Windows has built-in support for zip files. It can create, extract, browse through zip files which is a nice feature but this feature can also give you troubles in some situations. When you try to open a.zip file you've downloaded using Windows Explorer, you might receive the follow error: 'Windows cannot complete the extraction. Extract/Unzip Zipped Files. When you extract files from a zipped folder, a new folder with the same name is created which contains the files. The compressed (zipped) version also remains. Right-click the zipped folder saved to your computer. Choose 'Extract All.' (an extraction wizard will begin).
Data corruption can happen to anyone on any computer at any time. You never know if your important files are being placed on bad sectors of a hard drive or is on damaged optical media. This will cause the file to become incomplete and even unreadable.
The same thing can happen for a ZIP file where multiple files are compressed into one and all it needs is just one corrupted bit to prevent some file archivers opening and extracting the file. An example when trying to open a corrupted Zip archive from Windows Explorer is an error box popping up.
'Windows cannot open the folder. The Compressed (zipped) Folder ‘C:Pathtofile.zip' is invalid'.
Although Windows has supported creating and extracting Zip files without third party software for decades, it is not a robust solution.
If you are experiencing problems in extracting a Zip file, there are some tools that can help you access it to the point where data can be recovered. Here we will list 8 programs to repair or open the corrupted Zip file so you can extract it.
We'll spill the tools into two categories; those that are standalone Zip repair tools and those that are part of archiving software.Standalone Zip Repair Tools
These are standalone tools dedicated to recovering the data from corrupted Zip archives.
1. DiskInternals ZIP Repair
DiskInternals is a company that specializes in data recovery and they've released ZIP Repair as freeware. It only takes a few clicks to repair the corrupted archive file through the user-friendly wizard. Simply select the corrupted file to recover, the location to save the repaired file and the program shows you the list of files that can be recovered. The program dates back to 2007 but still works fine in the latest Windows 10.
Download DiskInternals ZIP Repair
2. Zip2Fix
Zip2Fix recovers files from damaged Zip archives by extracting the good ones and then zipping them back to a new archive file with _ZFX appended onto the file name. Usage is simple, run the program and click on the Open button to locate the damaged Zip/SFX file. Zip2Fix will automatically start scanning for the good files available to repack, then reZip them. The program is portable and doesn't require installation.
Download Zip2Fix
3. DataNumen Zip Repair / DataNumen Archive Repair
Although this program is free to use, it does pop up a nag window on launch and again when you press Start to begin the recovery process. All you have to do is browse for the Zip or use the included search feature and press Start Repair. The files are extracted to the destination folder. A useful feature is the Batch Repair which allows you to add and try to recover data from several damaged archives at once.
Download DataNumen Zip Repair
Besides Zip Repair, DataNumen also has similar recovery tools for RAR, CAB and TAR archives. All four of these tools can be accessed from the same interface with DataNumen Archive Repair. Easy music editor.
Object Fix Zip is an old tool we've previously mentioned that is dedicated to repairing Zip files. However, it was last updated in 2008 and kept popping up errors during testing and recovered nothing. The tool is free to use so obviously it doesn't hurt to try Object Fix Zip if you are having trouble recovering your archive.
Archivers With Built In Zip Repair Or Extract Functions
Some file archiving software comes with a built-in tool to repair corrupted ZIP files. The options are usually hidden away in sub menus and aren't always obvious to end users. Although some of the below archivers are shareware, they can still be used in trial mode while trying to repair your damaged archive.
4. PowerArchiver
The PowerArchiver repair Zip window can be opened from the Tools menu/ribbon or just press Ctrl+R (in Classic mode). The Repair Zip Archive dialog box will open and you can click on the folder icon to browse for the corrupted Zip file that you want to repair. Click the Start button to start fixing. The fixed Zip file will be saved under the same file name with an additional _PAFixed.
