Relication & Synchronization

Anyone work with the replication and synch of Access datbases. Can you WinZip a replica and still have it remain a replica. When I zipped a replica, it said it was an orphan. I took it to another machine anyways, it gave me a weird error that said the dates between synchs was past some limit. Yet I changed the database, zipped it back down and took it back to the original. It synched up ok, but gave the same error everytime I opened the replica. I want to use a replica for a VB install and am afraid the customer will get this strange error. Actually the VB deploy will be on CD, so maybe this is just a ZIp problem? THANKS for advice in advance!

Interesting and timely question, as I have the same need. I'm not using Zip files but am creating my install with Visual Installer. So far there haven't been any problems.
I hadn't thought to use Zip files though. I would have to believe that WinZip is somehow mangeling (sic) the datbase, as I know (for instance) that you can simply copy a replica from one physical disk location to another and everything will work OK.
All the information needed by replicas of the same set to sync with one another is contained in hidden tables within the database and added fields in each table; both of which are created and/or added when you make a database replicable (i.e. when you create your Design Master.) That's why I say that WinZip must somehow be butchering things. Have you tried a different Zip program?