folders. This dialog box displays before expansion actually begins. Therefore, you can either select a new destination folder or you can ignore the warning, and use the current destination folder. In either case the expansion process continues normally.


Compress Options

Use this dialog box to customize the StuffIt Browser compression options.

Default Compressor

Select a default compressor, by clicking a radio button. In some cases, you can specify additional options.

SIT (StuffIt)

Use the slider to set compression density. Fastest will take the least amount of time, but the archive will be of a larger size.  The Maximum compression mode compresses files to the smallest possible size.

ZIP

Use the slider to set compression density. With the 0 option there is no compression only storage. At the highest compression density, compression speed rapidly decreases.

EXE

Creates self-extracting archives using the ZIP format.  This option also provides options for creating custom SFX self-extracting archives.

CAB

Creates Windows-compatible "cabinet" files.

TAR/TGZ/GZ

Creates files in the Unix standard tar format.

LZH

Creates archives in this older, seldom used, format.

Optional external compressors

You need to purchase these compressors separately from their respective vendors. Once you have selected one of these compressors, click the Folder button to browse to the location where the executable file is located and use the slider to set the compression density. For RAR and ACE, you’ll typically use the Default setting. For each of these compressors, the Maximum compression mode produces the smallest files but compression speed rapidly decreases.

Delete originals after compression

Check this option if you want to delete the original files after a successful compression operation.


Expand Options

Use this dialog box to set the default overwrite options for StuffIt Browser. When you expand an archive, these options specify how to handle duplicate file names.

Do not overwrite existing files

When checked, if a file with the same name as one in the archive exists, the file in the archive will be skipped and will not overwrite the existing file on the target drive.

Confirm overwrite of existing files

When a file with same name as one of the archive file exists, this option specifies to display a confirmation dialog box that prompts you to specify whether to overwrite or skip the existing file.

Always overwrite existing files

When a file with same name as one of the archive file exists, this option specifies to always overwrite the file on the target drive.

Delete archive after expansion

Check this option if you want to delete the archive file once it has been successfully expanded.


Destination Properties
Destination Options

Use this dialog box to specify the preferred expansion and compression paths. These paths specify where newly expanded or compressed files will be located.

Preferred expansion path

Lets you set the default location for expanded files.

Same as Source	Will place the output of the archive in the same location as the archive itself.

Use this Location	Click the folder button to navigate to a specific location. The expanded output of all archives will be put here.

Preferred compression path

Lists the default location for compressed files.

Same as Source	Will place the archive in the same location as the original files/folders.

Use this Location 	Click the folder button to navigate to a specific location. All archives will be put here.


Helper Options
Helpers Options

This options dialog box allows you to select which types of archives or encoded files the StuffIt Browser will expand when they are double clicked. The check box list shows which archive or encoded file formats are currently associated with the StuffIt Browser. If a box is checked, any file of that format will be expanded when double clicked. If the check box is unchecked, StuffIt Browser will not expand that file when double clicked. The StuffIt Browser can expand all of the listed formats regardless of whether that format is associated with the StuffIt Browser.

Show DOS Window during compression / decompression

Selecting this option to allows you to see the DOS window with all Browser messages during the compression or expansion of an archive. (Not all compressors support this feature.) Use this option when an error exists and cannot be seen in a standard window. This window is automatically opened when compressing or decompressing to/from a floppy drive because the DOS messages are important to see.

For example when using MultiVolume archives on floppy disks, this option displays a message to insert the next diskette in the floppy drive and to press "YES."

Send deleted files to the Recycle Bin

When checked, deleted files are sent to the Recycle Bin.

Default Viewer:

Quick View is the default viewer. It can also be displayed by choosing File > Quick View. To use Quick View, it must be installed as a Windows accessory. From the Windows Start Menu, choose Help, then type Quick View to learn more. If desired, click the folder button to navigate to a different viewer application.

Default Text Editor:

Click the folder button to navigate to a different text editor. The default text editor is accessed by choosing File > Edit.

Default Anti-Virus Program

Click on the "Find" icon to locate an installed anti-virus application.

File Extension Associations

In general, you will want to enable all of the associations shown in this dialog. This provides quick and convenient access to the StuffIt Browser for expanding these file types.


History Options

This dialog box allows you to set the default options for the Archive Index.