Download PowerArchiver
5. WinRAR
WinRAR is one of the oldest archivers around and has included a repair option for years. It is able to repair Zip and RAR format archives. Run WinRAR file manager, highlight the Zip file and go to Tools > Repair archive (Alt+R). Make sure 'Treat the corrupt archive as ZIP' is selected, choose a save path and press OK. The repaired file name will be saved with a prefix of rebuilt (rebuilt.filename.zip).
Download WinRAR
Jw org es online library. 6. ALZip
Open ALZip and go to Action > Restore Archive (F11). Select the Zip file, leave the restored archive name and it will default to adding .repair to the original file name. For ease of use, make sure the file type to be restored and archive to be compressed are both ZIP. The restoration complete window offers to email the new archive, copy the files or error check the new archive.
Note:ALZip used to be shareware but was discontinued in 2012. The license key to use ALZip for free was made available by the developer. It is included in the archive when you download the file and on the download page.
Download ALZip
7. 7-Zip
We don't think 7-Zip has ever claimed to be able to repair or recover data from damaged Zip archives. However, a number of our commenters here have reported success with it. There is no dedicated tool or feature built in, just try to open or extract the Zip file as normal. If you get an error and the archive won't open, right click on the file > 7-Zip > Open Archive > zip. From there, recoverable files can be extracted.
Download 7-Zip
8. Bandizip
Bandizip used to be completely free but it now has paid and ad supported versions. The dedicated Zip repair window is a paid only feature. Thankfully, the last really free version can open a corrupted Zip file by just opening it as normal. Browse for the file or drop it onto the window. Just ignore the 'File is broken' popup and the files that can be recovered will appear in the main window. From there, extract what you can.
Download Bandizip
We did also try some other archivers which are not included in the main list. WinZip trial works but it requires installing the companion command line version as well. IZArc includes a repair Zip option but when we tried on several test files, it produced nothing but corrupt recovery archives. Another popular archiver, Peazip, was unable to open most of our test files.
Simple Test To Recover Data From A Damaged Zip Archive
Obviously, the more data a program can recover from a corrupt Zip file, the better it is. We ran a very basic test to see what software recovered the most. We Zipped 10 copies of a Windows wallpaper PNG file (totaling 15.6MB) and then zeroed 5KB from the start, middle and end of the archive. The result was that files 1, 4 and 9 were corrupt and the archive was not accessible from the Windows built in Zip.
Each program was used to try and recover the Zip file itself or the data. The results are below.
Datanumen Zip repair – Extracted and recovered 7 intact files and 1 damaged file (image 4).
DiskInternals ZIP Repair, Zip2Fix, PowerArchiver, WinRAR – These programs did the same thing. They created a recovery archive that could not be opened with Windows Zip and needed a third party archiver. Upon extraction, they all recovered 7 files, while also recovering damaged images 4 and 9.
Bandizip – Damaged archive opened directly in Bandizip. The 7 good and 2 partially damaged pictures were able to be extracted.
ALZip – Created a recovery archive of 7 files that worked with Windows Zip. The 3 known damaged files were not included in the new archive.
7-Zip – Unable to initially open the corrupted Zip file with a double click or Open archive context menu. It did open using Open Archive > zip from the context menu. All 9 recoverable files could be extracted from 7-Zip File Manager, including the 2 damaged files.
All of the software tested was able to at least recover the undamaged files inside the corrupt archive. Some also recovered the damaged files although they were obviously still incomplete. If the corrupt files are images, for example, you might still be able to view them in their damaged state.
We also briefly ran a second test with a single 1.6MB PNG image inside a Zip archive and zeroed the first and last 5KB. In this scenario, none of the tools managed to repair the archive or recover any data.
Final Note: The success rate of recovering files from damaged archives depends on several factors. These include where the corruption is, how much damage there is and how many files are in the archive. If a corrupt archive contains only one file, the chances of recovering it are much smaller. If there's lots of files in a corrupt archive, you should at least be able to get the undamaged files back.
