FileClipper^©

What is FileClipper

FileClipper is a program which allows you to brake one file into many smaller files. It also allows you to put the pieces back together or to merge any number of files together.

Why use FileClipper

File clipper is useful when large files need to be transported over a slow and unreliable network connection, or over low capacity media such as diskettes. In the case of diskettes a number of compressors will archive a file to multiple diskettes. The problem with this is that often compressors are not able to decompress should there be only one error reading from the diskette. Unfortunately this is very common. The other problem is the fact that most compressors fill diskettes to the last available byte. When a problem occurs even if a disk utility is able to recover the damaged piece of data, it is prevented from doing so by the fact that it cannot move that data elsewhere on the disk. If you are transporting say MP3's or video clips over diskettes the difference between using a compressor and FileClipper can be not been able to get anything at all using the compressor to getting the MP3 with a sound imperfection for a minimal or even unnoticeable period of time using FileClipper. In addition if the disk utility manages to save the data from the damaged sector you will be able to recover everything.

Yes, but won't compressing my file save space? If the file you are dealing with is an MP3, a video file or an installation package, not really. These and many other file formats are already compressed. Compressing them again will produce minimal or no results at all.

Of course you may find FileClipper useful for other purposes as well. I have.

One of the best things to it is that it is 100 % Java, and should run on almost all OS, provided that you have JDK installed. Another really good thing is that it is free :-).

System Requirements

JDK 1.7 or higher, with proper classpath and path set.

Using FileClipper

Splitting files

When splitting files you only need to use the "Split" tab. First of all you need to select a file to split. This could be done by clicking on the "Open" button or selecting File -> Open from the main menu.

The next step is deciding how to split the file. There are three alternatives.

1. Number of pieces - You select into how many pieces the file should be split. Once you select this radio button the first text field indicating the number of pieces becomes editable. After entering the desired number, press OK (nothing will be done at this time). You will see the size field next to the pieces field indicate the size of each piece. If you are satisfied with your selection, click on "Start splitting" to perform the split. If you are not, edit your choices and press OK again. When using this method all pieces to which the file is split have the same size.
   
   
   
   
2. Size of each piece - Here you can have FileClipper split the file into pieces with a user-set size. When this option is selected, the size field becomes editable. The size could be entered in MB, KB or bytes. The default is KB. The size units could be changed by selecting Edit -> Preferences from the main menu. When this method is used all output files have the user set size, with the exception of the last, which is normally smaller.
3. Split and write directly to diskettes - Useful feature when the splitting is done in order to transport the file via diskettes. When this option is selected the program prompts the user to insert diskettes until all the output files are written. The size of each piece is preset to fit on the diskette and to leave a small amount of space. The reason for that is to allow diskette recovery programs to move a bad sector to a new location if this is possible, thus making the integrity of your data even safer.

By checking the "Ask before writing..." checkbox, you can have FileClipper ask for confirmation each time it begins to write one of the components that your file is split unto. This is usually useful when you are writing directly to replaceable volumes such as zip disk, CD's etc. When using the "Split and write directly to diskettes" mode, you do not need to check that box, as you will be prompted to insert a new diskette before writing each piece anyway.

When splitting FileClipper preserves the original file and writes the output files to a user selected directory (except in the case when "Split and write directly to diskettes" is used, in this case it writes to a:). You can select the destination directory by typing a path in the respective field or using the browse button:

If no directory is selected, the output files will be written to the directory where the source file is located.

FileClipper will add a number at the end of the file name, before the extension dot for each output file. The count starts from 1. This software adds absolutely no additional bytes to the split pieces. Therefore you can merge them using the merge utility included or use system commands such as the DOS copy command. Example:

copy /B myfile1.mp3 + myfile2.mp3 + myfile3.mp3 myfile.mp3

Merging Files

FileClipper also supports the reverse action - being able to put the pieces back together. When merging files, you only need to use the "Merge" tab. The first step is selecting the files to merge. Use the add button to add the files you want to merge to the list.

Files can also be added to the list by dragging them (e.g. from Windows Explorer) and dropping them over the list. Files are merged by adding them from top to bottom. If your files are not in the correct order, you need to change that order using the Up and Down buttons below the list. FileClipper will not automatically "guess" the sequence of the files. You need to make sure that they are listed correctly.

Having done that you need to select an output file. You can enter the file name and path manually, or use the browse button to select a file (it will be overwritten), or of course use the browse button to select a file and then make changes to it's name to prevent overwriting it. Before proceeding, make sure that you have enough space on your drive to perform this action. FileClipper will not erase the pieces, it will just make one new file.

When you are done with that, you are ready to press Go and see your files merge.

From the Author

I would welcome any suggestions for the improvement of this program as well as any information about bugs. I hope you find this program useful. As this is FREEWARE I cannot provide any support.

e-mail: k_gorolomov@yahoo.com

Disclaimer

This program is FREEWARE and you are using it at your own risk. The author cannot be responsible for any damages direct or otherwise resulting from the use of this software.