ZIP File Support - Restore

How to Restore the Built-in ZIP File Support in Vista​

   Information

This will show you how to restore the built-in ZIP file support in Vista by restoring the ZIP file association.

   Note

You may have used a program like WinZip, WinRar, or some other Zip program and Vista will now not go back to it's default Zip handler in explorer after you uninstalled the other program.

   Tip

If when you try to open a ZIP folder and it does not open in a Windows Explorer window, then turn on Compressed Folders. See related link below for how.

   Warning

This must be done while logged on to a administrator account.

Here's How:

​

1. Click on the download button below and save the zipfix_vista.reg file to your desktop.​

NOTE: This also contains the reg file to turn on Compressed Folders.​

​

​

2. Right click on the downloaded zipfix_vista.reg file and click on Merge.​

​

3. Click on the Run button in the Security Warning pop-up. (See screenshot below)​

​

​

4. Click on Continue (UAC), Yes, and then OK when prompted.​

​

5. When done, you can delete the downloaded zipfix_vista.reg file if you like.​

​

6. Restart the computer to apply changes.​

​

​

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Turn Compressed Folders On or Off in Vista
• Restore Default Vista File Extension Type Associations
• How To Zip (Compress) a File or Folder in Windows
• How to Enable or Disable Zip Extracted Show Files Window

 

[altkon]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

I have tried:
to Restore Vista's Built-in Support of ZIP Files
By applying your Method 1

When I double-click the zipped file to view/unzip, internet explorer launches and then that browser window maximizes, minimizes in a perpetual loop which I could only stop by shutting down / restarting the PC.
Is there another way ???
thanks,
altkon

 

[Brink]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

Hi Altkon,

Welcome to the forum.

It appears that you are having more than just a Zip problem. If you have a Vista installation DVD and not a Recovery (clone) DVD, then I would recommend that you do a Repair Install. It'll only take around 25 minutes. This will allow you to repair your Vista installation without losing your files, settings, and programs.

How To Perform a Repair Installation For Vista

Shawn

 

[altkon]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

Hi Altkon,

Welcome to the forum.

It appears that you are having more than just a Zip problem. If you have a Vista installation DVD and not a Recovery (clone) DVD, then I would recommend that you do a Repair Install. It'll only take around 25 minutes. This will allow you to repair your Vista installation without losing your files, settings, and programs.

How To Perform a Repair Installation For Vista

Shawn

Unfortunately I have only a product Recovery DVD which does not permit me to do a Repair Install.
Can it be that this defect occurred due to the installation of some other application such as Open Office Org 2.2.1 gr which I Installed to my laptop??
I have checked into my Windows>32System> and
zipfldr.dll is included at the bottom of the list.
Please comment.
Regards,
altkon

 

[Brink]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

Altkon,

You might consider using the free program 7-ZIP instead. I use it without any problems, and it supports a lot more file formats. After it is installed, run it and click Tools -> Options and Select all file formats for this program to be associated with.

7-Zip

Shawn

 

[jamepc]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

When I double-click the zipped file to view/unzip, internet explorer launches and then that browser window maximizes, minimizes in a perpetual loop which I could only stop by shutting down / restarting the PC.

This also happened to me when I applied this method and it never happened before. My zip files are associated to open with IE when double clicked, then this loop happens. Don't double click it if IE is the default program.
I then right clicked the file and selected Extract and it worked. However now after a reboot the extract option is gone.
Why did the extract option disappear?
How do I make the default program to be Vista's unzipper? I know how to Browse for the proper application but don't know what or where it is.

Thanks,
Jamie

 

[Brink]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

Hi Jamie,

Yeah, ZIP should not be associated to open with IE. By default it should be Compressed Folders, or a 3rd party ZIP program. Doing a method above in the tutorial will reset ZIP to associated back to Compressed Folders.

Shawn

 

[jamepc]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

Thanks for your reply Shawn. Vista's unzipper is working again however I can only use it if I right click the folder and select Extract. How do I specify Vista's decompressor to start when the folder is double clicked. I can "Select from a list of installed programs" but there's no decompressor listed. I can "Browse" but don't know where or what to look for.

Thanks again,
Jamie

 

[Brink]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

Jamie,

You will need to turn on Compressed Folders to then.

How to Turn Compressed Folders On or Off in Vista

You want the compressed folder to be opened with Windows Explorer. (C:\Windows\explorer.exe) The Zip file is associated with Compressed Folders.

Shawn

 

[mistah]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

omg! it works. thanks alot!!! i looked everywhere and this was the only place that had the solution.

 

[Brink]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

Your welcome Mistah, and welcome to Vista Forums.

Shawn

 

[Grayo]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

Thank you so much, this problem has almost resulted in my computer being smashed to pieces in frustration, thanks again!!!

 

[Brink]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

LOL Grayo, I can understand that. I'm glad to hear that your problem is resolved.

Welcome to Vista Forums.

Shawn

 

[neelam007]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

Im new to this and just signed up so i can post a comment here.

I done something to the .zip thingy, i think i pressed on a .zip folder 'open with...' then chose .psp as whenever i create a .zip folder it looks like this:

what can i do to make it back so it looks like a .zip folder as currently, it looks like the above image i just posted and i cant extract anything as there isnt a button that says extract!

 

[Brink]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

Hi Neelam007,

Don't worry, it happens. You will just need to run the REG file in METHOD TWO in the tutorial. This will reset Vista back to using the default ZIP handler.

Shawn

 

[neelam007]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

I downloaded the file in step2 and followed the rules but this came up at the end?



Will my .zip folders ever come back?!?!

 

[Brink]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

(From PM)

Hi Neelem,

You will just need to boot into Safe Mode, then run the Reg file to fix ZIP. Something is still running that is preventing the change and being in Safe Mode will allow it to run.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/123496-safe-mode.html

Shawn

 

[Drek1Droid]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

This worked great - but after uninstalling WinRAR, there seems to be an issue with .cab files as well. Does it require the same association cmd?

 

[Brink]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

Hi Drek1Droid,

Welcome to Vista Forums.

Yes, the command in Method One of this tutorial should restore the .cab file extension type association back to the built in ZIP handler in Vista.

Shawn

 

[Drek1Droid]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

Great! No what if I was a moron and reran the same command, but replaced .zip with .cab so now my cab files look like zip folders. Do I care? :-)