You might also like:
5 Free Tools to Repair and Preview Corrupted AVI Files5 Tools to Repair Corrupted JPEG Photos and Images7 Free Tools To Automatically Batch Extract Multiple Archives with Passwords6 Free Tools to Recover Deleted Photos from Memory Cards and Mass Storage DevicesTop 10 Free Data Recovery SoftwareI copied the corrupted 2.5GB zip file from Mac to Windows and tried with both Winrar and 7zip.
Both did the magic.
I wonder why mac doesn't have such an easy tool. I spent almost a day and I am sure many of you might killed same time
thanks to all who recommended Winrar and 7zip :-)
Replythank you brother…. WinRAR working great….
ReplyIn my case WinRAR failed to repair but DiskInternals ZIP Repair has repaird the zip successfully, thanks for recommending the software.
ReplyWINRAR!!!! the best.
ReplyI hope you guys all BOUGHT WinRar to show support :D
ReplyI doubt anybody bought WinRAR just on the basis of this article. ;)
ReplyCan T Extract Zip File Windows 10
I have tried everything under the sun to open a TGZ archive and NOTHING worked until I tried WinRar. I had literally given up, but found this article and tried it. It worked. Amazing XO
ReplyWINRAR did a fabulous job,
100% recommended
winrar saves the day
ReplyAll others failed but WinRAR saved the day!!
ReplyBro,Thanks for this blog
its really works me & you r awesome
This is why you buy winrar – As a developer you have to support then. If you cant afford the full license, send a small donation….every bit helps, especially if it's helped you in some way (such as save your ass) – just my 2 cents.
ReplyDiskInternals ZIP Repair worked fine for me. This article is awesome !!
ReplyThank you for this post! Winrar saved me
ReplySuperb WinRAR
ReplyWinRAR is a great for every archives. In the Repairing field it's light speed to repair Thank you so much WinRAR for save our lifes….
ReplyWinRAR is just amazing . Recovered a corrupted 25Gigabyte zip file in 30 seconds.
ReplyI agree. It recovered mine in less than 15 seconds.
Replywinrar got me #morelife zip folder so helpful
ReplyThanks for this awesome post!!
One thing,
All these tools are nice, but I prefer to use tools that available online, and one of them is 'webzip.co/extract'
WinRAR rocks!
Replythankssssssssssssss a lotttttttt…
winrar does it for me….
Same, thank you so much! WinRAR worked flawlessly.
ReplyI need some help recovering from a total bonehead moment… I don't deal with zipped files much, and forgetting that Winzip is part of Windows, I received a zipped file and downloaded the free Winzip trial to open it. Right after I realized I already had it, but the stickler was that when the Winzip free trial expired, my built-in Winzip no longer works either… keeps telling me I need to buy it. How do I recover my original Winzip or what should I do to be able to unzip? Thanks for your time and help.
ReplyThe WinZip program is not part of Windows and never has been so whatever is asking you to buy it is a third party installed program, which you can uninstall using Programs and Features or Add/Remove.
Failing that just install another archiver such as the open source 7-Zip or BandiZip etc.
ReplyI am currently trying to retrieve the completed image files in an incomplete large RAR archive. I am using 'RAR Fix Free' and I am surprised as to how long it is taking! … I mean if the RAR archive was complete and had no corruption it would only take a few minutes to extract all the files contained in it…So why then does it take so long to extract the ‘good' files in an incomplete RAR archive…It doesn't make much sense…I thought computers work at or near the speed of light, (electricity). … I'm guessing that since this program looks like it was written for computer hardware of the Windows XP era that it doesn't take advantage of multi-core processing, larger and faster RAM, and among other advancement realities of today.
I can't believe that the connectedness of bits is only efficient when the RAR is intact…There must be a better way to access the ‘good stuff' more efficiently when the RAR is incomplete….Why do I need certain bits to be present when I am after other bits?
