File compression is a vital tool for saving disk space and managing large collections of files and folders. Windows supports several native and third-party compression methods, but sometimes these systems encounter errors—corrupted archives, inaccessible compressed folders, or compression failures. Repairing such issues requires both foundational knowledge and practical troubleshooting skills.
Below, discover five proven methods to repair file compression techniques in Windows, including step-by-step guides for both beginners and advanced users.
What Are File Compression Techniques in Windows?
File compression reduces the size of files or folders, making storage and transfer more efficient. The most common techniques on Windows include:
– Compressing folders using NTFS compression.
– Creating ZIP archives via Windows Explorer.
– Using third-party tools (WinRAR, 7-Zip, etc.).
– System compression for Windows installations.
When these methods fail—due to corruption, interrupted operations, or system errors—you need targeted solutions to restore access and functionality.
Method 1: Repair Corrupted ZIP Files Using Windows Explorer (Beginner)
Sometimes, compressed folders (ZIP files) become corrupt and can’t be opened. Windows Explorer offers basic repair capabilities for slightly damaged archives.
Step-by-step:
1. Right-click the corrupted ZIP file.
2. Select “Extract All…” and choose a destination folder.
3. During extraction, if you see errors, click “Skip” to ignore problematic files—this may recover partial data.
4. Check the extracted files in the destination folder.
Tip: If you need more advanced recovery, move to third-party utilities as described in Method 2.
Method 2: Use Glary Utilities to Repair and Manage Compressed Files (Beginner & Intermediate)
Glary Utilities is an all-in-one optimization suite that includes file management and repair features. It can identify, clean up, and manage compressed files, improving both reliability and disk space usage.
How to Use Glary Utilities:
1. Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
2. Launch Glary Utilities and select “Modules” from the top menu.
3. Choose “File Management” and then “File Compressor/Decompressor.”
4. Use the built-in tools to:
– Scan for corrupted archives.
– Attempt repair or re-compression of problematic files.
– Clean up incomplete or broken compressed files from your system.
5. For ongoing maintenance, regularly use Glary Utilities’ disk cleanup and file management tools to prevent future compression issues.
Benefit: Glary Utilities not only repairs damaged files but also optimizes your system by removing unnecessary or leftover compressed files.
Method 3: Advanced Recovery Using Command Line Tools (Advanced Users)
Advanced users can leverage built-in command-line utilities to diagnose and repair issues with compressed files and folders.
For ZIP or CAB files:
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Use the `expand` utility to extract files from compressed archives:
– Syntax: `expand -F:* `
– Example: `expand data.cab -F:* C:\Recovered`
3. For NTFS compressed folders, use the `compact` command:
– List compression status: `compact /Q /I /S:C:\TargetFolder`
– Decompress (repair): `compact /U /S:C:\TargetFolder`
Explanation: These commands help recover files from corrupted archives or fix issues in NTFS-compressed folders.
Method 4: Re-compress Using Third-Party Tools (All Users)
If built-in options fail, try re-compressing the data with another archiving program.
1. Download and install 7-Zip from the official website.
2. Open 7-Zip File Manager and navigate to the damaged archive or folder.
3. Right-click the archive and select “Test archive” to check for errors.
4. If errors are minimal, extract what you can.
5. Create a new archive with the recovered files.
Why this works: Different tools use different compression algorithms and error recovery strategies, increasing the chances of data retrieval.
Method 5: Restore Previous Versions or Backups (Beginner)
If a compressed file or folder becomes irreparable, restoring from backup is the safest solution.
Step-by-step:
1. Right-click the damaged file or folder.
2. Select “Restore previous versions.”
3. Browse available versions saved by Windows or backup software.
4. Restore the most recent healthy version.
Tip: Use this method in conjunction with regular backup routines to safeguard your files and archives.
Final Tips for All Users
– Regularly check compressed files for integrity, especially after large file transfers or system crashes.
– Use Glary Utilities to automate disk cleaning and file optimizations, preventing compression-related issues.
– Always keep backups of important files before compressing or decompressing.
Conclusion
Repairing file compression techniques in Windows requires a combination of built-in tools, third-party utilities like Glary Utilities, and good file management practices. Beginners can start with simple extraction and backup recovery, while advanced users can leverage command-line operations and specialized repair programs. By following these five methods, you can ensure your compressed files and folders remain accessible and reliable.