Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I can't remember the password I used to encrypt some files in an archive. Can you help me?
A: No. StuffIt uses very secure encryption algorithms. It would be self defeating to have a method to access the files without the password.
Q: When I download a file from the Internet StuffIt Expander sometimes fails to expand it. Either StuffIt Expander launches, then immediately quits as if nothing happened, or I get an error similar to one of the following: "Error -39 Unexpected End of File...", "This is not a complete file...", "This file is not in the right format..."
A: The file is damaged, incomplete, or not in a format StuffIt Expander can expand. When downloading a file from the Internet, it is quite common that the download does not complete successfully. There are many reasons for such a failure. It can be anything from static on a telephone line to intermittent problems on the Internet during the download. It only takes a fraction of a second to damage the whole download.
The best solution is to download the file again perhaps choosing a different time of day or, if available, a different download site or "mirror site". Problems on the Internet tend to be intermittent and localized to particular regions of the Net itself.
Make sure that Call Waiting is disabled on the phone line your modem uses. While the download is in progress do not use the computer for any other purpose as another application demanding too to big a share of your processor's time might result in this sort of damage. If after repeated attempts at different times and/or from different sources you are still unable to download the file in question you might suspect phone line noise. To check for this plug a telephone into your modem line and make a call (if you can call someone who can put you on hold without hold music this is perfect!). Wiggle the phone and modem connections checking for noise or loose wires. If you notice appreciable static on multiple days, consider contacting your local telephone service provider, they may be aware of issues in your area or able to test your line. (Tip: Many telephone service providers seem more responsive to voice troubles than modem troubles so emphasize these if present.)
If the message says the file is not in the right format this may still mean that the file is damaged and it is worth trying to download it again. However, it may also mean that the file was created in one of the less common formats found on the Internet. Current versions of StuffIt Expander can expand almost all the standard versions of the many file formats you will find on the Internet. It is impossible to support every format because new ones are being made all the time and nonstandard variations of the existing ones are also used.
Sometimes the problem is not that the file is not being expanded or decoded so your machine can use it, but that once Expanded your machine does not have a program on it that can use the file. There are a great many graphics files and other file types that must be packaged or "encoded" in order to be safely sent via the Internet and while Expander can open the virtual "package" and deliver the file to your computer, you may need a program capable of reading the resulting file. By looking through the "Helper Apps" preferences in your Web browser you can see common programs for opening many file types. If it a given program icon appears "grayed out" then you don't have the correct program, but you now know of one program that might help you open it.
Q: How can I stay informed of new developments with regard to the use of StuffIt Expander?
A: Aladdin maintains a number of E-mail lists you can join which are tailored to your specific interests. By going to: http://www.aladdinsys.com/company/maillist.html you can choose to stay informed about the products that interest you and/or Aladdin press releases. You join only the lists that interest you, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
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