Windows won't unzip zip files. Says it's blocked.

Thomas Thomassen · External Since: Mar 12, 2006 Posts: 1

Recently Windows XP SP2 has prevented me from unzipping zip files. Whenever I
try to unzip a file I get the message: Windows has blocked access to these
files to help protect your computer.

Windows blocks files that are marked as not trusted.

When I follow the help file information it says I can choose to unblock the
file from it's property dialog box. However, there is no such option.

I first thought it was a special type of zip file created under certain
circumstances. But I even get that message if I use Windows to zip a text
file and then try to extract it again.

I have also installed Windows Defender Beta, could this be causing this
issue? I have never had any problems with the built in zip utility in Windows.
I can extract the zipfiles just fine in any other compression software.

-Thomas

Malke · External Since: Apr 24, 2005 Posts: 3465

Thomas Thomassen wrote:

> Recently Windows XP SP2 has prevented me from unzipping zip files.
> Whenever I try to unzip a file I get the message: Windows has blocked
> access to these files to help protect your computer.
>
> Windows blocks files that are marked as not trusted.
>
> When I follow the help file information it says I can choose to
> unblock the file from it's property dialog box. However, there is no
> such option.
>
> I first thought it was a special type of zip file created under
> certain circumstances. But I even get that message if I use Windows to
> zip a text file and then try to extract it again.
>
> I have also installed Windows Defender Beta, could this be causing
> this issue? I have never had any problems with the built in zip
> utility in Windows. I can extract the zipfiles just fine in any other
> compression software.
>
> -Thomas

Yes, certainly installing a *beta* program can have unintended
consequences on an otherwise stable system. "Beta" means software that
isn't finished and is still in the bug-checking phase. It is a bad idea
to run beta software on a production machine or on any machine that you
are unwilling to wipe and start over.

Uninstall WD and see what happens.

Malke
--
MS-MVP Windows User/Shell
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic"

Thomas Thomassen · External Since: Mar 12, 2006 Posts: 1

I uninstalled WD and rebooted. I am now able to extract zip files again using
Windows' intertgrated zip feature.
I wasn't sure it was WD and I didn't realize it integrated to tightly into
the system.

-cheers!

"Malke" wrote:

> Thomas Thomassen wrote:
>
> > Recently Windows XP SP2 has prevented me from unzipping zip files.
> > Whenever I try to unzip a file I get the message: Windows has blocked
> > access to these files to help protect your computer.
> >
> > Windows blocks files that are marked as not trusted.
> >
> > When I follow the help file information it says I can choose to
> > unblock the file from it's property dialog box. However, there is no
> > such option.
> >
> > I first thought it was a special type of zip file created under
> > certain circumstances. But I even get that message if I use Windows to
> > zip a text file and then try to extract it again.
> >
> > I have also installed Windows Defender Beta, could this be causing
> > this issue? I have never had any problems with the built in zip
> > utility in Windows. I can extract the zipfiles just fine in any other
> > compression software.
> >
> > -Thomas
>
> Yes, certainly installing a *beta* program can have unintended
> consequences on an otherwise stable system. "Beta" means software that
> isn't finished and is still in the bug-checking phase. It is a bad idea
> to run beta software on a production machine or on any machine that you
> are unwilling to wipe and start over.
>
> Uninstall WD and see what happens.
>
> Malke
> --
> MS-MVP Windows User/Shell
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> "Don't Panic"
>

Malke · External Since: Apr 24, 2005 Posts: 3465

Thomas Thomassen wrote:

> I uninstalled WD and rebooted. I am now able to extract zip files
> again using Windows' intertgrated zip feature.
> I wasn't sure it was WD and I didn't realize it integrated to tightly
> into the system.

Glad you got it sorted. Remember the caveat about using beta software:
Thou Shalt Not Run Beta Software On Production Machines!

Cheers,

Malke
--
MS-MVP Windows User/Shell
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic"

Richard Urban · External Since: Feb 28, 2004 Posts: 3846

This is from Mike Treit at Microsoft:

If after installing Windows Defender you can no longer open ZIP files or
download email attachments, please send me an email so I can follow up.

Thanks

-Mike

His e-mail address is posted as: mtreit @ microsoft.com

Apparently it is a known problem!

--

Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

"Malke" <notreally RemoveThis @invalid.com> wrote in message
news:%23Y3JOnhRGHA.6084@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
> Thomas Thomassen wrote:
>
>> Recently Windows XP SP2 has prevented me from unzipping zip files.
>> Whenever I try to unzip a file I get the message: Windows has blocked
>> access to these files to help protect your computer.
>>
>> Windows blocks files that are marked as not trusted.
>>
>> When I follow the help file information it says I can choose to
>> unblock the file from it's property dialog box. However, there is no
>> such option.
>>
>> I first thought it was a special type of zip file created under
>> certain circumstances. But I even get that message if I use Windows to
>> zip a text file and then try to extract it again.
>>
>> I have also installed Windows Defender Beta, could this be causing
>> this issue? I have never had any problems with the built in zip
>> utility in Windows. I can extract the zipfiles just fine in any other
>> compression software.
>>
>> -Thomas
>
> Yes, certainly installing a *beta* program can have unintended
> consequences on an otherwise stable system. "Beta" means software that
> isn't finished and is still in the bug-checking phase. It is a bad idea
> to run beta software on a production machine or on any machine that you
> are unwilling to wipe and start over.
>
> Uninstall WD and see what happens.
>
> Malke
> --
> MS-MVP Windows User/Shell
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> "Don't Panic"

