Stupid bug in Windows XP ZIP Support: How to report?

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Ichinisan

Lifer
Oct 9, 2002
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Using Windows XP's built-in Compressed Folder (ZIP file) Support, I found a programming oversight which can waste a lot of time and storage space.

When clicking the "Next" button to extract a ZIP archive, I accidentally clicked twice (lousy mouse, either the de-bounce routine is crap, or the mouse is damaged). To my surprise, the "Next" button was not disabled during the extraction process, and two extractions were performed simultaneously, which resulted in several "Overwrite?" prompts. This bug doubles the processing, memory, pagefile, and total storage requirements during the extraction. After choosing "Overwrite" or "Cancel" for each file within the archive, the memory/storage usage should return to normal. If your disk is nearly full, you may actually run out of storage during the extraction process (I have several 600MB+ ZIP files).

If you are trying to duplicate this, make sure you use a large ZIP file. A small file will finish extracting before you can click the "Next" button the second time.

I have discovered other stupid bugs in the past and reported them directly to Microsoft. Some of them even affect all 32bit versions of Windows. What should I do to get them to actually read/confirm my bug report?
 

TheWart

Diamond Member
Dec 17, 2000
5,219
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wow, nice work on that, but unfortuantely I doubt if MS will actually pay attention to any reports you send them. I couldnt stand the built in zip program, much too slow IMO....if I were you I would try UltamiteZip, it is a good little program for zips and such.
 

Ichinisan

Lifer
Oct 9, 2002
28,298
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I also use UZ :).
However, I configure a lot of systems starting from nothing, so I am thankful for built-in ZIP support.
 

Ichinisan

Lifer
Oct 9, 2002
28,298
1,235
136
Does anyone know any Microsoft employees who are active on this forum? If I could contact one, perhaps he/she could pass it on to a supervisor, or provide an adequate email address. I have a few others to report...
 

TheWart

Diamond Member
Dec 17, 2000
5,219
1
76
I think the only way they would possibly take you seriously (no offence to you, but they are a billion-dollar compay, and I am sure they dont read their CS emails), is to call them, and then you might get patched through to someone.
 

ultimatebob

Lifer
Jul 1, 2001
25,134
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I'd just use 7-zip instead. XP is end of life, so Microsoft isn't going to bother fixing it.
 

VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
56,570
10,200
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It only took 11 years, and three Windows versions :^D

What was that about commercial software having better support (because, the theory goes, that it is paid for) compared with free (libre) software? Sure about that, MS?
 
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