How to Recover Corrupted ZIP File

There is no arguing that the ZIP file compression format is the most popular method for transferring or even downloading huge data. One of the most significant advantages of adopting file compression is that it requires less disk space. However, in addition to these conveniences, there are some advantages. You may occasionally encounter issues, such as a corrupt ZIP file.

The primary purpose of this post is to address the topic of how to fix a corrupted ZIP file so that you may use it properly. You will also receive a full review of the many causes of data damage, as well as proven methods for repairing and recovering corrupted ZIP files.

Recover corrupted ZIP file via 3 built-in solutions

A corrupted ZIP file might be annoying since it prevents you from accessing crucial files. Fortunately, there are various tools in Windows system available to assist you fix your corrupted ZIP file and maybe retrieve the data contained within.

Way 1. Re-download ZIP file

A corrupted download may be the cause of any issues you are encountering while extracting a downloaded ZIP archive. In such instances, it is advisable to attempt to re-download the archive from the source. If you have received a corrupted ZIP archive from another individual, you may request that they re-create and re-send it.

After downloading the file, extract it from the ZIP file on your Windows PC and verify its functionality.

Way 2. Repair corrupted ZIP files with Command Prompt

WinZip is a widely used Windows archive extraction application that can assist in the restoration of corrupted ZIP files. Although WinZip is not freeware, it is possible to utilize its evaluation version for a period of 21 days.

If you do not already possess this extraction software, navigate to the WinZip download webpage to obtain the installation file and execute it. Additionally, it is necessary to obtain and install the WinZip Command Line add-on. After the installation is complete, follow these steps to repair your corrupted ZIP archive with WinZip.

Step 1. Locate the corrupted ZIP file on your PC, right-click on it, and select Copy As Path.

Step 2. Press Win + S to open the search menu. Type cmd in the box and hit Enter.

Step 3. In the Command Prompt window, type cd followed by the file path copied earlier and hit Enter. It should look something like this:

cd\folder 1\folder 2\folder 3

Step 4. Type the following repair command and hit Enter. Make sure you replace zipfile in the command with the actual name of the corrupted ZIP.

"C:\Program Files\WinZip\wzzip" -yf zipfile.zip

The repaired ZIP archive will be saved in the same folder as the corrupted one by WinZip. You should then be able to open or extract it as you would normally.

Way 3. Repair corrupted ZIP files with WinRAR

WinRAR is an archive extraction utility that enables the repair of corrupted ZIP files. In contrast to WinZip, WinRAR has a built-in "Repair archive" option that is specifically designed to repair corrupted ZIP files. WinRAR is not freeware; however, it offers a 40-day free trial.

Step 1. Open WinRAR using Windows Search.

Step 2. Navigate to the directory that contains the corrupted ZIP archive by clicking the folders in WinRAR's window.

Step 3. Select the corrupted ZIP archive. Then, click the Tools menu at the top and select Repair archive.

Step 4. Use the Browse option to specify where to save the repaired file. Select the Treat the corrupt archive as ZIP option and click OK.

Further reading: How to recover accidentally lost ZIP files from Windows computer

Besides corruption, ZIP files may be removed or lost by accidental operations, system crashes, and other unpredictable errors. If you inadvertently lost your ZIP files, a data recovery tool is necessary. Because after deleting them from the PC, the ZIP files just become invisible; but the data still remains. Data recovery tool can help users scan the whole disk to quickly search removed/lost files that haven’t been overwritten. In this case, you can rely on professional data recovery software AOMEI FastRecovery to find lost ZIP files.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI FastRecovery. Choose the exact partition or disk where your data lost and click Scan.

Step 2. Then, the recovery tool start to scan and search. lt will execute the “Quickly Scan" first for finding your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching other lost data.

Step 3. Once the scan is completed, all deleted files, recycle bins and other missing files will be displayed. Please select the file you would like to recover and then click "Recover".

Step 4. Then, select a folder path to save your recovered files.

Step 5. Wait patiently for this process of recovering ends.

Possible causes of corrupted/damaged ZIP files

Various scenarios may make your ZIP file become corrupted or even ruined. When you try to open the file, you will most likely see the error message "ZIP file is corrupt." So, the following is a list of some of the possible causes of such mishaps:

1. ZIP format is open source.
The information is recorded using two file headers. Because these file formats are open-source, they are prone to problems. So, once the compressed file has been downloaded, the application interprets the header file as incorrect, causing the ZIP file to appear corrupted.

2. Download unreadable ZIP
Another common cause of a corrupted ZIP file is during the download process. There are various scenarios in which unreadable data is connected to a ZIP file, making it difficult for the application to extract the data.

3. Physical damage to the storage device
If the storage device on which the ZIP file is saved experiences faulty sectors or physical damage, file corruption may occur. If you saved the ZIP file on an external HDD or even a flash drive, the detachable drive likely malfunctioned.

4. Improper compression techniques
When files are compressed wrongly, either owing to the use of outdated compression algorithms or settings that do not suit the file type, the ZIP file's integrity is jeopardized.

To sum up

There are numerous scenarios in which receiving a ZIP file is corrupt error notice can be unpleasant at times. Following all of the methods outlined above will assist you in retrieving your corrupted or damaged ZIP file promptly. Not to mention, we have provided 3 options for the repair and recover ZIP files.