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AN-008

September 2000

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Document:	Using ZIP/UNZIP utilities to retain file attributes on VMS
Order Number:	AN-008
Revision:	0
Pages:	1
Original Filename:	AN-008.pdf

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CHARON-VAX application note
AN-008 Using ZIP/UNZIP utilities to retain file attributes on VMS
Author:

Software Resources International

Date:

15-Sep-2000

When copying files between VMS and other operating systems (for example with an
ISO9660 format CD-ROM or via ftp), which can be necessary when using CHARON-VAX,
file attributes get lost. This can prevent proper operation; if for instance the VMS installation
kit loses its file attributes it cannot be installed.
As workaround, the installation guide for CHARON-VAX recommends to change the file
attributes with following command:
SET FILE CHARON-VAX.A /ATTR=(RFM=FIX, LRL=9216, MRS=9216)

A very convenient alternative is to use the specialized VMS-adapted versions of ZIP and
UNZIP utilities, which store the file attributes in the archive as well. Successful tests have
been made with the following utilities for VMS:
ZIP:

Zip 2.2

UNZIP:

UnZip 5.32 by Info-ZIP.

All of them are freeware and can be downloaded from Internet: www.decus.org
Before using the utilities define the corresponding symbols (for instance in your LOGIN.COM
file):
ZIP :== $ <your disk>:[<path to the utility>]ZIP.EXE
UNZIP :== $ <your disk>:[<path to the utility>]UNZIP.EXE

For example:
ZIP :== $ USER$DISK:[VMSZIP]ZIP.EXE

To store file attributes use option “-V” of the ZIP utility (full list of option is provided if you run
ZIP without parameters):
$ ZIP “-V” <your archive name> <the archived file name>

To unzip the resulting kit use UNZIP utility in the following way:
$ UNZIP <your archive name>

All the file attributes were saved and are fully restored, no need to restore them manually.
The zipped files can be copied to other systems and send via a network without loosing the
attribute information.
The archive built with VMS ZIP could be read without problem by any other regular PKWARE
UNZIP utility but in case of extraction the file attributes will be lost.
For example of the zipping/unzipping of the CHARON-VAX kit:
$ ZIP “-V” CHARON_KIT CHARON-VAX.A;1
adding: CHARON-VAX.A (deflated 65%)
$ del CHARON-VAX.A;1
$ UNZIP CHARON_KIT.ZIP
inflating: CHARON-VAX.A
$
[30-18-008]
©2000 Software Resources International. This document is provided for information only and is not a legally binding offer.
Software Resources International reserves the right to change the product specifications without prior notice or retire the
product. The CHARON name and its logo are a registered trademark of Software Resources International. For further
information: www.charon-vax.com, Email: vaxinfo@vaxemulator.com