ZIP file compression is the most preferred way to share large files across devices. This compression format utilizes an advanced algorithm to analyze and encode data, thereby reducing the overall file size and ultimately accelerating file transfers.
However, just like other file formats, Zip files can also get corrupted. When this happens, these zip files usually become inaccessible or won’t open.
So, what you can do in this case? What is causing the zip-encrypted photos to become corrupted? In this article, we will address these questions and guide how to repair a corrupted zip file.
If you notice a corrupt zip file or damaged photos after extracting the Zip, then something must have gone wrong. Let’s see the probable reasons behind the problem.
- Interrupted copying or downloading process. Often, download or copying of a ZIP file is interrupted due to slow internet connection or sudden system shutdown, it may make your file corrupted. As a result, extracted photos won’t open or appear greyed out.
- ZIP file was corrupted before extraction. In some cases, a ZIP file may be damaged because of email compression issue, file system error, transfer errors, or sudden system shutdown while making or saving the ZIP.
- Software Problem. Outdated ZIP extraction software or tools doesn’t support large archives extraction, then the extracted ZIP files may turn out to be corrupted.
- Faulty storage drive. ZIP file stored on a damaged or unresponsive USB drive, SD card, or external hard drive, can corrupt the data inside the ZIP.
- Improper compression techniques. Files compressed using incompatible or poorly implemented compression tools (such as outdated or non-standard algorithms or modern extraction software) may fail to read them properly, result in the ZIP file appearing corrupted.
Here are some of the most effective methods you can try to fix photos corrupted after a zip extract
Switch to another Tool for Extracting Zip Files
Often, the built-in extractor tool cannot handle certain compression types. In such case, use another ZIP extractor tool to extract your files. Use 7-Zip, PeaZip, WinRAR, and The Unachiver (Mac) to extract your files.
Re-transfer or Re-download the Zip File
Sometimes, interruption during transfer or downloading makes the ZIP file corrupted. So, re-transfer or re-download the ZIP file from the email, cloud storage, or a website or other device to get this issue fixed.
Open the ZIP extracted photos in Different App
Often, the photo extracted from the ZIP file isn’t actually corrupted; your photo viewer app just can’t read it. Use Photoshop, Windows Photos, macOS Preview, and XnView to open the ZIP-extracted photos.
Restore the ZIP from Backup or Cloud Services
If you have a habit of taking backup of your data on external drive or Cloud services, see if you have a corruption free backup of the ZIP file. If it is available, use this version for extracting your pictures.
Extract ZIP Files on Different Device
Often, the failing storage device can make the extracted photos corrupt, extract the same ZIP file on another PC, smartphone, Mac instead of Windows or vice-versa.
Run CHKDSK (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac)
If your ZIP file was stored on a failing hard drive, SD card or USB drive, try CHKDSK on Windows or Disk Utility on Mac. These built-in features help scan the internal or external drives for errors, repairs bad sectors, and recover readable data; often restoring the ZIP file so it can be extracted without corruption.
- Type CMD in the Windows search and click Open to launch the Command Prompt.
- Type chkdsk X: /r /f and press Enter. (Here, X is the affected drive volume letter.)
- Once the process gets completed, restart your computer. Chkdsk will check for any logical or physical disk errors in the corrupt storage device and fix them.
Here’s how to run the First Aid:
- Open Disk Utility.
- Choose View > Show All Devices.
- Select your SD card in the sidebar and click First Aid on top.
- Click Run and then Continue to repair the storage device. Once the First Aid process completes, click Done.
Stellar Repair for Photo can repair corrupted or broken images of different file types, such as PNG, JPG, HEIC etc., no matter how they were damaged — through a system freeze, interrupted file transfer, or faulty storage devices.
Here’s how to repair corrupted photos after Zip extract with Stellar Repair for Photo:
- Download and install Stellar Repair for Photo.
- Launch the software and select Add file to add corrupted ZIP extracted photo files > click Repair to start the process.
- After the repair process is finished, preview the files, and click Save Repaired Files.
Now that you know how to fix corrupted photos after zip extract, let’s talk about how to avoid the whole mess in the first place.
1. Always use reliable ZIP extraction tools
Use 7-Zip, WinRAR, or The Unachiver (Mac) to make sure your ZIP files are extracted easily without any error.
2. Avoid interrupting the ZIP download
If your device, be it PC or smartphone, shut downs or dies while saving or downloading the ZIP files, the file might not save properly. Always start with enough charge and ensure no interruption while downloading or saving the ZIP files.
3. Avoid compressing ZIP files on failing drives
Never start saving or downloading ZIP files on the storage drive, which is failing or has bad sectors. As bad sectors always lead to file corruption.
Wrapping Up
There are several reasons your ZIP extracted photos become corrupted, including interrupted transfers, improper compression techniques, or faulty storage drives. The good news is there are plenty of solutions to fix corrupted photos after ZIP extract. Always remember to back up your data before starting any fix, and if you cannot fix the corrupted photos by switching to another photo viewer or ZIP extractor tool, use Stellar Repair for Photo to fix it.
