C# How to view files from a zip file without writing a temp file

[TxAg03]

I have a few videos zipped up and password protected. Currently, I am using ICSharpCode.SharpZipLib.dll to extract the files to a temporary location, then later delete when the program is exited. Some of the videos are rather large, so this process can take some time. Is there a way to view a video without having to extract it to a temporary location first (stream it)?

[kenobewan]

You may be able to modify this example to suit your needs:
Zipping/Compressing ViewState in ASP.NET

[TxAg03]

Thank you. Looked the code over and tried to get it to work, but was not successful.

[TxAg03]

Better yet, is there a way to view files (videos) from an uncompressed zip file without having to extract the file (video)?

[Shashi Sadasivan]

Start the video viewing application and pass it the file name

where filename is
c:\path_where_zipFile_is_stored\the_zipped_file.zi p\the_video_file.avi

Im not sure if this will help exactly!

[TxAg03]

Thank you Shashi.

I've been trying that with the following code:

System.Diagnostics.Process.Start("wmplayer",@"C:\D ownload\TestZipUC.zip\00.wmv");

When windows media player opens, I get an error saying the file could not be found.

[kenobewan]

So what is wrong with your reference - C:\Download\TestZipUC.zip\00.wmv?

[TxAg03]

kenobewan, I wish I knew. I zipped up a few videos using WinZip and turned off compression, as well as removed all spaces in file names, but when I try to reference that file as if it were in a regular folder on the HDD, WMP does not like that and gives an error. I looked at the properties of the video once in WMP, after the error message, and found that it did find the video in the zip, just won't play it, that and all information about the video was blank. I've even tested XPs zip by opening it as a folder and running a video. It still has to extract it before playing. Any suggestions?