How to Solve .ZIP File Recovery Problems After an OS Update

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .ZIP file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Solve .ZIP File Recovery Problems After an OS Update
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .ZIP file?

A ZIP file is an archive that contains one or more files compressed or "zipped" using Zip compression. It stores files separately from each other allowing the files to be compressed using different methods and extracted without compressing or decompressing the entire archive.

What Are Common Causes of ".ZIP" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".ZIP" file loss or failure:

  1. File Corruption: ZIP files can become corrupted due to various reasons such as interrupted downloads, improper compression, or issues with the storage device.
  2. Virus or Malware Infection: ZIP files can get infected by viruses or malware, which can corrupt or delete the files within them.
  3. Accidental Deletion: Users may accidentally delete ZIP files, either by directly deleting them or by mistakenly formatting the storage device.
  4. Disk Errors: Errors on the storage device, such as bad sectors or physical damage, can lead to data loss or corruption of ZIP files.
  5. Software or Hardware Malfunction: Issues with the software used to compress or extract ZIP files, or problems with the hardware components involved, can cause file loss or failure.
  6. Power Outages: Unexpected power outages or system shutdowns during the compression or extraction process can result in incomplete or corrupted ZIP files.
  7. Incompatible Software: Using incompatible or outdated software to open or extract ZIP files can lead to errors or loss of data.
  8. File System Errors: Errors within the file system, such as file system corruption or formatting errors, can cause ZIP files to become inaccessible or lost.
  9. Human Error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidental formatting of the wrong drive or improper handling of files, can cause ZIP file loss.
  10. Storage Device Failure: If the storage device where the ZIP files are stored fails, either due to physical damage or logical errors, it can result in the loss or corruption of the files.

How to recover lost ".ZIP" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".ZIP" file may be deleted.

Go to view
🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".ZIP" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".ZIP" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".ZIP" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".ZIP" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".ZIP" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo zipped File image file file?

Programs that open ".ZIP" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
Microsoft File Explorer Microsoft File Explorer
Corel WinZip 23 Corel WinZip 23
WinRAR 5 WinRAR 5
PeaZip PeaZip
ConeXWare PowerArchiver ConeXWare PowerArchiver
Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe
7-Zip 7-Zip
B1 Free Archiver B1 Free Archiver
Mac
Corel WinZip Mac 7 Corel WinZip Mac 7
Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe 16 Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe 16
Apple Archive Utility Apple Archive Utility
Incredible Bee Archiver Incredible Bee Archiver
The Unarchiver The Unarchiver
B1 Free Archiver B1 Free Archiver
Keka Keka
Linux
funzip funzip
p7zip p7zip
B1 Free Archiver B1 Free Archiver
File Roller File Roller
PeaZip PeaZip
Android
File Viewer for Android File Viewer for Android
RARLAB RAR RARLAB RAR
ZDevs ZArchiver ZDevs ZArchiver

Additional Information

  • File type: Zipped File

  • File extension: .ZIP

  • Developer: Phil Katz

  • Category: Compressed Files

  • Format: Zip

  • Mime-type: application/octet-stream

  • HEX: 50 4B 03 04

  • ASCII: PK

  • File types that use the extension .ZIP:

    • Zipped File

    • MAME Game ROM

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 16:32 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .ZIP files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are some common reasons for encountering problems when opening .ZIP files?

    There can be several common reasons for encountering problems when opening .ZIP files:

    1. Incomplete or corrupted download: If the .ZIP file was not downloaded properly or got interrupted during the download process, it may be incomplete or corrupted. This can cause issues when trying to open it.
    2. File corruption: Sometimes, the .ZIP file itself may be corrupted due to various reasons such as errors during compression, storage, or transfer. Corrupted files cannot be opened or extracted properly.
    3. Incorrect file extension: Occasionally, the file extension of the .ZIP file may be incorrect or missing. This can confuse the operating system or associated software, leading to problems in opening the file.
    4. Insufficient disk space: If your computer or device does not have enough free disk space, it may encounter problems when trying to open large .ZIP files. Make sure you have enough storage space available.
    5. Outdated or incompatible software: If you are using outdated or incompatible software to open .ZIP files, it may result in errors or problems. Ensure that you have the latest version of a reliable compression/decompression tool.
    6. Password-protected .ZIP files: If the .ZIP file is password-protected and you do not have the correct password, you won't be able to open it. Make sure you have the necessary password to access the contents.
    7. Malware or virus infection: In some cases, .ZIP files can be infected with malware or viruses. If your antivirus software detects a threat, it may prevent you from opening the file to protect your system.
    8. Operating system limitations: Certain operating systems may have limitations on the size or complexity of .ZIP files they can handle. Ensure that you are using an operating system that supports the file size and features of the .ZIP file you are trying to open.

    If you encounter problems when opening .ZIP files, it is advisable to check these common reasons and troubleshoot accordingly.

  • What are some troubleshooting steps to fix issues with opening .ZIP files?
    1. Ensure that you have a reliable and up-to-date file compression software installed on your computer, such as WinZip, 7-Zip, or WinRAR. If not, download and install one of these programs.
    2. Verify that the .ZIP file is not corrupted or incomplete. Try downloading the file again from the original source or ask the sender to resend it. If the file is still not opening, it may be damaged.
    3. Check if the .ZIP file is password protected. If it is, make sure you have the correct password to access the contents. If you don't know the password, contact the sender or the source of the file to obtain it.
    4. Make sure you have enough disk space on your computer to extract the contents of the .ZIP file. If your disk is full, you may encounter issues while extracting or opening the file. Free up some space by deleting unnecessary files.
    5. Try extracting the .ZIP file to a different location on your computer. Sometimes, the destination folder may have permission issues or file system errors that prevent the extraction process. Choose a different directory, such as your desktop or a new folder, and attempt to extract the contents there.
    6. Disable any antivirus or security software temporarily, as they might be interfering with the extraction process. Some antivirus programs may mistakenly flag .ZIP files as potentially harmful and prevent them from opening or extracting. After disabling the antivirus, try opening the .ZIP file again.
    7. If you are unable to open the .ZIP file on your computer, try using a different computer or operating system. It could be a compatibility issue specific to your system. If the file opens on another computer, consider updating your operating system or seeking further assistance from technical support.
    8. In case none of the above steps work, the .ZIP file itself may be corrupt or damaged beyond repair. Contact the sender or the source of the file to request a new or uncorrupted version.

    Remember to exercise caution when opening .ZIP files from unknown sources, as they may contain malware or malicious content. Scan the files with an antivirus program before extracting them to ensure your computer's safety.

  • Are there any specific software or tools that can help resolve problems with opening .ZIP files?

    Yes, there are several software and tools available to help resolve problems with opening .ZIP files. Some popular options include:

    1. WinRAR: It is a powerful file compression and extraction tool that can handle various archive formats, including .ZIP files.
    2. 7-Zip: This is a free and open-source file archiver that supports .ZIP files and many other compression formats.
    3. WinZip: It is a well-known commercial software that allows you to compress and decompress files, including .ZIP files.
    4. PeaZip: It is a free and open-source file manager and file archiver that supports various archive formats, including .ZIP files.
    5. Windows built-in extraction tools: Windows operating systems come with built-in support for .ZIP files. You can simply right-click on the .ZIP file and select the "Extract All" option to extract the contents.

    These tools can help you open and extract files from .ZIP archives, and they often provide additional features for managing and manipulating compressed files.
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