Add archive data to the Archive Index after compression

When this box is checked, the archive index is updated after compression completes.

Show Archive Index window after compression

When this box is checked, the index window will display after a file has been compressed.


About Dialog

This dialog box displays a splash screen with information about the people at Aladdin Systems, Inc. who created this great product. Clicking the Help button displays the Help Topics. Pressing the Shift key while selecting About StuffIt Browser will display the Application and StuffIt Engine version and build numbers. Use that information when contacting Aladdin for support.


Using The Toolbar

The toolbar provides quick access to the Expand dialog, the properties dialog boxes, and Help.

The toolbars are moveable so that you can place them in a location of your choice.

	Compress
	Expand
	Adds selected files to an existing archive.
	List contents of the selected archive file.
	End viewing content of archive file and/or Browser Refresh.
	Copy or extract selected files and/or directories.
	Move selected files and/or directories.
	View the Options property settings.
	View the About Box for StuffIt Browser.
	View this Help file.

Place the mouse pointer on top of any icon in the toolbar to view what command it accesses.


Selecting options for compressing

Destination Window

Archive Name

By default, the name of the first selected file/folder will appear in this field.  This field is fully editable. If you are adding files to an existing archive, the name of the selected archive will appear here.

Archive Format

This field will display the extension of the default archive format.  To change the format for a single operation you may select the drop down menu and choose another format.  This will not reset the Options Property Sheet default setting.

Path

This will display the path based upon the Options Property Sheet Destination setting.  To change the path for a single operation select the Browse icon and navigate to the desired location. This will not reset the Options Property Sheet default setting.

Compress button

Will compress the selected files/folders according to the information in the previous three fields.

Cancel button

Will cancel the compression operation

Advanced>> button

This will present the additional options available for the selected archive format.  These may include:

Password

If available, this option allows the user to enter a password which will be required for later expansion of the archive. (Be sure to save this password in a secure place. If you lose the password, there is no way for Aladdin to break into your archive.)

MultiVolume

When this box is checked, the archive will be created in segments according to the size selected in the field directly below the check box.  This field is user editable.

Archive Comment

You may enter a comment about the archive in this field.


Selecting options for expanding

Destination Window

Archive Name

This will display the name of the archive that has been selected for expansion.

Archive Format

This displays the extension of the archive that has been selected for expansion.  This is not editable for this operation.

Path

This will display the path based upon the Options Property Sheet Destination setting.  To change the path for a single operation select the Browse icon and navigate to the desired location. This will not reset the Options Property Sheet default setting.

Expand button

Will expand the selected archive according to the information in the previous three fields.

Cancel button

Will cancel the expansion operation

Advanced>> button

This will present the additional options available for the selected archive format. These may include:

Preserve Folders

If the archive format supports sub-folders, selecting this option will preserve the folder structure of the files being expanded.

MultiVolume

If the selected archive is a MultiVolume one, this option is checked and the segment size is displayed.

Password

If the selected archive is password protected, the user can enter the password here to allow expansion of the archive.

Archive Comment

If the archive has a comment field, the text of the comment will appear in this field.


File Formats Aladdin Browser Supports
File Formats StuffIt Browser Supports

StuffIt Browser supports the following popular compressed and encoded file formats:

Ace (.ace)

Arc (.arc)

Arj (.arj, .pak)

Cab (.cab)

gzip (.gz, .z)

Lzh (.lzh)

MIME (base64, b64)

Rar (.rar)

StuffIt (.sit, .sea)

Tar (.tar, .tgz, .gz)

Uuencode (.uu)

Zip (.zip)

StuffIt also supports StuffIt, Zip, and Arj self-extracting archives and StuffIt segmented archives.

Note:

After installing the StuffIt Browser, the above supported file types will automatically be associated with it.


Contacting Aladdin Technical Support

For all technical support questions, contact

Mail:	Aladdin Systems, Inc. Technical Support 245 Westridge Drive Watsonville, CA 95076-4167, USA
Phone:	831-761-6200
Fax:	831-761-6206
email:	info@aladdinsys.com
Internet:	http://www.aladdinsys.com
Registration and Updates

Be sure to fill out and email your Registration information. Doing so will ensure that you are notified of updates and new releases. You will also be eligible for Technical Support.

