I cannot open a ZIP file. What should I do? Help!
Virtually anyone has encountered some problems with opening unknown files while working on a computer. It can be very frustrating. Yet such problems, not only with ZIP files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening ZIP will be resolved!
ZIP File Extension
- File type Zipped Format
- File developer N/A
- File category Compressed Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) ZIP file?
The ZIP format was developed in 1989 by PKWARE and is currently one of the most popular file compression formats. The ZIP file contains an archive compressed using the ZIP method. Its advantage is the ability to view the entire archive from which you can decompress a separate directory by any method.
How to open ZIP file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with ZIP extension, it is highly probable that no program that supports given files is installed on the users’ system. Below is a list of actions user should pursue in order to resolve most common problems.
Step 1. Download and install application that supports ZIP files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open ZIP files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support ZIP files
Step 2. Verify whether ZIP files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports ZIP files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with ZIP files (right-click on the file icon → Properties → General Tab → In submenu "Open with" and click on "Change" button. System will display a list of suggested programs that support ZIP files. Choose the application by checking the box "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files". System will store this information in its registry and use it to open ZIP files with the selected program.
Changing ZIP file association in registry
File association for ZIP files can be edited manually by editing appropriate entry in Windows System Registry. However, it is discouraged as it may introduce errors to registry if not done properly and may even damage the system.
Step 3. Check ZIP file for other errors
- ZIP file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening ZIP files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected ZIP file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For ZIP files downloaded from the internet it is advised to check if the file has been downloaded completely and is not corrupted. If not, the file should be re-downloaded.
