7-Zip Cannot Open File as Archive: Fix It with 4 Ways

Repairit -File Repair

Fix corrupted Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF files in three simple steps.

A zipped file can help you compress multiple files in a single place, and you can easily share them with one click. A zip file is convenient but often experiences numerous errors (as discussed below) when you try to open them with free tools like 7-Zip. One of the most common errors you may face is "7zip cannot open file as archive".

Part 1. The Reasons Why 7-Zip Cannot Open Files in Archives

When you use the 7-Zip tool to open your compressed files, and suddenly you see the error: "cannot open files in archives", you want to explore the actual reasons behind that, which is what this section is all about.

If you cant open the 7z file, the possible reasons are:

  • If the end archive gets missed or corrupted, it will result in a "7zip cannot open file as archive" error.
  • If the end header carries no definite link, you will not be able to open your compressed file.
  • The incorrect or wrong header associated with the archive also results in the same error.
  • In some cases, you see this error even if there is no problem with the start and end headers. But, the overall archive’s size creates the problem.
  • Sometimes, the start or end of the archive doesn’t allow 7-Zip to open compressed files.

Part 2. Common Ways to Fix "7zip Cannot Open File as Archive"

Some effective ways to deal with "cant open 7z file" errors are listed below. Let’s get into the details of them all.

1. Fix Archive Errors

Want to get rid of archive errors? Well, one way to deal effectively with them is to use either a 3rd party tool or a hex editor. Are you an advanced user? Do you have in-depth knowledge of the structures of the archive files? Using a hex editor is the best option for you to proceed with.

If you have the latest edition of a hex editor (e.g., FAR Manager) and 7-Zip tool, there is nothing better than that. In addition, you can have a look at the troubleshooting manual uploaded on the 7-Zip official website.

Important Note: The use of hex editors to fix archive errors is quite a challenging task and this is why users usually look for third-party supportive tools.

2. Yodot

Do you often see an error popup on your screen displaying; “7zip cannot open file as archive”? Using Yodot is the most efficient way to perfectly deal with this challenge. It closely scans everything corrupted in the file and extracts the inaccessible file for you.

From Windows Server 2003 to 2008 and Vista to Windows 10/8.1/8/7, Yodot is highly compatible with every OS. Let’s see how it can be beneficial for you to get rid of the errors like "cannot open files in archives when you try to open zipped files.

Step 1.Go to Settings on your PC and navigate to Update and Security.

Step 2.launch this tool and tap on the “Browser” button, then select the desired 7z archive.

Step 3.Done with the above 3 steps? Hit the "Repair" option.
repair rar

Step 4.Now, the process will begin as shown below.
repairing rar

Step 5.As soon as the process gets completed, choose the desired location and save your repaired file.
choose desired location

save repaired file
3. Command Prompt Tool

In case your file has an incorrect header either at the start or end, you will see a message saying “7zip cannot open file as archive”. Using Command Prompt Tool can help you repair an incorrect header. Let’s see how you can do that.

Step 1.Open Command Prompt Tool on your PC or laptop.

Step 2.Write the command “C:\Program Files\WinZip\wzzip” –yf zipfile.zip” on the command window.

Important Note: Don’t forget to replace “zipfile.zip” with the name of the zip file you want to repair. Moreover, don’t miss the double quotes from the command while writing it on your command window.

press enter
Step 3.Now press the “Enter” button from the keyboard.

Following the above steps will help you repair the corrupted file.

4. Repair File with File Repair Tool

If the methods mentioned above does not work, a professional file repair tool - Repairit will be an effective tool to help you fix the zip folders. Repairit supports to fix all sub-types of zip files, and it is viable to solve CRC and data integrity errors in damaged ZIP files. The best thing about this tool is; it ensures 100% data security and comes with 24/7 technical support.

repairit

Repairit - File Repair

Repair almost all levels of file corruption issues, including Files cannot open, File layout changed, Unreadable files, Garbled files, etc.

Repair corrupted/unplayable/unaccessible files of various types, such as PDF, Excel, Word, Powerpoint, and repair files with all major formats.

Repair all components of the PDF file without modifying the original file.

Support for a complete preview of the repaired files before saving it.

Step 1.Download and install Repairit on your PC/Mac, launch it and select "File Repair", then hit the "Add" button to upload the damaged files.
add files
Step 2.Click the "Repair" button after the damages files uploaded.

Once you upload the files to be repaired, the window will look like the picture shown below. Now press the “Repair” button.

file information

As soon as you tap on the “Repair” button, Repairit will start to repair them, after the repairing process finishes, you will see a new pop in the below screen.

file repaired
Step 3.Preview and save the repaired files.

If you want to preview the file, simply press the “Preview” button in front of the file to see what it carries as shown below.

check files

Then select the location you want to save your files in and get the repaired stuff.

save files

Part 3. FAQs

1. What are the common errors of 7-Zip?

A list of the most common errors of 7-Zip are:

  • Header error
  • Invalid compressed folder
  • Data error for archival files
  • Incomplete extraction
  • Unexpected end of the data
  • 7-Zip unable to open as an archive
2. What does not a valid archive mean?

The error - it doesn’t appear to be a valid archive - appears when a part of your zipped files gets either damaged or corrupted while moving, copying, or downloading. In case you experience this error when downloading a file, all you need to do is to delete the corrupted file and download another copy of it.

Conclusion

Are you fed up with seeing the same message - 7zip cannot open file as archive - again and again on your screen? Want to get rid of this problem without losing your stuff? This is a perfect read for you.

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