Comments and Suggestions

Aladdin Systems, Inc. is open to any suggestions that can enhance the usability and features of Aladdin StuffIt. Please address your correspondence to Product Manager - Aladdin StuffIt Windows, and use any of the addresses listed above.

To provide comments via the Web…	http://www.aladdinsys.com/company/comments

Technical Support

If you cannot find an answer in this help file, don’t forget to check for additional information in the Read Me in the StuffIt folder on your computer. Technical support is available to all registered users via the Web, phone, fax, or mail. Please be sure to have the following information available prior to calling Aladdin, or include it in your email, fax, or letter:

- Write down your question or have a clear idea of the problem.

- Be prepared to duplicate the problem. Write down the steps you took that caused the problem.

- Note any error messages.

- Note your computer model.

- Note your system version.

- Note the amount of RAM.

- Note your StuffIt version number from Help… About.


Expanding archives
Expanding archives with the StuffIt Browser

To expand archives:

1.	In the Directory List Box (left-most box), select the folder with the archive(s) to be expanded.

2	In the File List Box (right-most box), select the archive to be expanded.

3.	If the archive is MultiVolume, select the one with the extension .arj, .ace, .rar, .cab, or .z00.

4.	Select Expand from the File menu, Toolbar, or Context Menu.

5.	Options for the selected archive type will automatically be displayed in the Destination window.

6.	Click the Expand button to expand the archive.

To expand selected files from archives:

1.	Repeat actions from 1 through 3 from above.

2.	Click the Open Archive button or double click the archive.

3.	Select the desired files.

4.	Choose Copy From Archive from the File menu, Toolbar, or Context Menu.

5.	After expansion, click the Close Archive / Refresh button to close the open archive.

You can also expand files within archives using drag-and-drop operations.


Compressing files
Compressing files with the StuffIt Browser

To make an archive:

1.	In the Directory List Box select a directory with files to compress.

2.	In the File List Box, select the files you wish to compress.

3.	Select Compress/Encode from the Menu, Toolbar, or Context Menu.

4.	In the Destination panel you may use the default archive name or enter one of your own choice, then select the directory in which to put the compressed files. (The displayed path will match the Preferred path set from Options, but you may browse to the location of your choice for this operation.)

5.	If you wish to add a comment, create a password protected or MultiVolume archive, select the Advanced button and enter the information.

6.	Click the Compress button to create the archive.

You can also compress files into an existing archive using drag-and-drop operations.


Drag and Drop
Drag and Drop with the StuffIt Browser

The StuffIt Browser supports drag-and-drop operations with files and archives within the Browser window.

To drag and drop instead of using the menus:

1. 	In the File List Box, find the file or folder with which you want to work.

3.	In the Directory List Box, make sure the location to which you want to drag the file or folder is visible.

3. 	Drag the file or folder to the destination.

The result depends on the type of file you selected and the destination. For example, to add a file to an archive, drag it to the target archive file icon.

If you drag a file to a folder from an open archive, it will be expanded in that folder. If you drag a file to a folder from regular folder, it will be copied.

To copy a file, simply drag and drop; you can also use these modifier keys while dragging:

•	To move a file, use SHIFT.

•	To decompress a file, use ALT.

•	To compress a file, use CTRL.


Viewing contents of an archive
Viewing the contents of an archive

To view the contents of an archive:

1.	In the Directory List Box, select the directory with the archive to be viewed.

2.	In the File List Box, select the archive or file to be viewed.

3.	Click the Open Archive button, or double-click the archive.

 Each file can then be viewed with the proper viewer.

4. 	To exit viewing, click Close Archive / Refresh or change to another working directory.

Use the Copy / Expand function to extract selected files from an archive to the designated target.

You can also view the contents of an archive by double clicking on the archive icon in the Directory List Box.


Creating an Archive History

Why create an Archive History?

We all tend to forget what any single archive contains, so an archive history provides a kind of index that is very easy to use and navigate when you need to search for a specific file in an archive.

Choose one of two options, to open an existing archive history, or to create a new one.

To open an archive history:

You can set an option property to automatically add data in the History folder, and an Archive History window will appear after each compression operation is finished.

When an archive history file already exists, a confirmation dialog box will appear prior to compression informing you that an archive history file exists and asks whether you wish to overwrite it. You can choose: YES, NO, CANCEL. If you choose:

YES – The existing file will be overwritten with new archive information.

