The most common reason for this error is a failed or interrupted download or file transfer. Sometimes, it can also happen if you have an incomplete split archive, are using an unsupported file type, or the archive is corrupted inside. Before you proceed with the methods below, ensure that the file you are trying to open is fully downloaded and not incomplete. Sometimes, archiving errors happen because the file has not downloaded correctly. Consider using a download manager instead of downloading directly through your web browser to prevent download interruptions.
1. Change the Default Program to Open Archives
Very often, this issue arises when the wrong 7zip executable opens the archive by default. When you double-click or select “Open,” the system uses the default program associated with that file type. If it is set to 7zG (GUI), you may encounter the error. To fix this, you must update the default to 7zFM.exe, the proper File Manager for opening archives.
2. Use an Alternative Program to Open the Archive File
Sometimes, the issue may lie within the 7zip program itself. To determine whether the archive is truly corrupted or if 7zip is malfunctioning, it’s helpful to use another reputable program such as WinRAR. This step not only helps you troubleshoot but may allow you to access your files directly.
3. Repair a Corrupt Zip Archive
If your archive is corrupted, using a dedicated repair tool can often restore its contents. WinRAR, for example, includes an effective archive repair function.
