13 replies to this topic

[suzqz]

Hi all -

Am having trouble opening and therefore cannot unzip a WinZip file containing very sensitive and badly needed info.  It was a hidden and encrypted file.

Here's the story...I did a complete backup of my computer (using WinBackup to ext hard drive) due to the fact that there was just way too much accumulated junk and extremely slow performance.

When I reformatted and reloaded WinXP sp2, instead of using the original Administrative name (Susan Christman), I used a new one:  SuZ Xman.

I then restored all my documents from the full backup.

When I tried to access the .zip file in question (about 463MB), it refuses to open.  I keep getting the error msg:

---------------------------
WinZip
---------------------------
Could not open C:\Documents and Settings\SuZ Xman\My Documents\SuZ\Dartagnan.zip.

Probable cause: file sharing or file permissions problem.
------------------------------

When I try to change ANY of the attributes thru the right-click properties settings (read-only, hidden, uncheck encryption), access is denied.  Even though the check boxes for read-only, and hidden are CLEARED, after performing the "apply" button, it really doesn't change the properties and the file is still all of the above as far as Windows is concerned.

I've tried disabling simple file sharing, setting ACL permissions for nearly everybody on the planet for full access rights to both the folder AND the file - still no luck.  I even changed the administrator name to Susan Christman and readded the same password as before I reformatted, but it still seems to fall under the newer "SuZ Xman" administrator's control.

Second problem:  when i mouse-over the file it says:  No zip file, bad zip file, or part of a split/spanned zip file (which it definitely is not split or spanned)....HUH?

The bottom line is that I REALLY need to get into this file, and am at the end of my rope.

One thought I had was to again reformat and set up the initial Administrator as the original "Susan Christman" and again restore the backup file.  Any encouragement or hope there?  (I'd rather not but if it's the only way then it's the only way).

Does ANYONE have any thoughts, solutions, ideas on what the problem might be: WinXP, WinZip (they insist it's WinXP), or just a "bad zip file"?

How about zip file repair programs?

How about just shooting myself (just kidding)....

MANY MANY thanks for any help you might be able to provide...

Susie   

[watcher69b]

sounds like the encryption was tied to her SID. is it a domain PC or standalone?

Things to try:
-get a copy of bartsPE, boot it and try to extract the ZIP while in barts

-search the i-net for a linux utility. there is a password cracking utility out there that should allow you to view and change the SID of your local accounts

- use a linux live CD (www.fedora.com) and boot into that. see if you can unzip it from there...

[Olorin]

try to take ownership of file first

[suzqz]

oops...disregard

Edited by suzqz, 12 March 2008 - 10:45 PM.

[suzqz]

Thanks to everyone who replied - I thought I clicked the link (or whatever) to notify me of replies, but I guess it wasn't one of by better days - so I apologize for taking so long to get back here.

I've been swamped at school and haven't yet had a chance to try all your wonderful suggestions - but will do so this weekend.

This will make me sound incredibly stupid, but if I knew all this stuff I wouldn't be coming to the experts... Mea culpa.

Have a couple questions about watcher69b's reply:

"sounds like the encryption was tied to her SID. is it a domain PC or standalone?

Things to try:
-get a copy of bartsPE, boot it and try to extract the ZIP while in barts

-search the i-net for a linux utility. there is a password cracking utility out there that should allow you to view and change the SID of your local accounts

- use a linux live CD (www.fedora.com) and boot into that. see if you can unzip it from there..."

1.)  It is a standalone PC
2.)  What is SID?
3.)  What is bartsPE (an operating system maybe?)
4.)  Can I run a linux utility on my PC even though I use WinXPpro?
5.)  I'm pretty sure Linux is another operating system - CAN I boot up using a Linux live CD?

I'm really sorry folks, but I'm gonna stick to the old "The only stupid questions are the ones not asked" cliche here and hope you'll forgive me.

Will post back this weekend and let you know if I had any luck (or more questions - yikes).

Meantime, thanks very much again and I'll check back OFTEN after this.

Best regards,
Susie

[fyz]

Hi all -

Am having trouble opening and therefore cannot unzip a WinZip file containing very sensitive and badly needed info.  It was a hidden and encrypted file.

