Can't unZip file

[jimmy d]

I downloaded some zip files that contain several separate files each. When I double-click on them (in Leopard), I get a message that says:

Unable to unarchive "the zip file's name" (Error 1 - Operation not permitted.)

I purchased several of these zip files from a legitimate source, and I have no reason to think there's anything wrong with them.

I'd appreciate any advice to help me unarchive them.

[Chakravartin]

Were the files created under Windows or Linux?

Open some of the problem-files in ZipIt and have a look at the contents.

A file-name error usually points to a character in the file-name that you're not allowed to use in the Mac OS. If the files have unusual characters in their names you can use ZipIt to rename the files in the archive before you extract the files.

[jimmy d]

Chakravartin, I don't know how the files were created. They are audio files of an NPR radio program that I purchased online. Each zip file contains three separate programs.

When I click on your Zipit link above I get an app named ZipIt 2.2.2.sea which asks me something about a dictionary and then delivers a window of gibberish.

I appreciate your trying to help me out, but there must be something wrong with that Zipit link.

[Winston]

A .sea file is a "self extracting archive" probably made with Stuffit. It's supposed to be able to unstuff on its own. See if Stuffit Expander (which also might help with the zip files) can help.

http://www.stuffit.com/mac-expander.html


Good luck.

- Winston

p.s. Oops. I don't know anything about Zipit, but if it's a competitor to Stuffit, they likely didn't use Stuffit to compress their own file...

[jimmy d]

Thanks, Winston, but there's something else wrong here. Maybe it's something to do with the original zip files, something that the Leopard Os doesn't cope with. I've paid for these programs, and now I can't use them. I am so sick of this incompatibility crap.

[Chakravartin]

ZipIt is a self-installing archive wrapped in a .bin file... a second archive-type that Leopard's built-in Archive Utility can easily expand. It should put a .sea file in the same directory as the .bin file when you double-click the .bin file's icon.

If the .sea file does not run as an application when you double-click its icon then rename the file so that the filename ends in .app instead of .sea.

When you double-click its icon after renaming it, it will create a ZipIt folder containing the program.

[jimmy d]

I just tried that Zipit link above again, and it's just totally maddeningly bullshit. I'm sorry to say this Chakravartin, but how could you not check out a link before recommending useless crap like this?

[Chakravartin]

I just did it here, extracting the .bin file and renaming the .sea file as described above.

'Worked fine.

You're doing something wrong.

[Winston]

The Zipit file opened fine for me on a PPC Mac running 10.4. It did open using Stuffit Expander, not the Finder, so you might want to try that. I got a folder (not an app) titled ZipIt 2.2.2.sea with an AppleScript "drop to zip" file, a Read Me and the ZipIt program.

I know you are frustrated, but it sounds like there might be an issue with your OS install. Try Stuffit Expander and report back. (Note: it's a much larger download than ZipIt, and Stuffit forces you through a few screens trying to sell you something before you can start the free download.) The Stuffit file for my 10.4 install came as a .dmg file, so you may have less trouble opening that. (I assume the 10.5 and later download is also a .dmg file.)


Good luck.

- W

[Seacrest]

jimmy d wrote:

Unable to unarchive "the zip file's name" (Error 1 - Operation not permitted)

This sounds like a permissions issue.
What directory did you download to?

Move the files to your home directory.
If you still have problems, try Ctrl-clicking, Open With, and choosing BOM Archive Helper to open the files.

Not knowing much about your system, it's hard to know what may really be the problem, but it could be that your system is setup to open zip files with an older app like StuffIt, whereas at the built in unzip facility can pretty much handle anything.

The name thing is a red herring. There aren't many characters Mac OS cannot handle, and the few that would be problematic are disallowed on Windows anyway. Linux and Mac OS are close enough cousins that this is a non-issue.