An “invalid zip file format” error usually occur when the structure of the zip file becomes corrupt. This might happen due to incomplete downloads, corrupt zip file, or outdated compression tool. Facing this error can be frustrating as when it occurs you won’t be able to open or extract data from your Zip file. However, fixing this issue is quite easier than you think.
In this guide, we have explored the common causes of “the compressed zip folder is invalid” error and provide you the best solutions to fix and restore data from corrupted ZIP files.
So, without wasting anymore time, let’s move ahead…….!
ZIP files is a compressed folder with .zipx or .zip extensions. It is mainly used to store numerous files and helpful for emailing, transferring, and downloading the larger files easily. However, this file is very prone to corruption and due to this, you may get several types of error messages while accessing your Zip file. One such error is “zip file invalid” or “the compressed zipped folder is invalid” error. The compressed zipped folder is invalid error simply means that your (zipped) folder is invalid and you will not be able to access information and even you can’t extract the Zip files from your zip folder. The ZIP file Invalid error is mainly occurring because of the virus or due to the faulty compressor tool. So, before fixing this error, it’s very much important to know the exact reason behind the occurrence of this error. In the next section of this post, you will get some of the major factors that may responsible for this issue. Here, I have listed a few major factors that can cause the ZIP file is Invalid error, So, let’s have a look: Due to all these issues, there is a huge possibility to get this error and lose your important Zip files. But you need not worry because every problem has its solution. So, let’s know- can ZIP file be recovered or how to recover corrupted zip files in a hassle-free manner… These are some of the quick fixes that can help you solve zip error: zip file structure invalid effectively. So, without wasting any more time, let’s just go through them:What Does “Invalid Zip File” Mean?
What Are The Causes of “ZIP File Is invalid” Error?
How To Fix Invalid Zip File Format Error?
#1: How To Fix Invalid Zip File Using Command Prompt
Command prompt is a great utility that can help you resolve various sorts of errors and issue. Before trying any other fixes, let’s try fixing the downloaded zip file is invalid error using cmd.
Here are the steps you need to follow to fix invalid zip file using cmd:
Step 1: Firstly, go to the Start & launch the Command Prompt as an Admin.
Step 2: Then, change the directories to a folder where your damaged or invalid Zip file is placed. Type: “C:\Program Files\WinZip\wzzip” – yf zipfile.zip
Files\WinZip: Location where you have installed WinZip application
zipfile.zip: Name of a file showing an invalid zip archive error.
Step 3: After this, you have to press the Enter.
If this solution won’t work for you, then you can go with the next method to solve how to fix invalid Zip files.
#2: Uninstall & Re-install the Compression Client
Uninstalling and reinstalling the compression client is another ways to fix compressed zip file is invalid error. Sometimes, the compression client might also obstruct the way.
In such a situation, this method can help you out to overcome this issue. Follow these steps to know what you need to do:
- Launch the RUN dialog box by pressing Windows + R
- Then, type appwiz.cpl in it and press Enter.
- Once the new window appears, move down the list to find the compression software.
- Once found, just click on Uninstall to remove the program from your PC.
- Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
To reinstall the compression client again, visit the official website of the compression client and download it from a trusted source.
#3: Try Different Compression Tools
If you’re using a specific unzip tool and encountering the compressed (zipped) folder is invalid Windows 10 error, try using a different extraction tool.
Sometimes, certain tools might have difficulty in handling specific ZIP formats.
Some of the popular alternative software are – WinRAR or 7-Zip. These software have different algorithms for handling the ZIP files, that might solve the issue.
Follow these steps to know how to use these software:
- Download and install the software from the official website.
- Once installed, open this program and right-click on the zip file or folder you want to compress/decompress.
- Now, select “Add to archive” if you want to compress and select “Extract here” to decompress the file or folder.
Also Read: AutoCAD File Recovery: Restore Deleted & Unsaved AutoCAD Files
#4: Run AntiVirus Tool to Remove The Virus & Malware
When your PC or storage media gets infected by malware or virus, at that time you will unable to open your ZIP file and may get a compressed (zipped) folder is invalid error. So, it’s very much important to solve this issue as soon as possible.
However, if you’ve installed a good antivirus tool, then run it to remove all the existing viruses. In case, if you do not have any antivirus, then you can turn on a Windows Defender on your PC to do so.
Watch this video guide completely to learn the effective ways to fix & recover invalid zip files.
How To Recover Invalid Zip File Using Zip File Recovery Software?
In order to repair and recover invalid zip file, you can try the best and most trustworthy Zip File Recovery Tool. This software has exceptional features that will allow you to restore corrupted-invalid-zip files. No matter whatever the reason behind getting the “Invalid Zip file” issue and losing your important file, all you have to just try this feature-loaded tool.
This File Recovery Tool not only restores invalid or corrupt Zip file but also other photos, video, and audio file formats.
Below you can find its more exciting features:
- Easily restore files from storage media
- Preview recovered file within software before you proceed to save them on your PC
- Easy user-interface, 100% clean, safe & easy to use
- Available for both Windows and Mac users
emid
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* Free version of the program only scans and previews recoverable items.
So, without wasting any time, just try the step by step guide to recover zip file corrupt with the issue stated as ‘the compressed zipped folder is invalid’.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Question)
How Do I Fix Invalid Compressed Zipped Folder?
In order to fix the 'Compressed (Zipped) Folder Is Invalid' error on Windows, you can try any of the above fixes mentioned in this post.
How Do I Fix A Corrupted ZIP File?
To repair your corrupt ZIP files, you can try any of the below methods:
- Repair ZIP files using online ZIP repair tools.
- Change the file extension from .ZIP to .RAR.
- Try using a different file extraction tool.
- Use command-line tools like 7-Zip or WinRAR.
Why Is My ZIP File Structure Invalid?
There could be several reasons leading to this Zip file structure invalid error such as - improper download, virus infection, corrupted Zip file or outdated compression tool.
How Do I Fix A ZIP File That Won't Open?
So, if you can't open or unzip an archive on Windows, here are some quick and easy tips to fix the problem quickly.
- Re-download the zip file.
- Use a different zip program
- Try renaming the file extension
- Run the anti-virus scan
- Repair the corrupted ZIP files using ZIP repair tool.
- Try opening the ZIP file on another devices
How Do I Change A Compressed Zipped Folder To A Normal Folder?
To change the compressed zipped folder to a normal folder, you need to follow these steps:
- Open the File explorer and locate the compressed zipped folder.
- Right-click on the zipped folder then select ‘Extract All...’ from a menu.
- Then, you need to choose a destination where you want to save the extracted files.
- Next, click on the ‘Extract’ button. Now, Windows will extract all the files from a compressed folder and save them in the selected location.
Once the process is over, then you'll have a normal folder containing all the files that were previously compressed in a zipped folder.
Also Read: PDF File Recovery – Recover Deleted, Unsaved PDF Files Easily
Conclusion
There can be several reasons that can cause “invalid zip file format” error. However, by following the methods outlined in this post, you can easily fix this issue.
In the above section of this guide, we have specified 4 workable methods to fix zip error: zip file structure invalid error. So, if you want to get rid of this problem, just go through all of them and find which one helps to fix this issue.
Hope you find this post helpful……!
Taposhi is an expert technical writer with 5+ years of experience. Her in-depth knowledge about data recovery and fascination to explore new DIY tools & technologies have helped many. She has a great interest in photography and loves to share photography tips and tricks with others.