FAQ for Windows Desktop
  1. What is a digital certificate? A digital certificate is a Digital ID that identifies you to others when you are sending or receiving encrypted or digitally signed ZIP files. A digital certificate provides an alternative to using a password when securing data. In order to encrypt files to send to someone else, you can either encrypt using a password, or you can use their public key. The recipient can only open the files you send if they are provided the password, or they have the digital certificate matching to the public key used for encryption. Using passwords is easy, but it is difficult to safely exchange a password, and even more difficult to remember it over time. Digital certificates provide stronger protection and eliminate difficulties associated with using a password. A digital certificate consists of a private key and a public key. Your private key is something which you hold securely and use to decrypt ZIP files or to digitally sign ZIP files for authentication purposes. Your public key is given to others that need to encrypt ZIP files that you are allowed to open. View the SecureZIP tutorial for more information on using digital certificates.
  2. My SecureZIP digital certificate is about to expire. How do I renew it? A SecureZIP digital certificate is valid for one year from the date you received it. Each year, you should renew your certificate to receive a new certificate good for the next year. Renewal is required to ensure the integrity of the certificate you use. Each year a new certificate is issued to you as a means of confirming you remain the authorized user of the certificate issued in your name. This provides assurances to those people receiving signed ZIP files from you that you are who you say you are.

    Approximately two weeks before your certificate expires, SecureZIP will display a reminder prompt informing you that the certificate you are using is about to expire. SecureZIP will report this for your SecureZIP certificate as well as for certificates you may have received from other vendors.

    If your certificate is from a vendor other than PKWARE, you will need to contact that vendor for instructions on how to renew that certificate. If your certificate is issued from PKWARE, than the renewal process is as follows: At this time, your SecureZIP certificate can be renewed at no cost. In addition to the SecureZIP reminder notice, you will also receive an email from PKWARE Certificate Services. To ensure you receive this email, we suggest you do not block incoming messages from PKWARE. This email will provide instructions on how to start your certificate renewal.
    • The email you receive will prompt you to select the “Get a Digital Certificate” option from the SecureZIP Help menu. (This option is normally disabled, but is automatically enabled when it is time to renew your SecureZIP certificate. We suggest you do not choose this option until you have received the renewal notification from PKWARE Certificate Services.)
    • Once you have selected to get a new digital certificate, the PKWARE certificate delivery system will be activated to issue a new certificate for your email address. Note: If you choose the “Get a Digital Certificate” option before you receive your email renewal notice, you may receive an error message from SecureZIP that a digital certificate is already issued for your email address.
  3. I’ve received my certificate renewal email notification, but I still can’t access the “Get a Digital Certificate” option from my SecureZIP Help menu? If you are using version V12.1 or earlier of SecureZIP, download a new version of the SecureZIP Digital Certificate Wizard available from:

    http://pkware.cachefly.net/products/securezip/win/pkpcsr14004.msi

    Complete the steps below to install this update:
    1. Download the file pkpcsr14004.msi.
    2. As Administrator, double-click the MSI file.
    3. The Wizard will guide you through the installation.
    4. When the installation has finished, start SecureZIP and select “Get a Digital Certificate” from the SecureZIP Help menu to start the SecureZIP Digital Certificate Wizard.
  4. After my certificate expires, can I still decrypt my ZIP files? Yes. In fact, you should retain your expired digital certificate for as long as you anticipate you will need to decrypt data that was encrypted for that certificate. When you receive a new certificate through a renewal process, it will not open data you have encrypted with your expired certificate. You should always retain each certificate to ensure you can always open all of your encrypted ZIP files.
  5. How can I backup my digital certificates and their private keys so I can restore them if I need to repair or replace my computer? You should make a backup copy of both your old and new digital certificates and store them in a safe place. If you ever lose a certificate, or if ever need to repair or replace your computer, you will need to restore your certificates from your backup media. SecureZIP cannot recover your digital certificates and PKWARE cannot recover encrypted data if you no longer have your certificate.

