| When creating a spanned Zip file, you must add all desired files or folders in one operation. Disk spanning is available only when creating a new Zip file. It is not available when adding files to an existing Zip file. Note: Instructions regarding spanning Zip files on diskettes is being maintained as archived information. |
For situations where a Zip file will not fit on a single disc or diskette, WinZip Pro (or Standard with diskettes) can make a Zip file that spans multiple discs or diskettes.
Spanning to CD and DVD
| A WinZip Pro license is required in order to span Zip files 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 (spanning is not supported with Blu-Ray discs).
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 by choosing Burn CD/DVD on the Send to drop down menu in the WinZip ribbon interface. The same can be done using the Send To
CD or DVD option on the File menu when using Legacy menus/toolbar.
Spanning to a Diskette
If you have a computer that supports writing to diskettes, you can just create a Zip file choosing the diskette drive as the Zip file target and add files to the Zip file 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.
- Start WinZip and click the Zip My Files button
- Find and select files and folders you wish to zip
- Click Zip or choose one of the other options in the drop down menu
- In the New WinZip File dialog choose the drive (usually drive A) and type a name for your file
- 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.
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.
- Start WinZip
- Open a folder window and "drag and drop" the C:\DATA folder into the WinZip window
- 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.
- 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.
Unzip a spanned Zip file
To unzip a spanned Zip file, first insert the last disc or diskette of the spanned series and open the Zip file using WinZip; this will display the list of files and folders and allow you to extract them. WinZip will prompt you for each disc or diskette as needed to complete the operation.
If you have any questions about this information please email Technical Support.