Programmers aren't as smart as they look. :)
ReplyThanks a lot! You're a lifesaver! The Winrar fix works for me :)
Reply
Download WinRAR
Jw org es online library. 6. ALZip
Open ALZip and go to Action > Restore Archive (F11). Select the Zip file, leave the restored archive name and it will default to adding .repair to the original file name. For ease of use, make sure the file type to be restored and archive to be compressed are both ZIP. The restoration complete window offers to email the new archive, copy the files or error check the new archive.
Note:ALZip used to be shareware but was discontinued in 2012. The license key to use ALZip for free was made available by the developer. It is included in the archive when you download the file and on the download page.
Download ALZip
7. 7-Zip
We don't think 7-Zip has ever claimed to be able to repair or recover data from damaged Zip archives. However, a number of our commenters here have reported success with it. There is no dedicated tool or feature built in, just try to open or extract the Zip file as normal. If you get an error and the archive won't open, right click on the file > 7-Zip > Open Archive > zip. From there, recoverable files can be extracted.
Download 7-Zip
8. Bandizip
Bandizip used to be completely free but it now has paid and ad supported versions. The dedicated Zip repair window is a paid only feature. Thankfully, the last really free version can open a corrupted Zip file by just opening it as normal. Browse for the file or drop it onto the window. Just ignore the 'File is broken' popup and the files that can be recovered will appear in the main window. From there, extract what you can.
Download Bandizip
We did also try some other archivers which are not included in the main list. WinZip trial works but it requires installing the companion command line version as well. IZArc includes a repair Zip option but when we tried on several test files, it produced nothing but corrupt recovery archives. Another popular archiver, Peazip, was unable to open most of our test files.
Simple Test To Recover Data From A Damaged Zip Archive
Obviously, the more data a program can recover from a corrupt Zip file, the better it is. We ran a very basic test to see what software recovered the most. We Zipped 10 copies of a Windows wallpaper PNG file (totaling 15.6MB) and then zeroed 5KB from the start, middle and end of the archive. The result was that files 1, 4 and 9 were corrupt and the archive was not accessible from the Windows built in Zip.
Each program was used to try and recover the Zip file itself or the data. The results are below.
Datanumen Zip repair – Extracted and recovered 7 intact files and 1 damaged file (image 4).
DiskInternals ZIP Repair, Zip2Fix, PowerArchiver, WinRAR – These programs did the same thing. They created a recovery archive that could not be opened with Windows Zip and needed a third party archiver. Upon extraction, they all recovered 7 files, while also recovering damaged images 4 and 9.
Bandizip – Damaged archive opened directly in Bandizip. The 7 good and 2 partially damaged pictures were able to be extracted.
ALZip – Created a recovery archive of 7 files that worked with Windows Zip. The 3 known damaged files were not included in the new archive.
7-Zip – Unable to initially open the corrupted Zip file with a double click or Open archive context menu. It did open using Open Archive > zip from the context menu. All 9 recoverable files could be extracted from 7-Zip File Manager, including the 2 damaged files.
All of the software tested was able to at least recover the undamaged files inside the corrupt archive. Some also recovered the damaged files although they were obviously still incomplete. If the corrupt files are images, for example, you might still be able to view them in their damaged state.
We also briefly ran a second test with a single 1.6MB PNG image inside a Zip archive and zeroed the first and last 5KB. In this scenario, none of the tools managed to repair the archive or recover any data.
Final Note: The success rate of recovering files from damaged archives depends on several factors. These include where the corruption is, how much damage there is and how many files are in the archive. If a corrupt archive contains only one file, the chances of recovering it are much smaller. If there's lots of files in a corrupt archive, you should at least be able to get the undamaged files back.
