Fix invalid Zip files with the command line add-on

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The WinZip Command Line Support Add-On contains functions that attempt to repair Zip files (.zip or .zipx). The appropriate versions are listed on and can be downloaded from the Alternative Download Links web page. If you are using a version earlier than WinZip 11.2, you can download the appropriate add-on version from the Legacy Download Links page. Access to a Command Prompt window will also be necessary.


Note: If your Zip file contains any references to one or more duplicate files, it cannot be repaired.


To attempt to repair a Zip file:

  1. On the keyboard, press Windows key (the Windows key)+R
  2. In the Run dialog that opens, type: cmd and then press Enter on the keyboard
  3. Change directories to the folder where the corrupted Zip file is located
  4. Type: "C:\Program Files\WinZip\wzzip" -yf zipfile.zip
  5. Press Enter on the keyboard

For a split or spanned Zip file, use the following command instead:

"C:\Program Files\WinZip\wzzip" -yfs zipfile.zip

WZZIP will create a new Zip file with a FIXED suffix in the file name. The original Zip file will not be modified. Only the data in the original Zip file is used.

The FIXED Zip file is structurally sound, but the data may still be corrupt. WZZIP does not fix the zipped data itself. If the zipped data has a CRC error or the zipped data is corrupt, then the resulting fixed Zip file will still be corrupt.

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