The "unable to expand zip file Mac error 79" issue can be quite an obstacle, especially when the compressed files hold crucial data, documents, or photos. If you've encountered this problem, don't worry. This article will walk you through various methods to address this error. By the conclusion, you'll have a clear understanding of the root cause and several efficient ways to fix it. Whether you're a tech-savvy individual or a beginner with Macs, these solutions are designed to assist you in resolving this common Mac error.

How to Fix 'Unable to Expand Zip File' Mac Error 79

Here are several methods to resolve the "unable to expand zip file" error 79. Let's explore them:

  1. Solution 1: Repair Corrupted Zip Files with Document Repair Software
  2. Solution 2: Change the Permissions of the Zip File
  3. Solution 3: Decompress the Zip File using Terminal
  4. Solution 4: Unzip the File with a Third-party Application
  5. Solution 5: Update Your Mac

Fix 1. Repair Corrupted Zip Files with File Repair Software

One of the primary causes for the "failed to expand zip file error 79" is corruption in your files. It is highly advised that you use a professional and trustworthy file repair tool to repair corrupted files on Mac. The Fixo File Repair Software is a potent and reliable utility specifically designed to fix corrupted zip files on Mac and address issues like the archive is corrupt.

Tools like Fixo for Mac can 修复损坏的Mac上的Excel文件. It also supports PDF, Word, and PowerPoint files. You can easily resolve common issues like unexpected inaccessibility, unreadability, or blank Word documents with this file repair utility. In addition to office files, it can also fix corrupted Outlook files on Mac.

Here are the steps to use Fixo Document Repair Software: 1. Download and Install: First, download the Fixo Document Repair Software from a reliable source onto your computer. Ensure that your device meets the software's system requirements. 2. Launch the Application: After installation, locate the software icon on your desktop or in the applications folder, then double-click to launch it. 3. Select Document Type: The software may prompt you to choose the type of document you need to repair. Select the appropriate format, such as PDF, Word, Excel, or any other supported file type. 4. Locate the Damaged File: Click on the "Browse" or "Choose File" button to navigate to the location where your damaged file is stored. Select the file and click "Open" to load it into the software. 5. Analyze the File: The software will analyze the damaged document to identify any issues or corruption. This process may take a few moments, depending on the size and severity of the damage. 6. Preview and Repair: Once the analysis is complete, Fixo Document Repair Software should provide a preview of the recoverable content. If the preview looks acceptable, click on the "Repair" or "Start Repair" button to initiate the repair process. 7. Save the Repaired Document: After the repair is finished, the software will offer you an option to save the repaired file to a desired location on your computer. Choose a location and give the file a new name if needed, then click "Save." 8. Verify the Document: Open the repaired file using its respective application (e.g., Microsoft Word for a .docx file) to ensure that the content is now accessible and editable. 9. Backup Your Files: To prevent future data loss, make sure to regularly back up your important documents to an external storage device or cloud service. Remember that the exact steps might vary slightly depending on the specific version or user interface of the Fixo Document Repair Software you're using. Always refer to the software's user manual or online support resources for the most accurate guidance.

✨Step 1. Download, install, and launch the Fixo Document Repair tool.

You can download this repair tool using the download button provided or through other official methods. Once installed, double-click on the Fixo icon to launch it. Click "File Repair" then "Add Files" to select and fix damaged Word, Excel, PDF, and other documents.

Add files to repair documents with Fixo

✨Step 2. Repair corrupted documents now

Once you've added the documents, you can click "Repair" to fix a particular document or choose "Repair All" to repair all the files in the list at once.

select documents to repair

✨Step 3. Preview and Save the Repaired Documents

Now, the files are prepared to be saved. You can also click the eye icon to preview the documents. Upon clicking "Save All," select "View Repaired" in the subsequent pop-up window to locate these restored files.

save repaired documents in Fixo

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Fix 2: Change the Permission of the Zip File

If you're unable to access a zip file due to lack of read-write permissions, you can adjust file permissions on your Mac prior to extracting its contents. Here's how to modify the permissions for your password-protected files on Mac:

Step 1. Start by right-clicking on the zip file on your Mac.