    Unless you are using an advanced method of digital certificate storage, such as a USB token or a Smart Card, your digital certificates and their corresponding private keys are protected within the Windows Certificate Store which is located within the Windows registry. Make sure you backup your certificates along with other critical system files you save for recovery purposes. SecureZIP can be used to save each of your certificates to a password protected file which you can then copy to removable media for storage. Click here for information on making a backup copy of your digital certificate using SecureZIP.
  6. What is the SecureZIP Global Directory? The SecureZIP Global Directory is a free certificate directory service provided by PKWARE for SecureZIP users. Its purpose is to publish public keys used for encrypting ZIP files you send to other SecureZIP users. To receive encrypted ZIP files from someone else, they must have a copy of your public key. The SecureZIP Global Directory is similar to an address book which can be used to lookup your public key; this makes it easier for others to send you encrypted ZIP files without requiring you to manually send each person a copy of your public key. SecureZIP will automatically search for public keys in the SecureZIP Global Directory. Also, when you receive your SecureZIP digital certificate, a copy of your public key is automatically placed into the SecureZIP Global Directory so you can immediately being to exchange secure ZIP files with others.

    If you have a digital certificate that you did not receive as a SecureZIP user (one that may be from another certificate provider), you can upload your certificates public key to the SecureZIP Global Directory by visiting directory.comodo.com. You should never place more than one certificate for the same email address into the SecureZIP Global Directory. The SecureZIP Global Directory will not accept private keys or certificates from private certificate authorities.
  7. My digital certificate and private key have been lost or stolen. How do I revoke it? Revoking your certificate ensures that the issuing provider publishes your certificate with a no longer trusted status. This will ensure that if someone other then you has your private key, they cannot successfully impersonate you when sending ZIP files to others. If you received your digital certificate from a source other than SecureZIP, you should immediately contact your certificate authority for instructions on how to have your certificate revoked.

    If you received your certificate from SecureZIP, you should immediately contact PKWARE Technical support and inform them that you need to have your certificate revoked. You will need to send an email from the email address for which the certificate was issued and provide them with the email verification code that you received from PKWARE when your certificate was received.

    If you are using a purchased copy of SecureZIP, PKWARE will then initiate the revocation process for your certificate. If you are using a free version of SecureZIP, PKWARE will initiate the revocation process. However in this case, the process will include asking you to directly contact Comodo, the certificate authority that signs all SecureZIP certificates, and provide them with information about your certificate and email address. PKWARE will provide Comodo’s contact information.
  8. Is SecureZIP FDCC compliant? SecureZIP has been tested using the NIST FDCC test images for Windows XP and Windows Vista. SecureZIP operates correctly on FDCC configured desktops.
  9. Can I use FIPS 140 mode in Windows 7? NIST has not issued FIPS validation certificates for encryption or hashing algorithms in Windows 7. Microsoft’s application for FIPS 140 certification for the encryption and hashing algorithms supported by SecureZIP is pending. When certification is granted, both PKZIP and SecureZIP will automatically work with the certified algorithms.
  10. Will SecureZIP open ZIP files compressed using the LZMA compression algorithm? SecureZIP V12.4 includes support for creating and opening ZIP files using the LZMA compression algorithm.
  11. Will SecureZIP open ZIP files compressed using the PPMd compression algorithm? SecureZIP V12.4 includes support for creating and opening ZIP files using the PPMd compression algorithm. The current version of the PPMd algorithm does not support 64-bit versions of Windows, but you can run a 32-bit version of Windows Explorer to extract files compressed with this algorithm. To do this:

    1. Go to Start > Run
    2. Type C:\windows\syswow64\explorer.exe /separate in the box
    3. Click OK.
    4. Browse to the archive you want to extract.
    5. Right-click on the archive, and choose SecureZIP > Extract...

    The file should extract normally.