You might also like:
5 Free Tools to Repair and Preview Corrupted AVI Files5 Tools to Repair Corrupted JPEG Photos and Images7 Free Tools To Automatically Batch Extract Multiple Archives with Passwords6 Free Tools to Recover Deleted Photos from Memory Cards and Mass Storage DevicesTop 10 Free Data Recovery SoftwareI copied the corrupted 2.5GB zip file from Mac to Windows and tried with both Winrar and 7zip.
Both did the magic.
I wonder why mac doesn't have such an easy tool. I spent almost a day and I am sure many of you might killed same time
thanks to all who recommended Winrar and 7zip :-)
Replythank you brother…. WinRAR working great….
ReplyIn my case WinRAR failed to repair but DiskInternals ZIP Repair has repaird the zip successfully, thanks for recommending the software.
ReplyWINRAR!!!! the best.
ReplyI hope you guys all BOUGHT WinRar to show support :D
ReplyI doubt anybody bought WinRAR just on the basis of this article. ;)
ReplyCan T Extract Zip File Windows 10
I have tried everything under the sun to open a TGZ archive and NOTHING worked until I tried WinRar. I had literally given up, but found this article and tried it. It worked. Amazing XO
ReplyWINRAR did a fabulous job,
100% recommended
winrar saves the day
ReplyAll others failed but WinRAR saved the day!!
ReplyBro,Thanks for this blog
its really works me & you r awesome
This is why you buy winrar – As a developer you have to support then. If you cant afford the full license, send a small donation….every bit helps, especially if it's helped you in some way (such as save your ass) – just my 2 cents.
ReplyDiskInternals ZIP Repair worked fine for me. This article is awesome !!
ReplyThank you for this post! Winrar saved me
ReplySuperb WinRAR
ReplyWinRAR is a great for every archives. In the Repairing field it's light speed to repair Thank you so much WinRAR for save our lifes….
ReplyWinRAR is just amazing . Recovered a corrupted 25Gigabyte zip file in 30 seconds.
ReplyI agree. It recovered mine in less than 15 seconds.
Replywinrar got me #morelife zip folder so helpful
ReplyThanks for this awesome post!!
One thing,
All these tools are nice, but I prefer to use tools that available online, and one of them is 'webzip.co/extract'
WinRAR rocks!
Replythankssssssssssssss a lotttttttt…
winrar does it for me….
Same, thank you so much! WinRAR worked flawlessly.
ReplyI need some help recovering from a total bonehead moment… I don't deal with zipped files much, and forgetting that Winzip is part of Windows, I received a zipped file and downloaded the free Winzip trial to open it. Right after I realized I already had it, but the stickler was that when the Winzip free trial expired, my built-in Winzip no longer works either… keeps telling me I need to buy it. How do I recover my original Winzip or what should I do to be able to unzip? Thanks for your time and help.
ReplyThe WinZip program is not part of Windows and never has been so whatever is asking you to buy it is a third party installed program, which you can uninstall using Programs and Features or Add/Remove.
Failing that just install another archiver such as the open source 7-Zip or BandiZip etc.
ReplyI am currently trying to retrieve the completed image files in an incomplete large RAR archive. I am using 'RAR Fix Free' and I am surprised as to how long it is taking! … I mean if the RAR archive was complete and had no corruption it would only take a few minutes to extract all the files contained in it…So why then does it take so long to extract the ‘good' files in an incomplete RAR archive…It doesn't make much sense…I thought computers work at or near the speed of light, (electricity). … I'm guessing that since this program looks like it was written for computer hardware of the Windows XP era that it doesn't take advantage of multi-core processing, larger and faster RAM, and among other advancement realities of today.
I can't believe that the connectedness of bits is only efficient when the RAR is intact…There must be a better way to access the ‘good stuff' more efficiently when the RAR is incomplete….Why do I need certain bits to be present when I am after other bits?
Programmers aren't as smart as they look. :)
ReplyThanks a lot! You're a lifesaver! The Winrar fix works for me :)
ReplyGreat ! IT worked using WinRAR
ReplyThank you very much for the info. WinRar did it for me.
