7 ways to fix 'Compressed (Zipped) Folder Is Invalid' error on Windows

Compressing your Windows files and folders makes file management easy. It helps you to efficiently store and send large files with just a few easy clicks.

But while processing compressed files, you may encounter an annoying error message that says "Compressed (Zipped) Folder Is Invalid". How to solve this problem?

Take a look at the following 7 best methods for dealing with problematic compressed files.

1. Reinstall the file compression tool

The 'Compressed (zipped) folder is invalid' error appears whether you are using a third-party file compression tool or not. If the problem occurs while using a third-party compression tool, reinstalling the tool can help.

Here's how you can reinstall the file compression tool:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type appwiz.cpl and click OK to open the Programs and Features window .

3. Find your file compression application in the list and select Uninstall to remove it.

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4. When you're done, reinstall the file compression tool from a trusted website.

2. Restart Windows File Explorer

In some cases, this error can be caused by a problem that originates in Windows File Explorer. In such cases, you can only solve the problem by restarting Windows File Explorer.

If the problem persists, close File Explorer with Task Manager and then reopen the tool manually by clicking its icon on the taskbar or searching for File Explorer in the Windows search bar.

3. Run File and Folder Troubleshooter

Did you know that Microsoft has a great tool called File and Folder Troubleshooter? This is a tool to help you quickly fix file and folder problems on your Windows device. In this case, the tool can help you fix the 'Compressed (zipped) folder is invalid' error.

Now, let's see how you can run the Microsoft File and Folder Troubleshooter:

1. Download the Microsoft File and Folder Troubleshooter from the Microsoft website.

2. Open the program, click the Advanced option , and then check the Apply repairs automatically box . Click Next to continue.

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In the pop-up window, check the Renaming or moving files and folders box , and then click Next .

Follow the on-screen instructions and restart the device to save these changes.

4. Configure Folder Optimization Settings

Configuring folder optimization settings often speeds up Windows File Explorer. Additionally, configuring these settings can help resolve Windows. So these settings can also help with the current problem.

Let's see how you can configure your directory optimization settings to get rid of this error:

1. Right click on the problematic folder and select Properties .

2. Select the Customize tab , click the Optimize this folder for drop-down menu and select General items .

3. Check the box Also apply this template to all subfolders .

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Finally click Apply > OK to apply these changes.

5. Repair Corrupted Compressed Folder

You're probably having this problem because the compressed folder you're working on is corrupted. In other cases, the problem stems from some corrupted or missing Windows system files. To fix corrupted or missing system files, use DISM and SFC.

6. Fix Broken Microsoft Visual Programs

Microsoft Visual C++ programs are some of the important features that help ensure your device works properly. If these programs are missing or corrupted, then the device may experience various problems.

In this case, the " Compressed (zipped) folder is invalid " error can be caused by missing or damaged Microsoft Visual C++ programs. To solve the problem, you need to repair or reinstall these programs.

Here are the simple steps to repair Microsoft Visual C++ programs:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter to open the Programs and Features window .

3. Right-click each Microsoft Visual C++ program and select Change .

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Click the Repair button in the next window. Finally, follow the on-screen instructions and reboot the device to save these changes.

If this does not solve the problem, try reinstalling the Microsoft Visual C++ programs. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Run command dialog box and the Programs and Features window following the previous steps.

2. Right-click each Microsoft Visual C++ program and click Uninstall.

3. From there, go to the Microsoft website and reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ programs. Follow the on-screen instructions and restart the device to save these changes.

7. Updating Windows Devices

If this still cannot be resolved, you may want to consider updating your Windows device. A new version of Windows will come with the latest features that can help address system errors and security threats.

File compression is an amazing feature that you can count on when dealing with large files. This feature often has problems, but you can easily solve those problems using the methods mentioned in the article.

And if you want to take file compression to the next level, it's time to explore other amazing third-party tools: Top best file compression and decompression software today.

Samuel Daniel

Update 01 March 2023