If you’re a Mac user, you might have come across the “Unable to Expand Zip” error message when trying to extract a compressed file. This error can be frustrating, especially if you need the files urgently. One of the common reasons for this error message is the “error 79 inappropriate file type or format.”
This error usually occurs when the compressed file you’re trying to extract contains unsupported file types or formats. It could also be due to a problem with the compressed file itself or a glitch in your Mac’s system. Whatever the reason, the good news is that the “Unable to Expand Zip” error is fixable, and you don’t have to be a tech expert to do it.
Understanding the “Unable to Expand Zip” Error
If you are a Mac user, you may have encountered the “Unable to Expand Zip” error while trying to extract a compressed file. This error message indicates that the file you are trying to extract is corrupted or damaged, and you cannot unzip it. This can be frustrating, especially if you need to access the files inside the compressed folder.
Causes of the “Unable to Expand Zip” Error
There are several reasons why you may encounter the “Unable to Expand Zip” error. Some of the most common causes include:
- The compressed file is corrupted or damaged
- The compressed file is password-protected, and you don’t have the correct password
- The compressed file contains files with inappropriate file types or formats
- The compressed file is too large to be extracted by your Mac
Symptoms of the “Unable to Expand Zip” Error
The “Unable to Expand Zip” error message can appear in different ways, depending on the app you are using to extract the compressed file. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- A pop-up message that says “Unable to Expand Zip” or “Error 79”
- The compressed file appears to extract, but the extracted files are incomplete or missing
- Your Mac freezes or crashes while trying to extract the compressed file
Now that you understand the causes and symptoms of the “Unable to Expand Zip” error, it’s time to learn how to fix it.
Fixing the “Unable to Expand Zip” Error on a Mac
If you’ve ever tried to unzip a file on your Mac and received the “Unable to Expand Zip” error message, you know how frustrating it can be. Fortunately, there are a few methods you can try to fix the issue.
Method 1: Use Terminal to Unzip the File
If you’re comfortable using Terminal, you can try unzipping the file using the command line. Here’s how:
- Open Terminal (you can find it in the Utilities folder within your Applications folder).
- Navigate to the folder where the zip file is located using the “cd” command.
- Type the following command:
unzip filename.zip(replace “filename” with the name of the zip file you’re trying to extract). - Press Enter and wait for the extraction process to complete.
Method 2: Change the Archive Format
If the file you’re trying to unzip is in a non-standard archive format, you may need to change the format to something your Mac can recognize. Here’s how:
- Right-click the zip file and select “Get Info”.
- Under “Open with”, select a different archive program (such as StuffIt Expander or The Unarchiver).
- Check the box next to “Always Open With” to make sure your Mac uses the new program every time you try to open a file in that format.
- Try unzipping the file again.
Method 3: Use a Third-Party Unarchiver App
If the first two methods don’t work, you can try using a third-party unarchiver app. Here are a few popular options:
- The Unarchiver
- StuffIt Expander
- BetterZip
Simply download and install one of these apps, then try unzipping the file again using the app instead of the default Archive Utility on your Mac.
Preventing the “Unable to Expand Zip” Error on a Mac
Use Reliable Sources to Download Zip Files
One of the main reasons why you may encounter the “Unable to Expand Zip” error on your Mac is due to downloading the zip file from an unreliable source. To prevent this error, you should only download zip files from reliable sources. Avoid downloading zip files from websites that you do not trust or from unknown sources. It is also important to ensure that the website you are downloading from is secure and has a valid SSL certificate.
Check File Extensions Before Downloading
Another way to prevent the “Unable to Expand Zip” error on your Mac is to check the file extension before downloading the zip file. Sometimes, zip files may have a different file extension, such as .rar, .7z, or .tar. If you download a zip file with a different extension, your Mac may not be able to recognize it, resulting in the “Unable to Expand Zip” error. Therefore, make sure to check the file extension before downloading any zip files.
Update Your Mac Software Regularly
Updating your Mac software regularly is also important to prevent the “Unable to Expand Zip” error. Apple releases software updates regularly to fix bugs and improve the performance of your Mac. If you are running an outdated version of macOS, you may encounter errors such as the “Unable to Expand Zip” error. Therefore, make sure to check for software updates regularly and install them as soon as they are available.
