How do I use disk spanning?

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.

Here are the steps you would take using the WinZip ribbon interface on Windows 7 or Windows Vista.

1. Start WinZip and click the Zip My Files button
2. Find and select files and folders you wish to zip
3. Click Zip or choose one of the other options in the drop down menu
4. In the New WinZip File dialog choose the drive (usually drive A) and type a name for your file
5. You can use the drop down menu next to the file name to change the file type if you wish, then click Create. If more than one disk is needed, you will be prompted for additional disks. Simply insert a new disk and click the OK button.

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.

If you are using Windows XP, an older version of WinZip, or you have changed your interface configuration, you will see the Legacy menus/toolbar interface and should use the steps below. This example shows how to Zip and span the C:\Data folder to a Zip file on the A: drive.

1. Start WinZip
2. Open a folder window and "drag and drop" the C:\DATA folder into the WinZip window
3. In the Add dialog box, type the name of the Zip file you wish to create (A:\Data.zip)
   Note: The drive you specify must use removable, rewritable media such as diskettes.
4. Click the Add button; if more than one disk is needed, you will be prompted for additional disks. Simply insert a new disk and click the OK button.

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 is spanned.

Spanning to CD and DVD

You can burn a new Zip file to a CD/DVD device using the New Zip file on CD/DVD item on the Application menu in the WinZip ribbon interface (on the File menu with Legacy menus/toolbar). It is also possible to burn a new Zip file to a CD or DVD when using the Job Wizard.

Supported disc formats are: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW.

Note: The maximum amount of data written to a DVD from WinZip is 4gb.

With WinZip Pro an existing Zip file can be written to CD/DVD using the Burn CD/DVD button in the WinZip ribbon interface or the Send ToCD or DVD option on the File menu when using Legacy menus/toolbar.

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.

If you have any questions about this information please e-mail Technical Support.