Richard Urban · External Since: Feb 28, 2004 Posts: 3846

This is from Mike Treit at Microsoft:

If after installing Windows Defender you can no longer open ZIP files or
download email attachments, please send me an email so I can follow up.

Thanks

-Mike

His e-mail address is posted as: mtreit @ microsoft.com

Apparently it is a known problem!

--

Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

"Thomas Thomassen" <Thomas Thomassen.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
message news:FCE68B19-3090-4520-861F-D8E17BC174E8@microsoft.com...
> Recently Windows XP SP2 has prevented me from unzipping zip files.
> Whenever I
> try to unzip a file I get the message: Windows has blocked access to these
> files to help protect your computer.
>
> Windows blocks files that are marked as not trusted.
>
> When I follow the help file information it says I can choose to unblock
> the
> file from it's property dialog box. However, there is no such option.
>
> I first thought it was a special type of zip file created under certain
> circumstances. But I even get that message if I use Windows to zip a text
> file and then try to extract it again.
>
> I have also installed Windows Defender Beta, could this be causing this
> issue? I have never had any problems with the built in zip utility in
> Windows.
> I can extract the zipfiles just fine in any other compression software.
>
> -Thomas

Jon-Carlos Mayes · External Since: Mar 22, 2006 Posts: 1

I have a windows 2003 server with the same error. But, I do not have Windows
Defender installed. It is a Windows 2003 with SP1 installed and Citrix
Presentation Server with MS Office on it. Any Suggestions?

Ukko · External Since: Mar 26, 2006 Posts: 1

I have the same problem but don't have WD Beta installed. How do I get around
this?

"Malke" wrote:

> Thomas Thomassen wrote:
>
> > Recently Windows XP SP2 has prevented me from unzipping zip files.
> > Whenever I try to unzip a file I get the message: Windows has blocked
> > access to these files to help protect your computer.
> >
> > Windows blocks files that are marked as not trusted.
> >
> > When I follow the help file information it says I can choose to
> > unblock the file from it's property dialog box. However, there is no
> > such option.
> >
> > I first thought it was a special type of zip file created under
> > certain circumstances. But I even get that message if I use Windows to
> > zip a text file and then try to extract it again.
> >
> > I have also installed Windows Defender Beta, could this be causing
> > this issue? I have never had any problems with the built in zip
> > utility in Windows. I can extract the zipfiles just fine in any other
> > compression software.
> >
> > -Thomas
>
> Yes, certainly installing a *beta* program can have unintended
> consequences on an otherwise stable system. "Beta" means software that
> isn't finished and is still in the bug-checking phase. It is a bad idea
> to run beta software on a production machine or on any machine that you
> are unwilling to wipe and start over.
>
> Uninstall WD and see what happens.
>
> Malke
> --
> MS-MVP Windows User/Shell
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> "Don't Panic"
>

annonmys · External Since: Mar 27, 2006 Posts: 1

Hiya. I have windows XP Professinal and am running SP2. i am getting the same
problem with not being able to open a zip folder. i know the file is 100% NOT
harmful, because my friend is using it. It says that it was blocked because
it was potensianlly harful and when i follow the instructions to unblock it
ther is no such dialoug box saying unblock. is this to with that it is in a
zip folder and cannont be unblocked? Also i am not running any SD software or
any of that sort. please do help me. Thanks in advance

Podge · External Since: Jun 30, 2006 Posts: 1

Same issue. I have a vanilla Windows 2003 SP1 server, and have downloaded
Citrix Secure Gateway from the MyCitrix site. The download is a zip file
which won't extract on the server as it blocks it and I have no option under
"properties" to unblock. The only workaround I have is to buy a 3rd party
piece of software. Come on MS, what's going on?
There is NOTHING installed on the server besides Windows 2003, SP1 and up to
date MS patching.

Can't Unzip Files · External Since: Aug 17, 2006 Posts: 1

I have Windows XP NO extrange software installed and it does not let me unzip
some files... Is there any way to deactivate this "OS security help"... Is
some cain freak that Microsoft pretends to know what is dangerous and what is
not for us.

"Podge" wrote:

> Same issue. I have a vanilla Windows 2003 SP1 server, and have downloaded
> Citrix Secure Gateway from the MyCitrix site. The download is a zip file
> which won't extract on the server as it blocks it and I have no option under
> "properties" to unblock. The only workaround I have is to buy a 3rd party
> piece of software. Come on MS, what's going on?
> There is NOTHING installed on the server besides Windows 2003, SP1 and up to
> date MS patching.