Here's the story...I did a complete backup of my computer (using WinBackup to ext hard drive) due to the fact that there was just way too much accumulated junk and extremely slow performance.

When I reformatted and reloaded WinXP sp2, instead of using the original Administrative name (Susan Christman), I used a new one:  SuZ Xman.

I then restored all my documents from the full backup.

When I tried to access the .zip file in question (about 463MB), it refuses to open.  I keep getting the error msg:

---------------------------
WinZip
---------------------------
Could not open C:\Documents and Settings\SuZ Xman\My Documents\SuZ\Dartagnan.zip.

Probable cause: file sharing or file permissions problem.
------------------------------

When I try to change ANY of the attributes thru the right-click properties settings (read-only, hidden, uncheck encryption), access is denied.  Even though the check boxes for read-only, and hidden are CLEARED, after performing the "apply" button, it really doesn't change the properties and the file is still all of the above as far as Windows is concerned.

I've tried disabling simple file sharing, setting ACL permissions for nearly everybody on the planet for full access rights to both the folder AND the file - still no luck.  I even changed the administrator name to Susan Christman and readded the same password as before I reformatted, but it still seems to fall under the newer "SuZ Xman" administrator's control.

Second problem:  when i mouse-over the file it says:  No zip file, bad zip file, or part of a split/spanned zip file (which it definitely is not split or spanned)....HUH?

The bottom line is that I REALLY need to get into this file, and am at the end of my rope.

One thought I had was to again reformat and set up the initial Administrator as the original "Susan Christman" and again restore the backup file.  Any encouragement or hope there?  (I'd rather not but if it's the only way then it's the only way).

Does ANYONE have any thoughts, solutions, ideas on what the problem might be: WinXP, WinZip (they insist it's WinXP), or just a "bad zip file"?

How about zip file repair programs?

How about just shooting myself (just kidding)....

MANY MANY thanks for any help you might be able to provide...

Susie  

Hi,

I think you can try an utility called Advanced Zip Repair to repair your Zip file. It works rather well for my corrupt Zip files. Its web address is http://www.datanumen.com/azr/

Alan

[Maco]

Have you tried opening it as a txt or wpd file?

[phb07jm]

Was struggling with a similar issue myself, turned out it had a frustratingly simple answer. The file was being read by another program and I hadn't realised. Anyone else struggling with this error should first make sure all other programs which might be using the file are closed.

[rebeccajones]

Issues related to internet, a Zip file displays error messages while downloading it. The error message “Winzip Can't open zip files" that displays on your system screen. The error signifies corruption of Zip files and folders that leads to data loss situation. If Zip file generating error message then try to download the file again. In case of no availability of backup of Zip then, it is suggested to use zip repair tool to repair zip file and to fix errors.

[nedved31]

For solving out troubles with zip archives zip recovery. Next program works under all major Windows OS, can work with big zip files, using simply interface for working out various troubles with zip files.

[corainheaven]

When the compressed files are damaged then it becomes totally inaccessible. To overcome with this issue you need to repair zip files by using third party application. This application use advanced algorithms to complete scanning process and repair the compressed files safely.

[doszer]

The best solution is to repair the zip files and then re-install winrar. It is usually a misconfiguration somewhere

[Sharoncharles]

Wouldn't it be easier to download another winzip program http://www.downloads.com  and install it?

Zip file format is very essential file format of Windows.Repair Zip File software provides you the most easy installation.

[EZeigler]

Well, first of all.......don't shoot yourself. It's not you who should be shoot, it's actually the error who has corrupted your .zip files. As you mentioned above, I think your .zip are badly corrupted as some errors are there. Aren't they?
And in case if the backup which you have created is not working, then you said very right. As you asked about a software program, then I wanna tell you that software program is badly needed in that situation.
Why don't you check Archive Recovery tool?, it's good. It helped me to restore all my .zip files. You will like it, believe me. Or for better surety, why don't you check it's free trial version. It will show you that it is worthy for us. Just download it. Good luck.
http://www.sysinfoto...e-recovery.html
And let me know your experience with this tool......... I'll be waiting