  12. How do I know if I have a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows? Your computer manufacturer can tell you whether the processor is 32-bit or 64-bit. Your version of Windows will match the processor type. This page can also help you identify the type of Windows operating system you have:

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827218

  13. I am using SecureZIP on 64-bit Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, and SecureZIP is not available in the Windows Explorer context menu. Why?If you are using a 64-bit version of Windows, we recommend installing the 64-bit version of PKZIP/SecureZIP v12.4 to make the most effective use of your Windows environment.

    SecureZIP V12.3 includes a 64-bit Explorer shell integration module. To complete the setup for 64-bit Explorer integration, after installing SecureZIP V12.3, run the "Install 64-bit Explorer Integration" option from the SecureZIP entry on the Windows Start menu.

    SecureZIP versions 12.2 and earlier operate on 64-bit versions of Windows, but they do not integrate into the 64-bit version of the Windows Explorer. Run the 32-bit Explorer for this integration by selecting Run from the Windows Start menu. Enter %systemroot%\syswow64\explorer into the Open box and choose OK.

  14. I am using a 32-bit version of SecureZIP on a 64-bit version of Windows. How do I upgrade to the 64-bit version of SecureZIP? SecureZIP v12.4 is the first release for 64-bit Windows. The 64-bit SecureZIP installer should uninstall any existing installation of SecureZIP v12.3 or earlier before installing v12.4. If you have already installed the 32-bit v12.3, you will need to uninstall the 64-bit Explorer Integration application manually before installing SecureZIP v12.4.
  15. Can I use the 32-bit version of PKZIP/SecureZIP on a 64-bit version of Windows? Yes you can, however, the convenience of PKZIP/SecureZIP integration with the default Windows command line shell will not be available. If you are using a 64-bit version of Windows, we recommend installing the 64-bit version of PKZIP/SecureZIP to make the most effective use of your Windows environment.
  16. Can I use the 64-bit version of PKZIP/SecureZIP on a 32-bit version of Windows? No, 64-bit PKZIP/SecureZIP will only install and run on a 64-bit version of Windows.
  17. Are PKSFX files available in 64-bit versions? You can create PKSFX files using the 64-bit versions of PKZIP/SecureZIP for Windows Desktop, however, only 32-bit PKFSX files are provided at this time. This ensures that PKSFX files you create will run on the widest range of target systems.
  18. Where did the menus go in PKZIP/SecureZIP v12.4? PKZIP/SecureZIP v12.4 offers you a choice in how to use it. The Fluent interface will remind you of Microsoft Office 2007. It is installed by default when you select the Express install. The Conventional interface offers the familiar look-and-feel, and the menu-based options of recent versions of SecureZIP.
  19. Can I change interfaces?You can easily switch interfaces if you prefer one over the other. With the application closed, go to Start > SecureZIP > Switch User Interface. Click the button to switch to a different interface, or keep the one you are currently using. SecureZIP (or PKZIP) will display the interface you selected the next time it runs.
  20. Why does SecureZIP not work when I send a message using Outlook Express or Windows Mail? SecureZIP v12.4 Office Integration does not support compressing or encrypting files with Outlook Express or Windows Mail, as Microsoft has discontinued these products.
  21. I forgot the password for my .zip file(s). What do I do? PKWARE solutions utilize strong encryption so there is nothing that can be done if you lose or forget your password. It is important to remember your password as PKWARE has no special means for “getting around” the encryption and may not be able to assist in the recovery of an encrypted file.

    To avoid problems with forgetting passwords, it is recommended that files be encrypted using a digital certificate. A digital certificate provides a digital ID that can be used to encrypt and decrypt files without having to remember a password used for each ZIP file.
  22. How do I create a .ZIP file with SecureZIP® for Windows? There are several ways to create a .ZIP file in SecureZIP, including:
      • Using the “Create New Archive” wizard;
      • Using the “drag and drop” method;
      • Using the “Add Files” dialog of PKZIP; or
      • Using the right-click context menu on one or more selected files in Windows Explorer.

