Complete guide to troubleshooting ZIP file errors in Windows

Have you ever tried to open a ZIP file in Windows and encountered an error message that you don't know how to resolve? It can be frustrating, especially if you need to access compressed information urgently. The truth is, errors related to ZIP files in Windows are very common, but fortunately, they can be solved.

In this article we are going to explain to you in a clear and detailed way All the possible causes of ZIP errors in Windows and what you can do to fix themWhether the file is corrupted, the path is too long, or you simply don't have sufficient permissions. Whether you're using Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11, there are effective step-by-step methods you can follow to regain access to your file without losing time or data.

Why do I get errors when opening ZIP files in Windows?

Errors opening ZIP files can be caused by multiple factors. It is important to know them in order to apply the appropriate solution and not waste time trying random methods.. The most common causes are:

• Corrupt or damaged file: This can occur during download, transfer, or compression of the file.
• Route too long: Windows has a 260-character limit for the total path of a file, including folders and subfolders.
• Incompatible compression tool- If the file was compressed using specific software, the Windows unzipper may not be able to open it correctly.
• Lack of user permissions: Sometimes the system blocks access to temporary folders needed for decompression.
• Viruses or malware that has damaged the file or affected system functions related to file extraction.

Most common types of ZIP errors in Windows

Before we look at how to fix them, it's a good idea to know what specific error messages you might receive in Windows when trying to open a ZIP file:

• "Zip file is not valid": Appears when the file is corrupted or the compression tool used is not supported.
• "Path too long" or error 0x80010135: Occurs when the length of the full destination path exceeds the allowed 260 characters.
• "Access denied to the compressed folder": This occurs when you do not have sufficient permissions to read or write to the temporary path where Windows extracts the files.
• CRC error (Cyclic Redundancy Check): refers to a discrepancy between the calculated value of the original file and the value expected when extracted, indicating data corruption.

Solutions for the "ZIP file is not valid" error

If Windows displays a message indicating that the ZIP file is invalid, there could be several possible causes. Here are the most effective solutions:

1. Reinstall the program you use to unzip files

Sometimes The decompression software may be corrupted or outdatedReinstalling tools like WinRAR, 7-Zip, or WinZip usually resolves these types of conflicts. Make sure you download the latest version from the official website.

2. Use another decompression tool

Some compression formats are not fully supported by the built-in Windows extractor.. Try alternative programs such as:

• 7-Zip: Free, powerful and compatible with multiple formats.
• WinRAR: Allows you to repair corrupted ZIP files from its menu.
• PeaZip: Extract content from over 180 compressed file types.
• zipgenius: Creates password-protected files and splits them into smaller parts.

3. Repair the ZIP file using CMD

If you're using WinZip, you can use the command prompt to repair a corrupted ZIP file. Do the following:

1. Open CMD as administrator.
2. Go to the ZIP file directory with the command cd ruta/del/archivo.
3. Write "C:\Program Files\WinZip\wzzip" -yf archivo.zip and hit Enter.

This will attempt to repair the file automatically.. Be sure to replace “file.zip” with the name of your actual file.

4. Use a ZIP file repair program

Another option is to use specialized software such as Stellar File Repair, which allows you to recover damaged or even password-protected ZIP files. It works simply:

1. Launch the program and choose to repair a ZIP file.
2. Select the damaged file.
3. Click repair and wait for the process to complete.
4. Preview recovered files and save them wherever you want.

Error 0x80010135: How to Fix Path Too Long

This error occurs when the full path of the file (including destination folder and subfolders) exceeds the 260 characters allowed by Windows.Some solutions are:

1. Move the ZIP to a folder closer to the root of the disk

For example, create a folder like C:\temp and copy the .zip file there. Extracting it from that location shortens the path and Windows will not exceed the 260 character limit. You can also check out the complete guide to fix this error at This specialized page.

2. Rename the ZIP file to a shorter name

Renaming the file may reduce the total characters in the path.. Use a simple, short name like “file.zip.”

3. Extract the file to the root of the disk

By unzipping the file directly into C:\ o D:\, you avoid long routes. It's a quick, temporary solution to get around the limit.

4. Enable long paths in the Windows Registry

For that:

1. Press Windows + R and writes regedit.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem.
3. look for the entrance LongPathsEnabled and change its value to 1.
4. Restart your computer.

Caution! Modifying the registry can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing, so make a backup beforehand.For more details on similar issues, visit this specific guide.

Solution to access denied error in ZIP folders

When Windows displays a message like this "Access denied to the compressed folder", your user account probably doesn't have the proper permissions. Here's how to fix it:

1. Fix the TEMP environment variable

Windows uses the temporary folder to unzip files. If the TEMP variable is set incorrectly, it can cause this error. You can check and correct the settings in this step by step guide.

2. Grant your account permissions to the TEMP folder

1. Press Windows + R, writes %temp% and hit Enter.
2. Right-click on an empty space and select Properties.
3. On the Security tab, click Edit and add your username if it isn't listed.
4. Check the option to modify, apply and accept the changes.

With this you should be able to successfully access the ZIP files without the system blocking the operation..

Compression errors and other related problems

In addition to the errors seen above, there are other reasons why Windows may not open a ZIP file:

• Modified extensions: Manually changing the extension of a ZIP to another format may make it unusable.
• Problems with the file header: If the ZIP file header is corrupted, information about the contents is lost, and the file cannot be extracted.
• Incompatible compression method: If the ZIP was created using a method not supported by the tool you are using, the message “unknown compression method” will appear.

What to do if you have lost ZIP files or they have been accidentally deleted

If after trying to repair or extract a ZIP file you have lost important data, you can try to recover it with programs such as AnyRecover, which allows you to restore deleted or damaged files.

This software scans the disk for remnants of the ZIP file and allows you to recover both the original file and its contents. It is very useful in cases of severe corruption or accidental deletion.

Errors when opening ZIP files are more common than it seems, but most can be solved if you know the causes and apply the appropriate methods.From checking permissions, reducing path length, using specialized software, or repairing corrupted files, there are multiple tools available to any user to access their compressed files without complications. Just take a few minutes to identify the source of the problem and try the recommended solutions based on the type of error you're experiencing.