Step 2. Select "Get Info" from the menu that appears.

choose get info

Step 3. To make changes, click the padlock icon at the bottom of the window and enter your administrator password when prompted.

Step 4. In the "Sharing & Permissions" section, locate your username or affiliated group. Next, change the permissions to "Read & Write."

Once you've successfully changed the permissions of the ZIP file, you can extract its contents with a simple double-click.

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Fix 3: Decompress the Zip File using Terminal

When unable to unzip a file by double-clicking, you can utilize a command in the Mac Terminal to extract the contents of the zip file and resolve the "unable to expand zip file Mac error 79."

Utilizing the Terminal provides the advantage of unzipping large files that might surpass the capabilities of the Archive Utility. It can also help in opening corrupted zip files that the Archive Utility is unable to expand on a Mac.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to extract files using the Terminal: 1. **Open Terminal**: First, you need to access the Terminal application. You can do this by using Spotlight Search (press Command + Space), typing "Terminal," and then pressing Enter. 2. **Navigate to the folder containing the archive**: In the Terminal window, use the `cd` (change directory) command to navigate to the folder where your compressed file is located. For example: ``` cd /path/to/your/folder ``` Replace "/path/to/your/folder" with the actual path to the folder. 3. **Check the file format**: Determine the type of compression used for the file. Common formats include .tar, .gz, .bz2, .xz, and .zip. You can check the file extension or use the `file` command in Terminal. For instance: ``` file filename.tar.gz ``` This will display the file format. 4. **Extract the file**: Depending on the file format, use the appropriate command: - **.tar**: Use `tar -xvf filename.tar` - **.gz**: If it's a .tar.gz file, use `tar -xzf filename.tar.gz` - **.bz2**: If it's a .tar.bz2 file, use `tar -xjf filename.tar.bz2` - **.xz**: If it's a .tar.xz file, use `tar -Jxf filename.tar.xz` - **.zip**: Use `unzip filename.zip` 5. **Wait for the extraction process**: The Terminal will show the progress of the extraction. Once completed, you'll see a message like "tar: Exiting with failure status due to previous errors" (for tar commands) or "Archive: filename.zip" followed by "inflating: filename" for zip files. 6. **Verify the extraction**: Navigate to the extracted folder and ensure that all files have been successfully decompressed. That's it! You've now extracted the files using the Terminal.

Step 1. Open "Terminal" by going to "Finder"

Step 2. Next, go to "Applications"

go to Applications

Step 3. Go to "Utilities" and open "Terminal."

Open Terminal

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Step 1. Use the Command-Space shortcut keys to open Spotlight Search, then type "Terminal" and press "Return" to launch it.

Step 2. In the Terminal window, enter the following command, replacing "filename" with the actual name of your zip file: unzip filename.zip

Input unzip filename replacing

The Terminal will then start the extraction process. If this command doesn't unzip your file and instead results in an error message like "No such file or directory" or "cannot find," proceed with the following steps:

Step 1. Enter the "cd" command into the "Terminal," which lets you navigate directly to the directory where the zip file is situated. For example, if your zip file is in the Downloads folder, type the following command: cd ~/Downloads

Step 2. Press "Return."

Step 3. Next, type unzip followed by a space, and then drag your zip file into the "Terminal" window.

Step 4. Press "Return" to start the unzipping process.

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Fix 4: Unzip the File Using a Third-party App

If the aforementioned methods fail to resolve the Archive Utility error 79 on your Mac, you have an alternative solution.

You can use a specialized third-party tool specifically designed for unzipping files on Mac. These dedicated compression utilities excel in managing various file formats without any operational limitations.

unzipping files on mac

Moreover, certain utilities are capable of not only decompressing files but also assisting in the repair and extraction of damaged zip files on Mac.

Here's a more detailed guide to assist you in opening ZIP files on a Mac:

related articles

How to Open Zip Files on Mac [Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur]

This post explores four methods to assist you in opening zip files on your Mac.

open zip files

Fix 5: Update Your Mac

Occasionally, when encountering the "unable to expand zip" error on your Mac, the issue might not necessarily be with the zip file itself but could result from underlying operating system errors. To address this, attempt to restart your Mac to reset the system state. Following the restart, try unzipping the file by double-clicking it or using the Terminal.