      All of these methods are explained in the SecureZIP help section on zipping and unzipping file

  23. How do I use SecureZIP for Windows to compress a folder and all subfolders? The simplest way to compress a folder and all its subfolders is to select the folder in Windows Explorer and drag it into the main SecureZIP window. Alternatively, you can zip folders and subfolders from the Add Files dialog of SecureZIP. In the Compression Options dialog, first set the options Include subfolders and Save folder name: Relative path. See the help section for information on other settings you can make in the Compression Options dialog.
  24. How do I extract a file from a .ZIP file? There are several ways to extract a file from a .ZIP file in SecureZIP, including:
      • Using the “Extract from Archive” wizard;
      • Double-clicking on an Archive;
      • Using the “Open” dialog of SecureZIP; or
      • Using the right-click context menu on a selected file in Windows Explorer.
  25. How do I add multiple files to an archive at the same time? You can add multiple files to an archive in all the same ways that you add single files, including:
      • Using the “Create New Archive” wizard or the “Update Existing Archive” wizard;
      • Using the “drag and drop” method;
      • Using the “Add Files” dialog of SecureZIP; or
      • Using the right-click context menu on one or more selected files in Windows Explorer.
  26. How do I select files in different folders to compress? There are two ways to have SecureZIP add files from multiple folders in a single operation:
      1. In the “Add Files” dialog, build a list of files selected from different folders. You select files to add to a list in the same way that you select files to add to an archive; but, when you add files from a list, SecureZIP waits until the list is complete and then adds all the files in one operation. See the help topic, Add Files from a List.
      2. Turn off “Auto-Save” and add files with drag and drop.

        The Auto-Save feature causes SecureZIP to save an archive automatically anytime you change the archive’s contents by adding or deleting files. When the feature is turned on (as it is by default), you do not need to manually save an archive each time after you change it. If you want to make several changes to an archive — for example, add several different sets of selected files — you can turn off Auto-Save so that SecureZIP runs in what is called delay-save mode. To turn off Auto-Save, right-click an empty area in the middle of the SecureZIP main window and uncheck Auto-Save in the context menu. When Auto-Save is turned off, SecureZIP creates an internal list of any changes you specify, but does not make the changes until you manually save the archive (or turn Auto-Save back on). Until then, SecureZIP highlights names of files that you add, update, or delete in boldface and flags the files with special icons. When you save the archive, all of your changes are made in one operation.

  27. Can I span diskettes with SecureZIP for Windows? Yes. SecureZIP can split an archive into multiple segments that each fit on a floppy disk when you save the archive to a floppy. If split size is set to “Auto-Detect” in the “Save As” dialog, SecureZIP automatically splits an archive that is too large to fit in one piece when (and only when) you save it to a floppy disk drive. See the help topic, Save an Archive in Segments.
  28. How does SecureZIP for Windows compare to WinZip®? WinZip is not a PKWARE product. PKWARE invented and continues to innovate and evolve the standard for ZIP data compression. Similarly, we invented and set the standard for SecureZIP. For more information on SecureZIP for Windows, please visit PKWARE Products.
  29. How can I use SecureZIP to scan my .ZIP files for viruses? If you have a virus scanning program, and you turn on virus scanning in SecureZIP, SecureZIP automatically launches your virus scanner to scan for viruses in the folders to which you have just extracted files. You can configure and turn on virus scanning from the Virus Scan tab of Security Options.

    You can also have PKZIP scan the files in an archive for viruses. (Again, you must first have configured a virus scanner in PKZIP.) To scan an archive for viruses, open the archive in PKZIP and choose “Virus Scan” from the Actions menu. PKZIP extracts the files to a temporary location, launches your configured virus scanner to scan them, and deletes the temporary files afterward.
  30. What is a split archive? How do I create a split archive? A split archive is a .ZIP file that is broken into smaller segments. A split archive is useful if you plan to place the file onto removable media later or want to send a large archive as an email attachment and your mail system has restrictions on the size of attachments.

