(some) zip files "invalid" - unable to open

[dragouille]

Hello all,

Got a bunch of zip files in a folder - some will open fine, some will not.  That won't open are neither the biggest nor smallest file sizes and they were all downloaded at the same time. Unfortunately, the download window was time limited so I can't go back and download them again.

When I try to open one of the zip files that won't work, it just said that the compressed/zip file is invalid. The "extract all..." function won't work either - it's claiming that the folder is empty (which it's not - size of the zip folder reflects this).

Please help! Urgently need one of these files.

Many thanks in advance.

p.s. I am the opposite of a tech nerd and need idiot's-guide-style step by step instructions if you think you know what I need to do... 😉

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

The only suggestion I can offer would be to try the free 7-Zip file utility to unzip the files.

I use it all the time, and it even extracts exe files into file folders.

https://www.7-zip.org/

After you install 7-Zip, right click on the file you want to unzip,

Select 7-Zip from the list of items on the menu.

Have 7-Zip Extract to: and let it extract the file into its folder name.

That's all there is to it.

If 7-Zip can't unzip the files, then I doubt any other utility can.

[dragouille]

Superstar. That worked. How strange that the computer will allow access to some but not others. Thank you so much!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

7-Zip will usually unzip almost anthing.

It is one of the first programs I install on my PC's.