PKZIP Corrupts Files with Long File Names

 Last reviewed: August 2, 1996
Article ID: Q152443
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5 and 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5 and 3.51

SUMMARY

When you use the PKZIP program from PKWARE, files with long file names can become corrupted.

Files appear to compress correctly, but when they are de-compressed, those with long file names may not decompress correctly and the following error is displayed by PKUNZIP: 

   Pkunzip (W26)  Warning! Filename.zip has errors!
Where Filename.zip is the name of the archived or compressed file.

WORKAROUND

If you plan to use PKZIP to either archive or compress files, file names in the archive should be limited to the standard MS-DOS eight plus three convention. (Eight characters, period, and an optional three-character extension.)

MORE INFORMATION

PKZIP is manufactured by a PKWARE, Inc., a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.

KBCategory: kb3rdparty
KBSubcategory:
Additional reference words: Pkware Pkzip Pkunzip archive long file name.

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Last reviewed: August 2, 1996
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