Published by

**Brink** · 22 May 2007

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

**altkon** · 26 Nov 2007

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** · 26 Nov 2007

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** · 27 Nov 2007

Originally Posted by brink

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** · 27 Nov 2007

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** · 04 Dec 2007

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** · 04 Dec 2007

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** · 04 Dec 2007

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** · 05 Dec 2007

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** · 25 Apr 2008

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

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