Daryn · External Since: Sep 14, 2006 Posts: 2

"Jon-Carlos Mayes" wrote:

> I have a windows 2003 server with the same error. But, I do not have Windows
> Defender installed. It is a Windows 2003 with SP1 installed and Citrix
> Presentation Server with MS Office on it. Any Suggestions?

HEY JON, IT'S ME! DARYN! HOW HAVE YOU BEEN BUDDY? EMAIL ME WHEN YOU GET
THIS....doctorpeterson.RemoveThis@hotmail.com

Daryn · External Since: Sep 14, 2006 Posts: 2

Email me Jon: doctorpeterson.DeleteThis@hotmail.com

Tom Willett · External Since: Jun 07, 2006 Posts: 886

Which Jon?

"Daryn" <Daryn RemoveThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:E82EA292-1B03-4D18-945A-80BED0091EEA@microsoft.com...
|
|
| Email me Jon: doctorpeterson RemoveThis @hotmail.com

MowGreen MVP · External Since: Jun 28, 2004 Posts: 624

Jon "The Spammer" ? Wink

MowGreen [MVP 2003-2006]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============

Tom Willett wrote:

> Which Jon?
>
> "Daryn" <Daryn DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:E82EA292-1B03-4D18-945A-80BED0091EEA@microsoft.com...
> |
> |
> | Email me Jon: doctorpeterson DeleteThis @hotmail.com
>
>

Malke · External Since: Nov 01, 2005 Posts: 7920

MowGreen [MVP] wrote:

> Jon "The Spammer" ? Wink

>
> MowGreen [MVP 2003-2006]
> ===============
> *-343-* FDNY
> Never Forgotten
> ===============
>
> Tom Willett wrote:
>
>> Which Jon?
>>
>> "Daryn" <Daryn DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:E82EA292-1B03-4D18-945A-80BED0091EEA@microsoft.com...
>> |
>> |
>> | Email me Jon: doctorpeterson DeleteThis @hotmail.com
>>
>>

Or Daryn The Troll? Wink

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User

ritzput · External Since: Oct 25, 2006 Posts: 2

i am having same problem opening zip files in windows media edition...tried
sendin email to mtreit @ microsoft.com and it didn't recognize.....
what's solution????

"Thomas Thomassen" wrote:

> Recently Windows XP SP2 has prevented me from unzipping zip files. Whenever I
> try to unzip a file I get the message: Windows has blocked access to these
> files to help protect your computer.
>
> Windows blocks files that are marked as not trusted.
>
> When I follow the help file information it says I can choose to unblock the
> file from it's property dialog box. However, there is no such option.
>
> I first thought it was a special type of zip file created under certain
> circumstances. But I even get that message if I use Windows to zip a text
> file and then try to extract it again.
>
> I have also installed Windows Defender Beta, could this be causing this
> issue? I have never had any problems with the built in zip utility in Windows.
> I can extract the zipfiles just fine in any other compression software.
>
> -Thomas

Dee20 · External Since: Aug 25, 2004 Posts: 173

i'm in the same position as thomas i can't unblock it and it says to save but
there no option to save so please help me...

"Thomas Thomassen" wrote:

> Recently Windows XP SP2 has prevented me from unzipping zip files. Whenever I
> try to unzip a file I get the message: Windows has blocked access to these
> files to help protect your computer.
>
> Windows blocks files that are marked as not trusted.
>
> When I follow the help file information it says I can choose to unblock the
> file from it's property dialog box. However, there is no such option.
>
> I first thought it was a special type of zip file created under certain
> circumstances. But I even get that message if I use Windows to zip a text
> file and then try to extract it again.
>
> I have also installed Windows Defender Beta, could this be causing this
> issue? I have never had any problems with the built in zip utility in Windows.
> I can extract the zipfiles just fine in any other compression software.
>
> -Thomas

newguy · External Since: Nov 04, 2004 Posts: 16

I have the same problem. Did you find a solution?

"Can't Unzip Files" wrote:

> I have Windows XP NO extrange software installed and it does not let me unzip
> some files... Is there any way to deactivate this "OS security help"... Is
> some cain freak that Microsoft pretends to know what is dangerous and what is
> not for us.
>
> "Podge" wrote:
>
> > Same issue. I have a vanilla Windows 2003 SP1 server, and have downloaded
> > Citrix Secure Gateway from the MyCitrix site. The download is a zip file
> > which won't extract on the server as it blocks it and I have no option under
> > "properties" to unblock. The only workaround I have is to buy a 3rd party
> > piece of software. Come on MS, what's going on?
> > There is NOTHING installed on the server besides Windows 2003, SP1 and up to
> > date MS patching.

Harry Johnston · External Since: Feb 11, 2005 Posts: 139

newguy wrote:

> I have the same problem. Did you find a solution?

Have you tried using WiZ from Info-ZIP instead of the built-in Windows zip file
support?

<http://www.info-zip.org>

Harry.