How to Fix 7-Zip Cannot Open File as Archive Error – Guide

How to Fix 7-Zip Cannot Open File as Archive Error? When you’re dealing with large files for a project, archiving tools like 7Zip come in handy. They compress large files into a compression container called an archive. So instead of sending and sharing these files one by one, you can keep them all in the same place. However, sometimes you could encounter the 7Zip cannot open file as archive, which could give you a headache.

7Zip cannot open file as archive

These errors happen due to several factors. In this guide, we’ll be showing you how to fix this error using several methods. But before we do, we invite you to check out other 7Zip guides and fixes on 7Zip Help. 

Sources of 7Zip Cannot Open File as Archive File Errors

Before we discuss how to fix this error, make sure that the file format is compatible with 7Zip. There are other archiving software such as WinRAR and WinZip that might work for your file format. These archiving tools are legitimate software that will secure your data.

To determine the appropriate method for fixing the error, we must first determine the cause of the error. Let us first look at the structure of an archive file. 

As we’ve mentioned in other articles, 7Zip is an open-source archiving tool that produces compression containers called archives. The software can create archives in various operating systems like Windows, Mac, and Linux. The archives are composed of four kinds of blocks that carry data. These blocks are the following:

  • The start header is 32 bytes in size. This header contains the signature and a link to the End Header
  • The compressed data of your files
  • The compressed metadata block for the compressed files. This block contains links to Compressed Data, information about the compression methods, CRC, file names, the sizes of these files, and the timestamps.
  • The end header which has the link to the Compressed Metadata Block

When there is an issue in any or several of these blocks, you will encounter an error. The most common issue faced by users is the 7Zip cannot open file as archive. Here are some reasons why you encounter this error:

  • The archive has a wrong or incorrect header
  • The software is unable to open some headers from the start or the end of an archive
  • The archive is corrupted and has no definite link to the end header
  • The overall size of the archive creates the issue
  • The end archive is corrupted or missing

Fixing Archive Errors

Now that we’ve identified where these errors come from, we can now discuss how to fix these errors. To fix these errors, you can try using a hex editor or third-party software to take care of it.

For more advanced users who are familiar with the structure of archive files, using the hex editor would be best. As long as you have the latest version of 7Zip and a hex editor like FAR Manager, then you’re good to go. The official website of 7Zip provided a manual for troubleshooting these errors.

Aside from fixing errors, you can also learn how to run 7Zip through the command line and put passwords on your archives in our other articles.

Using Repair Software to Fix Archive Errors

Another option that you can use in fixing errors is using software to make the repairs for you. It’s quite challenging to learn hex editors if you have a limited background. This is the reason why software like Yodot is a popular option for repairing corrupted archive files.

Using Yodot

Yodot repairs corrupted archives. The software scans everything to rule out the source of corruption. This software extracts all the data that are inaccessible using other repair methods. 

Aside from repairing the “7Zip cannot open a file as archive” error, Yodot can also help you solve other archive issues. These include “not a RAR file,” “RAR archive could not be decompressed entirely,” and other errors that appear while extracting RAR files.

Yodot is compatible with Windows 2003, Server 2008, XP, and Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 OS. Follow the steps below to resolve the error:

  1. Download and install Yodot ZIP Repair software on your device
  2. Once done, launch the application
  3. Select the 7z archive by clicking on the Browse button
  4. Click on the Repair button
  5. Verify the repaired 7Zip archive files and folders by looking at the Repaired File Contents window
  6. Click on Select Folder to specify the location where the fixed 7Zip archive can be saved
  7. The repaired archive could now be extracted without any issues

How Do You Fix 7Zip Cannot Open File as Archive

There are several ways to fix 7Zip cannot open fiile as archive. One of the simplest way is that you can try to re-install and re-create the compressed file.

Throughout our digital age, organizing and storing files efficiently has become increasingly essential. One popular solution for compressing and archiving files is the open-source software, 7Zip. However, many users have encountered a frustrating issue when trying to open certain files – the infamous “7Zip cannot open file as archive” error message. This conundrum poses a significant problem that demands a viable solution.

The error message itself implies that, for some reason, the file in question cannot be opened or accessed as an archive. There are various potential causes behind this issue, some of which we will explore here. One possibility is that the file has become corrupted, either during the archiving process or due to other factors like transfer or storage errors. In such cases, the solution lies in retrieving an undamaged version of the file, often needing a backup or careful data recovery procedures.