    You can split an archive when you save it. In the Save As dialog, set the Split size control to the size segment that you want.
  31. Whenever I use Microsoft Outlook® to send an attachment, SecureZIP automatically compresses it. How can I turn off or disable that feature? If you do not want to use SecureZIP to zip attachments in Outlook, click the Zip files toolbar button in the new message window so that the button is not selected. Alternatively, you can single-click the SecureZIP tool tray icon. An “x” will appear on the icon to indicate that SecureZIP Attachments is disabled.
  32. I lost my serial number/license key. How can I find out what it is? Your serial number and license key are the same. When the product asks for your license key, enter the serial number from the confirmation email you received when you purchased the software. You can also find that key in your packing slip (if you received a physical copy) or in the Online Store Help section.
  33. Can I create self-extracting archives on the command line with PKZIP or SecureZIP Windows Desktop? The license for PKSFX is good only for the Windows Desktop graphical interface. You cannot create self-extracting archives from a command line.
  34. What happened to SecureZIP Express? Thank you for your interest in SecureZIP Express. PKWARE offers our customers high quality products to help serve security and compression needs.  SecureZIP Express has successfully provided a means for users to obtain the advanced security available through personal digital certificates and SecureZIP.  We have discontinued the limited-time offer of SecureZIP Express as we focus on new initiatives in providing interoperable, easy-to-use security solutions. 
  35. Can I keep using my copy of SecureZIP Express? Yes, you may continue to use your installed copy of SecureZIP Express for as long as you choose. 
  36. Can I keep using my free digital certificate? Yes, you can continue to use your free digital certificate with SecureZIP Express or SecureZIP until your certificate expires.  Each digital certificate is valid for one year from the date it was issued.   As long as you keep a copy of your digital certificate and its private key, you can open any files encrypted using it for as long as you choose, even if your certificate has expired.  You must make a backup of your digital certificate.  If it is lost or needs to be restored, PKWARE does not have a copy and cannot replace your certificate.

  37. Can I renew my free digital certificate? PKWARE will continue to renew free digital certificates issued using SecureZIP Express for a limited time only.  This support will be discontinued by the end of December 2009.  After this time, no free certificate renewals will be provided.  You may obtain a new digital certificate from another certificate provider.  VeriSign, Comodo, Thwate provide certificates compatible with SecureZIP.

  38. What if I need to re-install SecureZIP Express? If you need to re-install your copy SecureZIP Express, you can do this for a limited time as long as you have retained a copy of the original installation file you downloaded from PKWARE.  PKWARE no longer provides replacement copies of the SecureZIP Express installation file.  Support for re-installing SecureZIP Express will be discontinued by the end of December, 2009.  After this time, SecureZIP Express will no longer install.
  39. What can I use instead of SecureZIP Express? If you are interested in a free ZIP utility for decrypting and decompressing ZIP archives you may consider our free ZIP Reader product by clicking here.  Alternatively, if you would like the benefits of a full, licensed copy of SecureZIP, we encourage you to try the 30-day free Evaluation of SecureZIP for Windows Desktop by clicking here.

  40. What is new in version 12.4?
    • Redesigned graphical interface, with a choice. The Fluent interface will remind you of Microsoft Office 2007. The Fluent interface is designed to let you complete your tasks quickly, with as few clicks as possible. It is installed by default when you select the Express install. Prefer the conventional, menu-based interface? It's easy to switch, before or after your initial installation.
    • Support for Windows 7. Windows 7 users enjoy all the benefits and functionality of SecureZIP.
    • New installer for 64-bit systems. SecureZIP now comes in a full 64-bit version for users of 64-bit Windows (Vista or Windows 7) systems.
    • Full support for opening and extracting files with the .zipx extension. SecureZIP will work with Zip archives with the *.zipx extension.
    • Redesigned Options dialog. The Options dialog is now easier to navigate using only the keyboard, and has an updated look.
    • Improved progress dialog. Offers more meaningful information when compressing or decompressing large files. Doesn't appear at all if the archive is small.
    • End of Outlook Express Integration. SecureZIP v12.4 does not support compressing or encrypting files with Outlook Express or Windows Mail, as Microsoft has discontinued these products.
  41. Which PKWARE Products / Versions will work under Microsoft® Vista®? We have fully tested SecureZIP and PKZIP on the Vista OS and both programs are fully compatible and supported.