NO – The StuffIt Browser will make a new archive but the archive history file will not be changed.

CANCEL – Nothing is done.

Automatically showing an Archive History window after compression allows you to add your description of the archive and any archived files. After compression you can also open this window by choosing Tools menu > Open Archive History, or by clicking the matching Toolbar button.

From here you are able to add data into the Archive History. In the Archive Description field, you can type a description of the archive. If you compressed the archive with an Archive Comment, it will be shown in Archive Description field. Clicking a file in the File Name field allows you to add a description for that file in the File Description field. When you finish entering data click the Save Button. When prompted "Overwrite existing file?" click Yes.

If you want to edit data in an existing history file select the desired archive history name in the left List box and repeat this procedure.

The Delete Button allows you to delete the archive history file shown in the left List Box.

If you want to open an archive, the StuffIt Browser will try to find that archive in the folder shown in the Location field. If the archive exists, the Archive History window will be closed and the archive will be opened, so keep the Archive Name field the same as the original archive.

To close this window, click Exit.

To create a new archive history:

1.	Select an archive file.

2.	Open the archive file.

3.	Choose Tools menu > New Archive History

Now you can enter both archive and file descriptions. If you don't want to edit or add information, click the Save button. You are able to edit this history at any time by using the Open Archive History option described above.

The Archive History files (*.ash) are written in plain text format, so you can edit these files with any text editor. Description string length is not limited, but you can not edit the archive name or creation date.

Note: Do not alter the archive name or the path to the archive.


Creating SFX archives

The SFX (self-extracting) archive uses the ZIP format. The size of a SFX file is 32kB larger than the original ZIP archive.

How to make an SFX archive:

1.	In the Directory List Box, select the directory that contains the files to compress.

2.	In the File List Box, select the files to compress.

3.	In the Destination Window select EXE for the Archive Format.

4.	You may edit the Archive Name field if desired

5.	You may edit the destination Path if desired.

6.	Select the Advanced button.

7.	Click the SFX Options button.

Setting the SFX options: (Optional)

a) 	Enter the desired directory name and path in the Default Extract Path.

b) 	In the Command Line field, enter the name of the application to run after decompression. For example; readme.txt, set the path to Windows Notepad to show the contents of the readme file.

c) 	Enter up to 125 characters in the "Message to user" field. This content will be shown in the window when the SFX archive is launched.

d) 	Enter the Windows caption text in the box labeled Caption. This information will appear in the Title Bar after the SFX is launched.

e) 	"Allow user to select files to extract" is off by default.

f) 	"Allow the user to change overwrite mode" is off by default. Overwrite modes are overwrite and skip. Selecting this option allows the user to choose Overwrite mode.

g) 	The "Load Custom Icon" button allows you to change which icon appears on the user's desktop for the SFX file. The icon must be 32 x 32 pixels and 16 colors (file size 766 bytes).

h) 	Click OK.

8.	Click the Compress toolbar button or choose Compress from the File menu.


Using Hot Keys
Using Hot Keys in the StuffIt Browser

Keystroke	Action

Alphabetic character	Selects the first menu item with the specified character as its access key. If the selected item invokes a menu, the menu is displayed and the first item is highlighted. Otherwise, the menu item is chosen.

ALT	Toggles in and out of menu bar mode.

ALT+SPACEBAR	Displays the Window menu.

ENTER	Activates a menu and selects the first menu item if an item has a menu associated with it. Otherwise, this keystroke chooses the item as if you released the mouse button while the item was selected.

ESC	Exits menu mode.

LEFT ARROW	Cycles to the previous top-level menu item. Top-level menu items include menu names and the window menu. If the selected item is in a menu, the previous column in the menu is selected or the previous top-level menu item is selected.

RIGHT ARROW	Works like the LEFT ARROW key, except in the opposite direction. In menus, this keystroke moves forward one column; when the currently selected item is in the far-right column, the next menu is selected.

UP or DOWN ARROWS	When pressed in a menu, the UP ARROW keystroke selects the previous item; the DOWN ARROW keystroke selects the next item.

Tab	Allows you to move control from one object (e.g. Directory List Box) to another (e.g. File List Box). Press Shift + TAB to move in the opposite direction.

PgUp, PgDn, Home, End, Up, Down, Left, Right

Allows you to browse the Directory List Box and File List Box.

