WinZip Self-Extractor file is damaged.. error opening a .ZIP file
The Zip format allows you to compress and archive large files by using compression algorithms. These files are mostly used over networks and secondary storage media like flash drives. A .zip file can get corrupted due to CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) errors, faulty network hardware, improper system shutdown, malicious software like virus etc. Corruption of .zip file results in inaccessibility of the data stored in it. In such situations, you need to restore the data from latest backup. However, if there is no backup available or backup falls short of providing the required information, then you need to repair the .zip file by using powerful Zip Repair tools.
Consider a practical scenario, when you try to open a .zip file that you downloaded from an FTP site, you encounter the below error message:
"WinZip Self-Extractor Zip file is damaged, truncated, or has been changed since it was created. If you downloaded this file, try downloading again."
The above error message is encountered due to .zip file corruption. The data stored in the .zip file becomes inaccessible and you encounter the same error message each time you attempt to open the .zip file.
Cause
The above error message mainly occurs if WinZip self extractor finds a mismatch between the file checksums. Another major cause for the above error message is file system corruption.
Resolution
The best possible ways to resolve the above error message are discussed below:
• You need to run the windows disk scan utility (CHKDSK). This utility enables you to check and repair the corrupted files.
• You can delete the previously saved .zip file and download it again from the FTP site.
• You need to make sure that your internet connection is stable.
However, if the above ways fail to deliver results and you still encounter the same error message, then you need to use powerful and updated zip repair software. Such Zip Recovery applications use high end scanning algorithms that provide effective repair of corrupt .zip archives. These software come with user-friendly interface and simple, graphical and to-the-point documentation.
Stellar Phoenix Zip Recovery is the foremost zip recovery utility that provides comprehensive repair and restoration of affected .zip files. It can be used to repair .zip files created from Winzip 5 to WinZip 11.1. It also repairs all sub-types of password protected .zip files up to Win Zip 8.0. It supports Windows Vista, 2003, XP and NT.