Default Zip Application

[StumblingThrough]

When I go to unzip a compressed file, there is apparently an unzippin application that comes with XP home. Does anyone know where this app is (?.exe). I was trying to determine if there was a way to call this app from inside a batch file (using DOS commands).

 

[jrbarnett]

Hi

It is implemented as a DLL (ZIPFLDR.DLL). From the command line, you can open a Zip file in an Compressed Files window as:

Start zipfile.zip

but I am not aware of any easy way to extract individual files from the command line, or create a new zip file without third party software.

John

 

[linney]

Does EXPAND do what you want?

Expands one or more compressed files.

EXPAND [-r] Source Destination
EXPAND -r Source [Destination]
EXPAND -D Source.cab [-F:Files]
EXPAND Source.cab -F:Files Destination

-r Rename expanded files.
-D Display list of files in source.
Source Source file specification. Wildcards may be used.
-F:Files Name of files to expand from a .CAB.
Destination Destination file | path specification.
Destination may be a directory.
If Source is multiple files and -r is not specified,
Destination must be a directory.

 

[StumblingThrough]

Thanks. But actually I am wanting to compress a file. Is there a DOS command for that?

 

[linney]

What does COMPACT do (I'm not a Dossy person)?

For a full list of commands type %Windir%\Help\ntcmds.chm in the Start Run box.

 

[StumblingThrough]

I believe Compact simply compacts the file. Does not put it into a zip file.

 

[jrbarnett]

Linney

COMPACT is used for setting NTFS compression on a file/folder.

EXPAND is used for extracting individual files from a Cabinet (.CAB) file. A cab file is a similar idea to a Zip file in that it holds one or more files or folders and compresses them, and is the format that MS use on their operating system installation CD's.

It is quite easy to actually extract via the command line if you install a third party application such as Winzip, but of course this will rely on that particular individual having the software installed.

John

 

[linney]

Thank you "jrbarnett" for the explanation.

 

[StumblingThrough]

Thanks, everyone. I'm going to install a 3rd party app and go that route.