Enter	Enter has the same function as a mouse click.

Ctrl + click	Allows you to multi-select files in the File List Box by holding Ctrl and clicking each file.

Shift +click	Allows you to multi-select files in the File List Box. First select one file with a mouse click. Then press Shift and click another file. All files between these two will be selected including the clicked files.

Control + A	Allows you to select all files in the File List Box.

Letter keys (A, B, C,...,Z)	Allows you to use an alphabetic search string of the File List Box and Directory List Box. Each time you type a character, the program appends the character to the search string and then searches for a matching file name. A timeout period of less than a second is associated with each character that you type. If the timeout period elapses before you type another character, the incremental search file name is reset. If the program finds a match, it selects the file and, if necessary, scrolls it into view.


Adding files to an existing archive
Adding files to an existing archive with the StuffIt Browser

To add files to an archive:

1.	In Directory List Box, select a directory with files to compress.

2.	In the File List Box select the files you wish to compress.

3.	Select Add to Archive from the File menu, Toolbar, or context menu in the File List Box.

4.	Using the Open/Save dialog box, locate the archive to which you wish to add the selected files.

5.	If you wish to add a comment, password protect, or create a MultiVolume archive, select the Advanced button and enter the information.

6.	Click the Compress button.

You can also add files with drag-and-drop operations:

To add files to an archive, drag the selected files from the File List Box and drop on the archive icon in the Directory List Box.


Terms - Index


Archive

A special file that may contain one, or multiple files and folders/directories. Archive files may be compressed, encrypted or self-extracting. Common types of archive formats include .zip and .sit files.


Custom Settings

Settings or options that are most often set by a user. With StuffIt, custom changes of options can be made using the Options dialog box.


Decode

The process of converting an encoded file back to the original source file. Aladdin Systems refers to encoded files as those that have the extension .hqx (BinHex), .uu, .uue, .mime, .mim, or b64 (base64). Encoded files may also be archives.


Default Settings

Settings or options automatically in place when launching an application for the first time. Compare with Custom Settings.


Drag--and--Drop
Drag-and-Drop

A common Graphical User Interface (GUI) method of opening data files using the mouse. Hold the mouse button on a file (or files), and visually “drag,” then “drop” the file onto the target application for processing.


Encoded file

Generally, a file that has been converted to a binary format from its original format for safe transmission over the Internet. Aladdin Systems refers to encoded files as those that have the extension .hqx (BinHex), .uu, .uue, .mime, .mim, or .b64 (base64).


Expansion

The process of returning a compressed or stuffed file to its original state.


Joining

The process of reassembling a segmented file. In most cases, the application that segmented the file, or a compatible utility, must be used to join the segmented file back to the original.


Long File Name

Under the 32-bit Windows 95 OS, file names may be up to 259 characters in length. This represents a radical departure from the 16-bit DOS "8.3" limitation for naming files. Macintosh file names may be up to 31 characters in length.


MIME (Base64) encoded file

MIME is an acronym for Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension. Base64 is one method used by MIME to transmit binary data files in email messages by converting them to text. Base64 files are most often decoded during download by a mail program, and requires no user intervention. StuffIt decodes Base64 files that were not automatically decoded upon receipt.

The current MIME schemes are "printed quotable" and Base64. Printed quotable results in data that may be largely readable if the original format was text, while Base64 is a more efficient algorithm that is unlikely to have any relevance to human readers.


OS
Operating System

The software designed to control the hardware of a specific computer system in order to allow users and application programs to employ it easily. Windows 98, Unix, and MacOS are examples of popular operating systems. The letters "OS" are a common abbreviation.


MultiVolume
MultiVolume/Segmenting

The process of truncating a binary or text file into smaller parts. This is a useful method of writing the large files to other media for easy transport. You can extract files from any MultiVolume segment without having to join all of the volumes. When creating MultiVolume archives you may either scroll through the default sizes (360Kb through 5000Kb) or enter the size of your choice after highlighting the field.


StuffIt archive

An industry standard archive format on the Windows and Macintosh developed by Aladdin Systems, Inc., and most often used with Aladdin’s commercial and freeware products. StuffIt archives usually have the extension .sit or .sea (self-extracting). Either type is expanded on the PC using Aladdin Expander version 5.x or the StuffIt Browser.


uuencode File
Uuencode encoded file

The set of UNIX programs for encoding binary data as ASCII text. Used as a means to transmit binary files across 7-bit gateways common to the Internet. Uuencoded files often have the extension .uu or .uue.


