[2024] 4 Quick Ways to Fix Compressed Zip Folder Error in Windows

James Crawford

2024-04-19 19:36:07

26541 views, 5 min read

“My ZIP folder has always worked, but today, it started acting weird. When I open it, I get an error saying that the “compressed (zipped) folder is invalid or corrupted.” I can’t figure out what’s wrong with the zip folder. How do I repair it, please?”

Thanks to ZIP folders, users can compress photos, documents, videos, etc., and save them all in one place. They are like folders but with properties of files, which means you can download/upload zipped files easily and make multiple-file transfer much more convenient.

However, sometimes issues like invalid compressed zip folder and compressed zipped folder access denied occur, which prevents you from opening the compressed folder.

So, if you want to know how to fix compressed zip folder error, read this guide.

Part 1. Causes of Compressed Zip Folder Error

If you are denied access from a ZIP folder, or Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP declares the folder to be invalid, it’s tough to pinpoint the exact cause of the problems. However, since these are common issues, we know that they can be caused by the factors listed below.

Part 2. How to Fix Compressed Zip Folder Error in Windows

Knowing the causes makes it easier to troubleshoot and fix the compressed ZIP folder error. In this section, we’ll explore the best ways to fix the compress folder access denied error as well as when the ZIP folder is invalid.

1Fix Compressed Folder Access Denied Error

The compressed folder access denied error is quite clear – your user account does not have the required permissions to access or modify the ZIP folder. Hence, you’ve been forbidden from opening the archive. Here, you’ll learn how to gain access and in turn, get rid of the access denied error.

Method 1: Fix the TEMP environment variable

To begin troubleshooting the compressed folder access denied error, the first thing to do is to repair the TEMP environment variable. Here’s how to do it:

If this doesn't help, then it may mean that you don’t have sufficient permissions for the %TEMP% folder, check the next method.

Method 2: Request Permission for the %TEMP% Folder

Having fixed the TEMP environment variable, you now have to ensure that your user account has permissions to modify the TEMP folder, follow the steps below.

2Fix Compressed Zip folder Is Invalid Error

If you see this specific error, then you can be sure that the issue is not from your user account, computer, or zip folder settings. The error clearly means that the zip folder itself is corrupted, or the tool used for compressing it malfunctioned. Use the following methods to repair your corrupt ZIP folder.

Method 1: Repair Corrupt Zip Folder with WinRAR

Step1: Download WinRAR on your PC and launch it.

Step2: Browse for the corrupted ZIP file and right-click on it. Select the Repair or Repair archive option from the context menu.

Step3: Choose the directory in which you want to save the repaired file. Ensure that you mark the Treat the corrupt archive as ZIP checkbox and then click on the OK button.

NOTE: Following the repair, the output file will be saved in the location you chose in step 3. This folder will be named _rebuilt.zip.

Method 2: Repair Zip Folder with Command Prompt

WinZip has a command line support add-on that enables you to fix corrupt zipped folders. After setting it up, follow the steps below to repair your corrupt ZIP folder using Command Prompt.

Step1: Press the Windows + R combination to open the Run dialog box.

Step2: In the Run dialog box, type in cmd and run command prompt as administrator.

Step3: Use the cd command to navigate to the directory of the faulty ZIP folder. i.e., cd path/to/the/folder.

Step4: Run the following command: “C:\Program Files\WinZip\wzzip” -yf zipfile.zip. (replace zipfile.zip with the name of your zip file.)

Bonus: Recover Lost/Deleted Zip Folder Easily with AnyRecover

Fixing compressed ZIP folder errors can be tricky, and you may lose some data in the archive or lose the entire zip folder and need to recover them. In these scenarios, a capable data recovery tool can do the job. Tons of the programs exist, but we recommend AnyRecover because it’s secure, highly efficient, and easy to use. Don’t just take my word for it; highlighted below are some of the key features of AnyRecover.

Conclusion

The compressed zip folder error is a fairly common problem that Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP users face when opening their zip archives. Hopefully, after reading this guide, you are now equipped to resolve the zip folder access denied or compressed folder is invalid error.

We’ve also shown you how to recover the lost/deleted ZIP folders using a professional data recovery software - AnyRecover. Hopefully, after reading this post, you’ll be able to get your files back.