If these initial steps don't work, consider updating your macOS to the latest version. New macOS updates often include fixes for existing issues and improvements to built-in features like Archive Utility.

Here's how you can update your macOS and built-in applications like Safari using the Software Update feature, but remember to back up your Mac before proceeding. To install software updates, follow these steps:

Step 1. Go to your "Apple" menu and choose "System Preferences."

select system preferences

Step 2. In "System Preferences," select "Software Update."

choose software update

Step 3. Finally, click on "Upgrade Now."

Click on "Update Now".

Causes of "Unable to Expand Zip File" Mac Error 79

Numerous factors can contribute to issues when unzipping files on your Mac.

  • ❌Incomplete download: An issue frequently encountered is incomplete downloads. If the zip file doesn't download properly, extraction issues may arise. This can happen due to an interrupted connection during the download or if you closed the download window too soon. In such instances, it's advisable to redownload the file.
  • ?️Incomplete compression: Inadequate initial compression can lead to complications when extracting zip files. Common interruptions during compression include unexpected computer shutdowns, power outages, or moving files from their original location.
  • ?File size: Extremely large original compressed files might cause difficulties for Macs during decompression. In these cases, using the Terminal becomes a helpful tool for unzipping large files.
  • ?Permissions: Extracting a file requires appropriate permissions. Files downloaded from websites often lack these permissions. When dealing with files from non-public sources, make sure to inquire about any specific permissions needed.

Frequently Asked Questions on 'Unable to Expand Zip File' Mac Error 79

To assist you in understanding the "unable to expand zip file Mac error 79" issue, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers.

< b > 1. How do I unzip a file with error 79 on Mac? To address error 79 while unzipping a file on a Mac, it typically indicates that the file is damaged or corrupted. Here's a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot the issue: 1. **Redownload the file**: Start by downloading the file again from the source, as the corruption might have occurred during the initial download. 2. **Use a different tool**: If the default 'Compress' or 'Archive Utility' app on your Mac is giving the error, try using third-party unzipping tools like WinZip, The Unarchiver, or StuffIt Expander. These apps may handle corrupted files differently and might be able to extract the content. 3. **Check file integrity**: Sometimes, the file's checksum or hash can help verify its integrity. If available, compare the checksum of the downloaded file with the one provided by the source to ensure they match. 4. **Extract in parts**: If the ZIP file contains multiple files, try extracting them individually. Sometimes, only a part of the archive might be damaged, and you might be able to save some files. 5. **Contact the sender or source**: If none of the above works, reach out to the person who sent you the file or the source where you downloaded it. They might have an undamaged version or can provide assistance. Remember, if the file is crucial and you can't extract it, having a backup or an alternative source is always beneficial.

You have a couple of options to unzip a file with error 79 on your Mac. The straightforward method is to simply double-click the file, which initiates the decompression process. Alternatively, you can use the Terminal.

Step 1. Open "Terminal," and type unzip followed by a space

Step 2. Drag and drop the zip file into the "Terminal" window.

Step 3. Finally, press "Return" to start the unzipping process.

< b > 2. What is error 79 while unzipping?

Error 79 while unzipping refers to a file-related problem that occurs during the extraction of a compressed file or archive, typically in the macOS operating system. This error might appear as an "unable to expand zip file error 79." It can be caused by several factors, such as file corruption, permission issues, or an interrupted zip file download.

3. How do I unzip a file on Mac that won't expand?

When faced with a zip file that won't expand upon double-clicking, seek a solution in Terminal. Occasionally, particularly with large files, the Archive Utility might have difficulty with decompression. To unzip such files, employ Terminal to guarantee a seamless extraction process.

Final Words

In conclusion, when confronted with the "unable to expand zip file Mac error 79," there are several efficient solutions available to you. You can expertly address this frustrating issue by repairing corrupted zip files using dependable software like Fixo File Repair Tool, checking file permissions, or decompressing the zip file via the Terminal.