Zip archive

A popular DOS and Windows file compression format. Files in this format typically have a .zip extension. Self-extracting .zip archives usually have a .exe extension. Zip archives can contain multiple compressed files and a directory structure.


Unexpected Help Id: IDP_xxx, or IDP_ERR_xxx. Contact Aladdin Systems, Inc. This is not a bug, but should not appear.


#Introduction

$Introduction

KIntroduction

+EXPANDER:0

#Using_SIBrowser

$Using the StuffIt Browser

KUsing the StuffIt Browser

+EXPANDER:0

#Registration_and_License_Information

$Registration and License Information

KRegistration and License Information

+EXPANDER:0

#HID_FILE_MENU

$File Menu

KFile Menu

KMenus;Menus: File

+MENUS:0

#HID_EDIT_MENU

$Edit Menu

KEdit Menu

KMenus;Menus: Edit

+MENUS:0

#HID_VIEW_MENU

$View Menu

KView Menu

KMenus;Menus: View

+MENUS:0

#HID_TOOLS_MENU

$Tools Menu

KTools Menu

KMenus;Menus: Tools

+MENUS:0

#HID_HELP_MENU

$Help Menu

KHelp Menu

KMenus;Menus: Help

+MENUS:0

#HIDR_CNTX_MNU

$Context Sensitive PopUp Menu

KContext sensitive menu

KMenus;Menus:Context sensitive

+MENUS:0

#HIDD_FILE_EXPAND

$Expand Dialog (Standard File Open Dialog)

KDialogs;Dialogs: Expand

+DIALOGS:0

#HIDD_ERROR

$Error Dialog

KDialogs;Dialogs: Error

+DIALOGS:0

#HIDD_PASSWORD

$Password Dialog

KDialogs;Dialogs: Password

+DIALOGS:0

#HIDD_SPLASH

$Splash Screen Dialog

KDialogs;Dialogs: Splash Screen

+DIALOGS:0

#HIDD_PATHNAME

$Select File Name Dialog

KDialogs;Dialogs: Select File Name

+DIALOGS:0

#HIDD_PROGRESS

$Progress Dialog

KDialogs;Dialogs: Progress

+DIALOGS:0

#HIDD_DSTN_FLDR_WARN

$Destination Folder Warning Dialog

KDialogs;Dialogs: Destination Folder Warning

+DIALOGS:0

#HIDD_BROWSE_SEGMENT

$StuffIt Segment Browse Dialog

KDialogs;Dialogs: StuffIt Segment Browse

+DIALOGS:0

#HIDD_OPT_PS_DLG

$Options Property Sheet

KOptions Property Sheet

KDialogs;Dialogs: Options Property Sheet

+OPT_PS_DLG:0

#HIDD_OPT_EXPAND

$Expand Options Property Page

KDialogs;Dialogs: Expand Options Property Page

+OPT_PS_DLG:0

#HIDD_OPT_DSTN

$Destination Options Property Page

KDialogs;Dialogs: Destination Options Property Page

+OPT_PS_DLG:0

#HIDD_OPT_XPLT

$Cross-Platform Operations Options Dialog

KDialogs;Dialogs: Cross-Platform Operations Options

+OPT_PS_DLG:0

#HIDD_OPT_WATCH

#HIDC_OPT_WAT_FRM

$Watch Options Property Page

KDialogs;Dialogs: Watch Options Property Page

+OPT_PS_DLG:0

#HIDD_OPT_WARN

#HIDC_OPT_WARN_FRM

$Warnings Option Property Page

KDialogs;Dialogs: Warning Options Property Page

+OPT_PS_DLG:0

#HIDD_EXT_ASSOC

$File Associations Dialog

KDialogs;Dialogs: File Associations Options Property Page

+DIALOGS:0

#HIDD_ABOUT

$About Dialog

KAbout Dialog

KDialogs;Dialogs: About

+DIALOGS:0

#Using_The_Toolbar

$Using The Toolbar

KUsing The Toolbar

+TIPS:0

#Select_Options_Compress_Expand

$Selecting options for compressing/expanding

Koptions, compressing;compression options;options, expanding;expanding options;decompressing options;

