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:

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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.​

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

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

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

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

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6. Restart the computer to apply changes.​

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That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

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• 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

 

[Bethmc11]

Yes, I can now open my zip folder! But now I can't figure out how to change the icon back to the folder with the little zipper on top. I'm running out of places to look in my Control Panel.

 

[Brink]

Beth,

See if downloading and merging the ZIP download in the tutorial below may be able to help.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/233243-default-file-type-associations-restore.html

 

[Bethmc11]

Nope, the zip file/folder still shows the old icon. Should I restart my computer? Would that help?

 

[Brink]

Yes, you would need to restart the computer for it to be fully applied.

 

[Bethmc11]

Well, hey, what do you know! It worked! Thanks so much for your advice and patience with my ignorance. This guys lips are zipped. I thought it was appropriate...

 

[Brink]

LOL, you're most welcome.

 

[Kimmie]

I just want to say thank you very much! You have saved me from throwing this laptop out of a window:D

 

[Brink]

LOL, you're most welcome Kimmie, and welcome to Vista Forums.

 

[jeffrynov]

Re: ZIP file in Vista

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

:D Nice to have you sorted it out Mis and I don't have any problem too with my ZIP since I got two application for ZIP File such IZarc and WINZip and can you explain to me Doctor Brink does it really important to make Vista back to its original ZIP or doesn't really need it ? :D

 

[Brink]

Hello Jeffrey,

It just depends on your prefrences and which one you want to use. WinZip or the ZIP feature in Vista.

 

[rw9340]

Hello I am having a problem with my compressed folder. I have ran step 1 and two however one one profile this step did not fix the problem it still tries to open with IE. I have rebooted and everthing. Also on the profile that it did fix it opens up in a embroidery software program I downloaded. How do I change it back to open up in the regular progam. I am afraid that I will mess something up again. I don't know what program to select to open up my pes files. Thank you.

 

[Brink]

Hello RW, and welcome to Vista Forums.

Parts of the REG file will only affect the user account that is currently logged on and merged in. Log on to that user profile, and merge the REG file in it as well to see if it may help afterwards.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[rw9340]

Thanks for the reply. I have tried what you have suggested and that did not work. It still wants to open with IE.

 

[Brink]

Strange. Did you restart the computer after applying the REG file?

If so, you might consider using the free program 7-Zip for ZIP files. It's a great little program.

 

[rw9340]

Yes I have shutdown my computer.

 

[icecream man]

Shawn,
Awesome! Problem solved. My computer stopped opening zip files all of a sudden yesterday. Followed other threads, other users had success finding explorer.exe to open zips with......I couldnt locate the explorer at all on my computer. Found this forum, downloaded zipfix_vista like you recommended, and worked. Thanks alot. Im now a new member of this forum, and will keep link in favorites as a first go to if future problems arise.

-Ethan:D

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome Ethan, and welcome to Vista Forums.

 

[Jovanny]

So i changed the Zip file to "open with" Word by mistake, i do i make so it goes back to its original Zip file?

 

[Brink]

Hello Jovanny, and welcome to Vista Forums.

You can download and merge the REG file in the tutorial on the first page of this thread to restore the default association of ZIP files.

 

[guswin7]

Hi there,

sorry to add to this list of problems! hope someone can help me please?

My system just stopped giving me "extract..." when drag and right-click a .zip file.

Extract All is working, and zip and unzip functions and association is fine. It is only the drag with right button no longer shows "extract.." I only have Copy, Move, Create shortcut.
I used to have extract... as well.

Any ideas?

PS i have run the reg repairs on the file assocation just in case.

Thanks!

Gus