ZIP file problem with XP Home

Question

I just found these 'community' forums yesterday and it helped immensely with my 'dead PC' issue (bad power supply) so I'll try with another issue:   I'm not sure how this happened, probably with a software install, but at some point in the recent past, my ability to click on .ZIP files and have them open like a folder has been shot.    When I click on a .ZIP file, I get a message that asks if I'd like to open it or save it.  If I click Open, I get the same message again, and again, and again, if I keep clicking open.  If I click save I can save the file, but that does me little good.   My work-around was to get a free 3rd-party .ZIP tool, and then I have to remember to choose 'Open With' instead of double-clicking the file.  But I'd really like to get the XP ZIP capabilities restored to their previous glory...   I assume this is some sort of file association/registry setting trick, but don't know where to start.  My efforts at googling have failed.   Thanks! -Tim

dunedin · Answer

Hi Tim, File AssociationsGo to Win Explorer/Tools/Folder Options/File TypesScroll down to ZIP and highlight it. Then click on 'Change'

tim_fischer · Answer

Thanks for the info. Problem is, I've tried that. The program selected is "Compressed Folders" But when I double-click, I still get the "open or save" dialog.

I just noticed that when I do an "open with->Compressed Folders", I get the same thing. Now it's starting to look like something is screwy with the "compressed folders" subsystem or something...

Any other advice?

Thanks!

-Tim

dunedin · Answer

Try the 'ZIP Folder Association Fix' at the end of this list http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

Denny Denham · Answer

tim_fischer, Try going to Start|Run, enter regsvr32 zipfldr.dll and click OK. Try unzipping and see if it works.

tim_fischer · Answer

Neither of the above two tricks worked for me, unfortunately...    Anything else to try?   Thanks, -Tim

dunedin · Answer

Sorry, don`t know any more tricks!

I think if I were you I would just associate the 3rd party Zip program with the ZIP files

OR
You could run system file checker
Start/Run
sfc /scannow (Space before /)
You will lose all Updates and SP1/SP2 unless they are on your XP CD

JRosenfeld · Answer

I use bought copy of Winzip (bought it years ago, life time free upgrades). You can download and use for free if you don't mind the nag screen,

http://www.winzip.com/

Others prefer winrar

http://www.rarlab.com/ there is a trial version (I think it's 30 days)

tim_fischer · Answer

I used WinZip for years before XP, but I kind of like the basic 'zip folder' concept XP has.  Oh well... Thanks for trying, all!-Tim

Denny Denham · Answer

Tim,

When you registered the .dll file did you receive a confirmation that it was registered properly?

I should also note that sfc /scannow does not remove Windows Updates. That happens when doing a repair reinstall of Windows XP.

Message Edited by Denny Denham on 12-31-2004 09:24 AM

Windows General

ZIP file problem with XP Home

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