+TIPS:0

#File_Formats_StuffIt_Expander_Supports

$File Formats Aladdin Expander Supports

KFile Formats Aladdin Expander Supports

+TIPS:0

#Right_Mouse_Shortcuts

$Right Mouse Shortcuts

KRight Mouse Shortcuts

+TIPS:0

#HID_HELP_TECH

$Contacting Aladdin Technical Support

Ktechnical support:obtaining

#Expanding_archives

$Expanding archives

Kexpanding, archives;archives, expanding;

+TIPS:0

#Compressing_Files

$Compressing files

Kcompressing files;files, compressing;archives, creating;creating, archives

#Drag_And_Drop

$Drag and Drop

Kdrag and drop;files, drag and drop;archives, drag and drop;copying, while dragging, moving, while dragging, decompress, while dragging

#Viewing_contents_archive

$ Viewing contents of an archive

Kviewing contents;archive, viewing contents;

#Creating_archive_history

$ Creating an archive history

Karchive history;creating, archive history

#Creating_SFX_archives

$ Creating SFX archives

Karchive, creating;creating, archives;SFX archives;ZIP, and SFX

#Creating_CAB_SFX_archives

$Creating CAB SFX archives

Karchive, creating;creating, archives;SFX archives;ZIP, and SFX;CAB archives

#Using_Hot_Keys

$Using Hot Keys

Khot keys;keyboard shortcuts;shortcuts, keyboard

#Arc

$Arc archive

KArc archive

KArchive Formats;Archive Formats: Arc

+TERMS:0

#Archive

$Archive

KArchive

+TERMS:0

#Arj

$Arj archive

KArj archive

KArchive Formats;Archive Formats: Arj

+TERMS:0

#BinHex

$BinHex encoded file

KBinHex encoded file

KEncoded files;Encoded files: BinHex

+TERMS:0

#BtoA

$BtoA encoded file

KBtoA encoded file

KEncoded files;Encoded files: BtoA

+TERMS:0

#Custom_Settings

$Custom Settings

KCustom Settings

+TERMS:0

#Decode

$Decode

KDecode

+TERMS:0

#Default_Settings

$Default Settings

KDefault Settings

+TERMS:0

#Drag_and_Drop

$Drag--and--Drop

KDrag--and--Drop

+TERMS:0

#Encoded_file

$Encoded file

KEncoded file

+TERMS:0

#Expansion

$Expansion

KExpansion

+TERMS:0

#File_Creator_Macintosh

$File Creator (Macintosh)

KFile Creator (Macintosh)

+TERMS:0

#File_Type_Macintosh

$File Type (Macintosh)

KFile Type (Macintosh)

+TERMS:0

#FreeWare

$FreeWare

KFreeWare

+TERMS:0

#gzip

$gzip archive

Kgzip archive

KArchive Formats;Archive Formats: gzip

+TERMS:0

#Joining

$Joining

KJoining

+TERMS:0

#Long_File_Name

$Long File Name

KLong File Name

+TERMS:0

#MacBinary

$MacBinary encoded file

KMacBinary encoded file

KEncoded files;Encoded files: MacBinary

+TERMS:0

#MIME_base64

$MIME (base64) encoded file

KMIME (base64) encoded file

KEncoded files;Encoded files: MIME (base64)

KEncoded files;Encoded files: base64

+TERMS:0

#OS

$OS

KOS

+TERMS:0

#Private_File

$Private File encrypted archive

KPrivate File encrypted archive

KArchive Formats;Archive Formats: Private File

+TERMS:0

#Segmenting

$Segmenting

KSegmenting

+TERMS:0

#StuffIt_archive

$StuffIt archive

KStuffIt archive

KArchive Formats;Archive Formats: StuffIt archive

+TERMS:0

#UNIX_Compress

$UNIX Compress archive

KUNIX Compress archive

KArchive Formats;Archive Formats: UNIX Compress

+TERMS:0

#Uuencode_File

$uuencode File

Kuuencode File

KEncoded files;Encoded files: uuencode

+TERMS:0

#What_s_This

$What's This?

KWhat's This?

+TERMS:0

#Zip_archive

$Zip archive

KZip archive

KArchive Formats;Archive Formats: Zip

+TERMS:0

#HID_INVALID_HELP