ReplyThanks this really helped me out….again thank you so much !!!
ReplyI tried 1-4 with no luck then WinRAR did the trick. brilliant.
ReplyU are nice.
ReplyI had winrar but I never knew that it could repair so I downloaded rar fix toolbox it's doing it work but it's a bit slow……
ReplyI have a correpted 7z file not the zip file….I have tried all the software but they don't support the 7z file…help
Replythanks man !!!
ReplyThanks man…
ReplyWinRar worked for me. Thank you!
Can't Extract Zip Files
ReplyThanks, thanks thanks……. thank u very much………….
ReplyAnother option would be using an online ZIP file repairer like zipfix.org .
Regards
Thanks, man. Nice utility.
ReplyI Can't Extract Zip Files
Leave a Reply
When you want to make downloading or attaching files easier, compressing them would be the best option. However, what would you do if you encountered an error message saying, 'Windows cannot complete the extraction?'
This error can be caused by a number of issues, including:
- A destination path that is too long
- A destination file that cannot be created
- An invalid compressed (zipped) folder
There are some methods you can try to fix this issue. If you are experiencing the error ‘
Windows cannot complete the extraction' in Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10, this article is the answer to your problems. Follow the instructions we've listed below.
Method 1: Restarting your Computer
Restart your computer and try to extract the compressed file once more.
Method 2: Changing the File Name
Modify the name of the file and try to extract the contents once more.
Method 3: Moving the Zipped File
If the location of the compressed file is protected, move it to another folder. The ideal option would be using one of your profile folders, such as Documents. After moving the compressed file, try extracting its contents again.
Method 4: Changing the Name of the Destination Path
If you can't move the compressed file because the destination path is too long, you can shorten the name of the parent folders. You can also go online and search for freeware that can automatically fix long-path names.
Method 5: Repeating the Download
On the other hand, the reason why you see the error ‘Windows cannot complete the extraction' in Windows 10 or other system errors may be a corrupted download. In this case, what you can do is download a fresh copy of the compressed file and save it to another location. Check if this step resolves the issue.
Method 6: Performing a Clean Boot
You can also try entering a Clean Boot state and check if you can extract the files from there. If you can, then there's probably a third-party process that's disrupting the process. In this case, you would have to manually troubleshoot to identify the root cause of the problem. Here are the steps for performing a Clean Boot.
- Click the Search icon.
- Type 'msconfig' (no quotes) and hit Enter. This should take you to the System Configuration Utility.
- Go to the General tab and click Selective Startup.
- Uncheck the Load Startup Items box.
- Make sure that the Load System Services and Use Original Boot Configuration boxes are checked.
- Go to the Services tab. Click the Hide All Microsoft Services box then click Disable All.
- Click OK/Apply, then restart your computer. This should put your Windows OS into a Clean Boot state.
Method 7: Run the System File Checker
A corrupted system file may be the reason why you can't extract the compressed file. In this case, you would have to run the System File Checker. This tool will be able to identify and replace the damaged files. Follow the steps below:
- Click the Search icon.
- Type 'cmd' (no quotes) and hit Enter.
- Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as Administrator.
- In the Command Prompt, type 'sfc /scannow' (no quotes) and press the Enter key.
- Let the System File Checker perform its scan. Corrupted files will be replaced on reboot.
If none of the methods we mentioned above worked for you, you can also search online and download third-party freeware for compressing files. You can use this tool to extract the contents of zipped files.
Pro tip:
You can also update your drivers to ensure that they are all functioning properly, especially when you're trying to extract compressed files from an external storage device. You can conveniently do this by using Auslogics Driver Updater. This tool will detect damaged, incompatible, or missing drivers. With one click, you can update your drivers to their latest manufacturer-recommended versions.
Do you have other suggestions for fixing this issue?
We're looking forward to reading your ideas in the comments below!
