Here are the answers that will solve 99.9% of the issues that arise. If yours isn't on the list, let us know. We're happy to help!

What are zipped files?

Zipped files are files that have been packed up in a way that reduces the files' size. This makes them a bit easier to download. In order to use them, they have to be unzipped (unpacked) so that that files are restored back to the original state.

How do you unzip them?

If you are running XP, just right-click on the file and choose "Extract All" from the pop-up menu.

If you are running another platform, you will need a extraction tool such as WinZip or SnapZip to unpack the files. Many companies have these unzipping utilities. Just "Google" up "unzipping files" and you'll find links to companies that offer these utilities. If you are using a MAC computer, make sure that you get one that is MAC compliant.

What does it mean if the file is empty when I unzip it?

If you have this happen to you, it is highly likely that your download was interrupted (even without your knowledge). Delete the file completely off of your computer, reboot, and then download it again to a new location on your computer. This forces your Internet Service Provider to give you the good file. (Otherwise, they might try to give you the same interrupted download in order to save themselves money.)

What does it mean if the file can't be unzipped once I download it?

This particular error has two possible reasons.

If you have this happen to you, it is highly likely that your download was interrupted (even without your knowledge). Delete the file completely off of your computer, reboot, and then download it again to a new location on your computer. This forces your Internet Service Provider to give you the good file. (Otherwise, they might try to give you the same interrupted download in order to save themselves money.)

Sometimes, (rarely) a PNG file inside of the folder has gone bad.(It turns out that they are kind of fussy things and can cause problems occasionally.) If this is the situation with the folder, we will need to repair it for you. Send Ro an email if the first solution doesn't fix it for you and we will have the designer fix the file up for you ASAP!

Why do I need to delete the file before I download it again?

Sometimes your browser will cache (save) the download information. Unless you delete the file out completely, you will likely get the same bad cached file again.

What do I do if this doesn't work?

Reboot your computer and change locations when downloading it the next time. Sometimes the problem can be related to your ISP caching your download to save bandwidth and space. Rebooting your computer and changing the save location on your computer removes this cache and you can get a fresh download.

Why do I have JPG and PNG versions of some items?

JPG files are used for backgrounds and for our printable versions of alphas, embellishments, and transparencies. Printers handle them well. If you are interested in printing your files, you will have a better experience if you do this via software such as MS Word. PNG files have a transparent background and so they allow digital scrapbookers to "stack" them up to create scrapbooking layouts. Printers often do not handle PNG files well.

Why am I getting a message that the file size is too large if I try to look at my graphics through the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer?

Scrapbooking graphic files are often quite large. The Microsoft Windows Picture and Fax Viewer limits the size of file that it will open. If you get this error, you will have to view the file via software.

NOTE TO MSN Internet Service Provider USERS:
The MSN browser has some irregularities that don't allow the downloads to come down correctly. Don't try to download the files with the MSN browser (the butterfly). Use another browser, like Internet Explorer (the e) or Firefox, to download your files. You will know that you are experiencing this problem if your browser has downloaded .php files rather than .zip files.

NOTE TO CYBERSITTER USERS:
Cybersitter has been shown to cause problems when you download files. If you will temporarily disable the program when you are downloading, you should be able to successfully get your files. The symptoms of problems with Cybersitter interference may include appearing to download the files and then suddenly stalling out or getting a message that you are downloading a .php file and it doesn't know what that is.