Fix corrupted zip-file?

[swooch]

Hi!
Another question I have. I did a backup of photos some time ago and zipped it all. Some time later we had a HDD failure and it was time to bring out the backup.

Problem is, the zip file is corrupted. When using the archive tool in osx it just said Unable to expand "___" into "Downloads". (Error 2 - No such file or directory). A thread over at https://discussions.apple.com/ suggested using another tool to unzip, so I got Zipeg which told me the file was corrupted.

What next? Is there some good mac tool, preferably freeware since it's a one-time-use, that can help me?

thanks in advance!

 

[Fishrrman]

"What next? Is there some good mac tool, preferably freeware since it's a one-time-use, that can help me?"

I know this doesn't help you today, but would like to offer words of advice for the future:

Never, NEVER put valued archives in a compressed format (such as zip, etc.).

If you do this, you are inviting problems such as the one you are having today.

ALWAYS keep your archived files in plain old finder format -- no compression, no archiving, no password protection.

If the files are of a sensitive nature and you don't want others to access to them, LOCK THEM UP in a safe. I've seen a good waterproof/fire resistant mini-safe at Staples for about $90.

And if you really value the archived files, keep a SECOND COPY on a SECOND hard drive as well. If you trust the files to only one drive, you may try to access that drive in a moment of need -- and find it has gone bad on you.

Again, this can't help now.
But it will in the future.

 

[benthewraith]

Hi!
Another question I have. I did a backup of photos some time ago and zipped it all. Some time later we had a HDD failure and it was time to bring out the backup.

Problem is, the zip file is corrupted. When using the archive tool in osx it just said Unable to expand "___" into "Downloads". (Error 2 - No such file or directory). A thread over at https://discussions.apple.com/ suggested using another tool to unzip, so I got Zipeg which told me the file was corrupted.

What next? Is there some good mac tool, preferably freeware since it's a one-time-use, that can help me?

thanks in advance!

I wouldn't hold your breath, depending on how the archive is corrupted there's a strong chance you can't recover information. If you have a time machine backup, is it possible to recover the photos from there?