Another cause for this frustrating error could be incompatible or outdated software. Using an older version of 7Zip might prove problematic when faced with files created or compressed by newer software versions or using updated compression protocols. Similarly, attempting to open files that require specific software extensions or plugins can trigger the “cannot open file as archive” error. Thus, it is crucial to ensure our software is updated regularly and supports the needed file formats and extensions.

A less severe yet equally exasperating possibility is the presence of temporary or faulty files within the 7Zip installation. These problematic files can interfere with the archiving process or corrupt certain files during extraction. Uninstalling and reinstalling 7Zip or fixing the faulty installation files might help resolve the issue or allow extraction by bypassing corrupted parts. It is important to note that attempting extraction using alternative file compression software could serve as an effective troubleshooting step.

User error, as much as we hate to admit it, is another factor to consider. Mishandling or tampering with files during the archiving process can lead to irreparable damage, rendering them unable to function as archives. To mitigate this risk, it is always advisable to thoroughly comprehend and follow the proper archiving procedures recommended by the software. An accidental renaming of file extensions or mistakenly choosing incorrect compression options can undermine the final output. Enhanced user education and learning resources could be immensely valuable in minimizing such errors.

Moreover, virus infections or malicious software targeting archives can contribute to the “7Zip cannot open file as archive” predicament. This scenario underscores the importance of maintaining strong and up-to-date anti-malware protection. Regularly scanning archived files can help identify and mitigate any potential threats, safeguarding the integrity and accessibility of our stored data.

In conclusion, tackling the issue of “7Zip cannot open file as archive” necessitates a multi-faceted approach that considers various potential causes. Corrupt files, incompatible software, faulty installations, user error, and malware are all possible culprits leading to this frustrating error message. Identifying the underlying cause is the initial step, as it enables us to select appropriate solutions – such as data recovery, updating software, fixing installations, mitigating user errors, or combating malware. Combining these strategies empowers us to resolve the issue and continue navigating the digital landscape effectively while effortlessly accessing our archives.

Other Sources of 7Zip File Archive Errors

Another error that you can encounter is the CRC error. The Cyclical Redundancy Check (CRC) value is used to check the data integrity of a file. Each file has a CRC value associated with it. When extracting an archive, tools match these CRC values with the existing value of the file.



Errors occur when these two values don’t match. Whenever you encounter this type of error, this means that the CRC value is changed or corrupted. There are many reasons why CRC errors happen, such as:



  • Transfer errors. Errors could occur when you move a 7Zip file to another location
  • Incomplete downloads. Errors or interruptions while downloading archive files can result in CRC errors during the extraction process
  • Other reasons such as malfunctioning of the archiving tool or damage in the physical drive



Other errors could also occur because of the file itself. This is what you call non-7Zip archive errors. Here are the common reasons why you might encounter them:



  • Incomplete download
  • 7Zip installation errors
  • Driver updates



Frequently Asked Questions


Why does 7Zip say I cannot open a RAR file as an archive?

When you encounter this error message, it means that the RAR file is corrupted or has encountered an error. Whenever you encounter this error, there are several reasons for this which include:
u003e Errors in the data blocks of the archive
u003e Incomplete downloads
u003e Transfer errors
u003e Damages on the physical drive
u003e 7Zip installation errors
u003e Driver updates

Windows 10 how to fix cannot open a file as archive 7Zip?

When you identify the source of the error, you could apply different methods for it. If you find out that one or several data blocks of the archive is corrupted, you can try fixing it using the hex editor. But if you’re not familiar with the hex editor, you could also try to use third-party software like Yodot or Stellar Phoenix Zip Recovery.

What to do when 7Zip says cannot open a file as an archive?

This means that your archive file has just encountered an error. You can try fixing it using a hex editor or third-party software. If this doesn’t work, you can try re-downloading the archive file from its source or change the flash drive that you are using to save it.


7Zip Cannot Open File as Archive: Conclusion


There are a lot of reasons why you might encounter errors while extracting archive files. As long as you can determine the sources of these errors, it would be easier to determine which method will be useful in solving them.


In this guide, we’ve shown you the sources of errors and how you might be able to fix them. In case you encounter the same error, let us know if the solutions presented above are effective. If you’ve got questions or suggestions about our guide, leave us a message on the comment section below.


7zip cannot open file as archive

7 thoughts on “How to Fix 7-Zip Cannot Open File as Archive Error – Guide”

  1. Yodot zip repair doesn’t seem to be able do to anything other than zip and zipx files, while this tutorial says it works for 7z files

    Reply
  2. Информация не соответствует действительности. Ёдот не видит 7z в упор. Бесполезная фигня.

    Reply
  3. Чарли Чаплин однажды говорил что не всё на свете решает 7-zip!!!

    Reply

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