    When installing or using version 9 of PKZIP on Vista, be aware of the following known limitations:
      • During installation, you will need to enter a PKWARE product license key, and you may need to log in as Administrator to do this if your system prevents you from entering a key as another user.
      • File associations for ZIP and other file types may need to be set as an administrative user.
      • You may need to resize the column widths for certificate lists displayed on the password/recipient selection dialog.
      • Dialogs may not display full graphics capabilities under Windows Aero.
      • You will be unable to use the diskette format and wiping feature of PKZIP/SecureZIP.
  42. Does SecureZIP/PKZIP for Windows Desktop support Internet Explorer® 7? SecureZIP/PKZIP for Windows Desktop integrates with Windows Explorer to provide easy access for various program options. SecureZIP/PKZIP minimum requirements are Internet Explorer 6.0 facilitating Internet Explorer strong encryption capabilities; PKWARE does not anticipate compatibility issues with IE7.
  43. Does SecureZIP/PKZIP for Windows Desktop support Office 2007? PKWARE products are tightly integrated with Microsoft Office to provide compression and encryption of email messages and attachments. PKWARE products are typically able to auto-detect Microsoft Outlook to install the appropriate options. However, PKZIP/SecureZIP v9 and earlier versions will not correctly detect Office 2007. Because PKZIP/SecureZIP v9 and earlier versions were released while Office 2007 was still under development, PKWARE does not certify interoperability with pre-release products.

    Office 2007 users may workaround this limitation through PKZIP/SecureZIP v9’s custom setup mode to select the Attachment component at the time of installation. The custom setup will appropriately install the Outlook integration component of the PKWARE desktop products.
  44. I try to run SecureZIP V11 under Vista, but it says my program is expired. Why? The program was not installed as the administrator account. Make sure you are installing as the administrator or you are RIGHT clicking on the installation file and choose RUN AS administrator.
  45. I installed SecureZIP V11 and I see garbage when I try to run the program. Why? Below is a screen shot of how the program may look, this is caused by a bad installation or a previous version not being removed properly. To correct this issue, go through Add/Remove programs and remove SecureZIP for Windows. After removing the program, make sure all folders and files are deleted. Then REBOOT the machine and re-install SecureZIP V11.

  46. Is SecureZIP affected by Daylight Savings Time? All file times will remain true to the Operating System; there will be no effect to our product based on DST.
  47. I have SecureZIP Attachments installed and licensed, however when I create a new mail message I do not see any PKWARE or SecureZIP buttons. Why? If you are using Microsoft Word as your email editor, it will remove any third party buttons like PKZIP Attachments. You will need to control the attachments program via the system tool tray.
  48. What are the current file size and number limitations in PKZIP and SecureZIP? Currently PKZIP can support up to 250,000 files in a single archive and our total file size limit to compress is 18 petabytes.
  49. When does PKZIP/SecureZIP create temporary files? Can someone who accesses my temporary file read my data? There are several operations for which PKZIP/SecureZIP creates temporary files:
    • Opening and editing archived files without first extracting them: When you double-click a file in an archive to open it in its associated application, SecureZIP creates a temporary copy of the archived file for you to work on. This file is uncompressed and unencrypted while you are working on it.
    • Updating an archive: When you update an archive, PKZIP/SecureZIP first creates and updates a temporary copy of the archive. When the update is completed, the original archive is replaced with the updated copy. Data in the temporary file is encrypted if it was encrypted in the archive you are updating. Similarly with new or updated files for the archive: they are encrypted in the temporary file if they are to be encrypted in the updated archive.
    • Creating a spanned archive: A temporary file is created to span an archive in segments across multiple discs or other media. Data in the temporary file is encrypted if it is to be encrypted in the final archive.