For situations where a Zip file will not fit on a single disk, WinZip can make a Zip file that spans multiple removable media, such as a diskette. WinZip Pro also supports spanning Zip files to CD and DVD.
Spanning to a Diskette
Just create a Zip file on a removable disk and add files to the Zip as you normally would. WinZip will prompt you to insert additional disks as needed.
You must add all desired files or folders in one operation, because disk spanning is available only when initially creating a new archive, and not when adding files to an existing archive.
Example: to zip the files in your C:\DATA folder to a Zip file called A:\DATA.ZIP:
| If you use the Classic interface |
If you use the WinZip Wizard |
- Start WinZip.
- Drag and drop the C:\DATA folder from the Explorer or File Manager to the WinZip window.
- In the Drop dialog box, type the name of the Zip file you wish to create (A:\DATA.ZIP). The drive you specify must use removable, rewritable media such as diskettes.
- Click the Add button to create your Zip. If more than one disk is needed, you will be prompted for additional disks. Simply insert a new disk and click the OK button.
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- Start WinZip and click Next from the Welcome panel.
- Choose Create a new Zip file and click Next.
- In the Choose Zip Name panel, type the name of the Zip file you wish to create (A:\DATA.ZIP); click Next. The drive you specify must use removable, rewritable media such as diskettes.
- Drag and drop the C:\DATA folder from Windows Explorer to the Select Files panel or click Add Folders and select the folder from the resulting dialog.
- Click the Zip Now button to create your Zip. If more than one disk is needed, you will be prompted for additional disks. Simply insert a new disk and click the OK button.
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Important: remember that disk spanning is not available when adding files to an existing archive, only when creating a new archive. You cannot add files to or remove files from an existing Zip file that spans disks. WinZip requires preformatted disks (you can format disks using My Computer or Windows Explorer; see your online help for instructions).
Spanning to CD and DVD
WinZip Pro (10.0 and later) supports spanning Zip files to CD and DVD.
Burning a new Zip file to a CD/DVD device is possible through the New Zip file on CD or DVD menu item or the Job Wizard.
Supported disc formats that are: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R. Additionally, WinZip Pro (11.0 and later) supports DVD-RW and DVD+RW.
The maximum amount of data written to a DVD from WinZip is 4gb.
With WinZip Pro (11.0 and later) an existing Zip file can be written to CD/DVD using the Send To...CD or DVD option on the File Menu.
Unzip a spanned Zip file
To unzip a spanned Zip file, first insert the last volume of the series and open the Zip file using WinZip; this will display the directory of the archive and allow you to extract the files. WinZip will prompt you for the volumes as needed to complete the operation.
