How to Fix Missing Files After Decompression: Step-by-Step Guide

This practical guide explains how to fix Missing Files After Decompression in a clear sequence, including preparation, key settings, common mistakes, and troubleshooting steps.

Why do I get an error decompressing and losing files?

In fact, the phenomenon of errors when you unzip a file that disappears on its own is very common. It's basically the same as the error of not being able to decompress the file.

Example from Vietnamese users. I just bought an Asus X45CAP Laptop and I downloaded the file to install the SQL Server program. But when he unzipped it, he couldn't find his '.exe' installation file anywhere.

The initial cause determined was that Viet's computer was infected with a virus. So right after downloading and decompressing, this file was stolen. Another case is Gia Hung, when you unzip the downloaded file using 'Open with WinRAR', you receive a message: It means the decompressed file was not found.

When trying other decompression methods, the file is still corrupted and the file cannot be used. The reason is that anti-virus software is reading your decompressed files as dangerous and blocking these decompressed files.

The main reason is due to the two issues above. There are also a few other reasons why you get errors such as:

• The compressed file is corrupted.
• The decompression process is interrupted (machine hangs).
• The decompression environment does not support file formats.
• Software error.

And here's how to fix it.

Check if the compressed file is corrupted

First, we will eliminate the least reason for repair intervention, which is to recheck the file.

Try using another decompression software to decompress your file. If it still works, then the file is not corrupted, so apply the following methods to continue.

If the compressed file cannot be extracted, it must be due to a file error. Please search or download another file instead.

You can try some error repair software such as: Recovery Toolbox for Rar or Yodot RAR Repair to fix corrupted compressed files. It's quite easy to use, so don't worry!

In some cases, your compressed file is too large and the network download speed is low, causing the compressed file to be incomplete. Unfortunately, you have to delete and redownload multiple times until it is approved or the archive provider makes other modifications.

Fix file decompression error with anti-virus software

Now, we will come to how to fix errors caused by the 2 main causes above!

Turn off anti-virus software

Instructions on Windows 10.

Step 1 : Go to the Window icon and select Windows Settings (gear).

Step 2 : Select ' Update & Security'.

Step 3 : Select Windows Security.

Step 4 : Scroll down and select Virus & threat protection settings. You will see ' Manage Settings ' select it.

Step 5 : Reinstall this item by pulling off all options in the item.

• Real-time Protection
• Cloud – Delivered protection
• Temper Protection
• Etc…

(Win 11 will have more options, so you can turn them off. When turned off, there will be shutdown notifications in the right corner so just ignore it).

Once completed, press X to exit. Now try unzipping the file to see if the error has been resolved.

If it still doesn't work, do a few more steps.

Go to Control Panel at View by and select 'Small icons' .

This step is used to make it easier to view all customizations in Control Panel .

When you have the table as shown, select ' Windows Defender Firewall '.

The ' Windows Defender Firewall' option will appear, please select ' Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off'.

Click Turn Off for all the options in the section:

• Private network settings
• Public network settings

Remember to delete the extracted files (if there were any before) and then decompress again.

Run as administrator if the extracted file requires it!

Download or update anti-virus software

If you don't have anti-virus software, install it and proceed to destroy the viruses on your computer. The same is true for updating existing anti-virus software on your computer.

And remember to start your computer and enter Safe mode so that the anti-virus software can scan the entire hard drive.

Wishing you success in fixing the lost file decompression error with instructions from TipsMake!