Kinds of ZIP Files

Main ZIP Affiliation

.ZIP

File Format:	.zip
Classification:	Zipped File

The ZIP file extension is a compressed archive that supports lossless data compression. It's Often used to send zipped email attachments, this way the message cannot be blocked by the email server filters. It can also be used for hiding file type or to prevent opening.

Programmer:	Winrar
Kind:	Compressed Files
Location:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.zip

Software Programs That Open The Zipped File:

7-Zip by Igor Pavlov

Windows

Android

Linux

WinRAR by Eugene Roshal

Windows

Mac

Android

Linux

Apple Archive Utility by Apple

Mac

Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe by Smith Micro Software

Windows

	Mac
	iOS

Android

The Unarchiver by Dag Agren, Circlesoft

Mac

Corel WinZip 21 by Corel

Windows

	Mac
	iOS

Android

PeaZip by Open Source

Windows

Linux

B1 Free Archiver by The Catalina Group

Windows

Mac

Android

Linux

Incredible Bee Archiver by Incredible Bee Ltd

Windows

Mac

p7zip by Igor Pavlov

Mac

Linux

RARLAB RAR by Winrar

Mac

Android

Linux

ZDevs ZArchiver by Interscape

Android

Alternative ZIP Types

.ZIP

File Format:	.zip
Classification:	Game Resource Archive File

ZIP file is used also for resource files in many games such as FireStarter, Falcon 4.0, Empire Earth 2 and other games. These ZIP files may need special tools to be extracted.

Programmer:	Open Source
Kind:	Game Files

Software Programs That Open Game Resource Archive File Files:

Dragon UnPACKer by Open Source

Compatible with:

Windows

.ZIP

File Format:	.zip
Classification:	ObjectBar Theme Pack File Format

Theme pack file associated with ObjectBar, an application used to create custom Start Bars, finders, pop-up menus, program launchers, wharfs, docks, etc.

Programmer:	Stardock Corporation
Kind:	Compressed Files

Software Programs That Open ObjectBar Theme Pack File Format Files:

ObjectBar by Stardock Corporation

Compatible with:

Windows

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Understanding ZIP Issues

Common ZIP Opening Problems

7-Zip Removed

Double-clicking your ZIP file prompts the message "%%os%% Can't Open ZIP File". If this is the case, it's usually due to the fact that you do not have 7-Zip for %%os%% installed on your computer. The OS won't know what to do with your ZIP file, so double-clicking to load the file doesn't work.

Tip: If you don't have 7-Zip installed, and you know of another program to open your ZIP file, you can try opening it by selecting from the programs listed under "Show Apps".

Wrong Version of 7-Zip is Installed

Occasionally, you might have an outdated version of 7-Zip installed that's incompatible with your Zipped File type. Visit the Igor Pavlov website to download (or purchase) the latest version of 7-Zip. The primary cause of this problem is that your Zipped File file was created by a different (newer) version of 7-Zip than what's installed.

Tip: Right-clicking on your ZIP, then clicking "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), can provide clues about your file version.

Summary: Not having the right 7-Zip version on your computer can cause problems opening ZIP files.

Other ZIP File Issues

You can still experience errors opening ZIP files even with the latest version of 7-Zip installed on your PC. If you're still experiencing problems opening ZIP files, there could be other computer problems. These issues include:

• Corrupt Windows Registry file path references for ZIP
• Deletion of the ZIP file description from the Registry by mistake
• Invalid installation of a ZIP-associated program (eg. 7-Zip)
• Your ZIP can't be loaded properly (file corruption)
• Your ZIP is infected with malware
• ZIP-related hardware has device drivers that obsolete
• Too many applications are open on your PC to load your Zipped File file successfully