To bundle up & compress a bunch of files, a ZIP file is a great option.
The latest Windows builds provide straightforward and easy ways to unzip the ZIP files.
But sometimes, you may have issues while extracting files. So, follow this article to know what to do when Windows cannot complete the extraction of a ZIP file.
You can also follow our extensive guide to know the ways to convert Zip files to some other compression formats.
What To Do When Windows Cannot Complete The Extraction?
Follow the steps given below if Windows cannot complete the extraction of Zip files.
1) Restart Your PC
A simple restart can often fix minor glitches that can be the reason why you cannot complete the file extraction.
So, reboot your PC following the steps given below:
Shut down your PC.
Unplug your PC from the power outlet. Wait for a few minutes. Then plug in back everything and turn on the PC. Now try to extract the file you want. If you get the same error again, you can perform a clean boot.
2) Perform A Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with minimal services and drivers.
If you cannot extract files due to any program conflict, you will be able to identify it in a clean boot state.
To open Windows with minimum functionalities, follow the steps given below:
- Press Windows + R keys to open the Run utility.
- Type msconfig in the Run command box & click on Ok.
- Click on the General tab & select the Selective Startup option.
- Uncheck the Load startup items checkbox & click on the Services tab.
- Check the Hide all Microsoft services check box and click on Disable.
- This will disable all but the Microsoft services running in the background.
- Next, right-click on the Windows Start Menu & select Task Manager.
- Right-click on each startup item from the Startup tab you want to disable.
- Click on Disable.
Once done, restart your PC. Check if this could fix the problem, or download a new copy.
3) Download A New Copy
The file that you are trying to extract can be corrupted. This can prevent you from extracting the file.
So, try downloading a fresh copy of the file and try to extract it again.
If you get the same error again, try to move the zip file to another location on your system.
4) Try Moving The Zip File To Another Location
You can also extract another zip file in the same location and check if it’s working.
Else try extracting the zip file in another location on your system with a different profile folder.
You can move the Zip file to one of the user’s profile subfolders like Documents, Downloads, Pictures, etc., and see if you can do it now.
Sometimes there can be a problem with the destination where you are trying to extract the file.
5) Rename The File
Check the file name. You may have issues creating the destination file if it is too long.
So, try renaming the file with a much shorter name and try to extract it again.
If nothing works, use a different software tool to extract files.
6) Try Another Software Tool
There can be problems with the software you use to extract files.
You can try some other software programs to extract your file, like 7-Zip, WinZip, RAR File Extractor, Zipware, etc. If nothing works, then run an SFC and Chkdsk scan.
7) Run A SFC & DISM Scan
Due to corrupted or missing system files, you can also have issues while extracting files.
So, run a System File Checker. This will download the missing system files and fix the corrupted ones.
Soon after running the SFC scan, run a DISM scan too. This will scan and fix if there are any broken Windows files.
If, after running the scans, you still cannot extract the file you want, run a chkdsk scan.
8) Run A Chkdsk Scan
Running a chkdsk scan will check for corruption in the system’s memory.
So, if you are having a problem extracting files due to this, it will get fixed.
Follow the steps below to run Chkdsk scan,
Enter cmd in the Windows Search box & select Command Prompt. Choose to run Command Prompt as administrator.
Enter the following command in the elevated Command Prompt window and hit Enter:
chkdsk C: /f /r /x
Make sure to replace ‘C’ for your drive letter.
Wrap Up
So, there you have it! Don’t forget to write to us about which of the above methods helped you fix the problem when Windows cannot complete the file extraction.
For any further queries, ask us in the comments section provided below.
