How to Fix "Badzipfile File Is Not A Zip File" Error?

Introduction

When working with zip files, you need to extract or open them. But when you try to do so, you sometimes get an error message showing "badzipfile: file is not a zip file”. Usually, this error message happens in Python and informs you that the file you are dealing with is not in a proper zip format. But the good news is you can try easy methods to address this problem and effectively fix the error. Do you want to know those easy methods? YES!! Then, read this article and get to know the ways.

Part 1: What is a badzipfile file is not a zip file" Error?

This error often occurs when using the zipfile module built into Python or other libraries that deal with zip file tasks. The module raises the "BadZipFile" exception and displays "File is not a zip file". And it happens when it comes across a file that does not follow the expected zip file format.

Part 2: Why badzipfile file is not a zip file" Error Happens?

A wide range of reasons behind the problem of badzipfile file is not a zip file. Here are a few of the reasons:

1. Any interruption during the downloading process, such as an unexpected power outage, might corrupt the Zip file format. As a result, the entire content becomes unavailable.

2. This is one of the worst scenarios since it can damage the Zip file and cause errors with the Zip file format while trying to extract its contents.

3. The "BadZipFile" error might appear if the zip file has been corrupted due to a mistake made during file transmission.

4. It's possible that the file you're trying to open or extract isn't a zip file. The file was incorrectly labeled or saved with the wrong file extension. A zip file must be the type of file you are dealing with.

5. The error may also appear if you are using a zip tool or utility that isn't compatible with the particular version or format of the zip file. Older or incompatible software may be unable to open zip files that use modern encryption or compression algorithms.

6. If you attempt to open a password-protected zip file without entering the correct password, you may get the "BadZipFile" Error.

You cannot extract files from the zip folder and lose access to information when the notification "badzipfile: file is not a zip file" appears. This can be a significant issue, but every problem has a solution, and that's what you want!

Let's look at some methods in the next part for fixing this error.

Part 3: How to Fix badzipfile file is not a zip file" Error?

Here are some methods to fix a badzipfile file is not a zip file error:

Method 1: Redownload the Zip file

If you downloaded the file via the internet, it could be corrupted, or the download was interrupted. So, the first easy way to solve this error is to download the zip file again. To do so, the steps are discussed below:

Step 1: Delete the outdated and incorrect ZIP file from your PC.

Step 2: Open the website where you downloaded the ZIP file in your browser.

Step 3: Locate the ZIP file. Then, download it again. After that, save it in a different safe spot on your computer.

If this method does not solve the error, try the following method.

Method 2: Save the Files with the Right Zip Extension

When trying to open or extract a file as a zip file, Python may become confused if the file is called "file" without the correct file extension. Python uses file extensions to detect the file type and how to handle it.

There are chances that Python won't identify a file as an open zip file if you try to open or extract a file with the name "file" but no file extension. The "badzipfile file is not a zip file" error can appear in this situation. Python wants the file to have the proper ".zip" extension to be recognized as a zip file.

So, to solve this error, make sure your zip files contain the ".zip" file extension. Python will correctly recognize your file as a zip file and view it accordingly if named "myfile.zip".

You can manually rename a file with the ".zip" extension if it is missing one and you think it is a zip file to make sure Python will recognize it as such.

But if it does not work, then attempt the following code:

Method 4: Check the Zip File Format

Another method to solve zipfile.badzipfile: file is not a zip file error is to confirm if the zip file is in gzip format. To do so, here is the code to run:

Method 5: Test Several Unzipping Tools

Your zip file extraction tool may be responsible for the problem. So, the following straightforward method to solve this error is testing several unzipping tools.

Try opening the file with a different unzipping tool or utility, such as 7-Zip, WinRAR, or the native extraction tools in your operating system. Other tools could be more or less compatible and handle the file even if the first tool had a problem.

Method 6: Repair Corrupted Zip Files using Zip Repair Software

Corrupted zip files are one of the reasons behind a badzipfile file is not a zip file error. So, in that case, you must repair the corrupted zip files. When repairing corrupted zip files, Wondershare Repairit-File Repair is recommendable. It can handle all types of zip file corruption, and this software can even recover and fix password-protected data.

Some of Wondershare Repairit- File Repair's Key Features

• Perfectly fix corrupted files without changing the original file, with a very high success rate.
• Repair corrupted files that won't open, have an unfamiliar format or content, have modified their layout, etc.
• Compatible with Mac OS X 10.10 to macOS 13. It also works with Windows 11/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP.
• File repair and all Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zip, and Adobe file types are supported.

How to Repair Damaged ZIP Files

The three steps you must perform are as follows:

Step 1: Download and launch Wondershare Repairit on your Mac or PC. The damaged Zip files you want to repair should be uploaded after choosing File Fix from Repairit's main interface and Zip File Repair.

Step 2: The damaged Zip files will be fixed after selecting the Repair option in Repairit.

Step 3: After the Zip files have been fixed, you may check them by selecting the Preview option and saving the file to your local storage.

Conclusion

What are you waiting for now that you have all you need to fix badzipfile: file is not a zip file error? Apply these methods that will indeed work for you. Download those corrupted zip files into Wondershare Repairit-File Repair to get them repaired.