How do I disable zip folders in Windows 7?
I like to use a third-party archive application, so I really don't like how by default Windows makes zip files expand automatically in Windows Explorer and show up in the folder view.So...How do I disable zip folders in Windows 7?---------In XP and Vista, I was able to find solutions to remove this "feature"In XP, I simply did...regsvr32 /u zipfldr.dllIn Vista, I had to remove a couple registry entries:Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00; Disable ZIP support in Windows Vista; restart Windows after applying this patch[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{E88DCCE0-B7B3-11d1-A9F0-00AA0060FA31}][-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{0CD7A5C0-9F37-11CE-AE65-08002B2E1262}]I don't want to guess and delete the wrong registry entries if someone else knows which ones I need to remove.
January 21st, 2009 5:31am

The one I use is Winzip (PAID registered user since 1995 and have latest version as well)Just run the winzip install program.
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January 21st, 2009 5:44am

@Chitchatjf, Are you saying that your Folder View doesn't look like this? I don't want any zip files to appear as subfolders as you can see on the left, so I just want to confirm that you are saying it doesn't do that after you install WinZip? Or, if anyone else knows how to fix (disable) this in Windows 7, please let me know
January 21st, 2009 6:02am

Take a look at 7zip. It handles RAR and a bunch more.
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January 22nd, 2009 5:02pm

Wouldn't the world be more wonderful if we stayed on topic?How do IDISABLE zip folders in Windows 7 ??
January 28th, 2009 11:03am

Right click the zip file. then mouse over to open with. then chose default program.then pick the zip software you want to use from the list. or go to the start menu and click on default programs under the control panel button.
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January 28th, 2009 9:25pm

EDIT - I HAVE FOUND A SOLUTIONAfter considerable browsing (thank you, Google), I have a solution that works. It is based on fixes for Vista, but works 100% for my Windows 7 64-bit install.You will need to edit your registry (delete 2 different keys), so I highly recommend you back up your registry or better yet, make an image of your OS drive (probably C:\). I use Norton Ghost 2003 (only from a NG 2003 boot floppy) and have never had a single problem. Norton Ghost does not have to be installed on your system for this to work (in fact, it will stall due to compatibility issues).First a note regarding the various reg tweaks that are available for download (e.g., "vistaunzip.reg"). These will NOT work - undoubtedly due to ownership/permissions issues.The following two (2) keys need to be deleted fromthe registry:For zip files delete the regkeyHKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{E88DCCE0-B7B3-11d1-A9F0-00AA0060FA31}For cab files deleteHKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{0CD7A5C0-9F37-11CE-AE65-08002B2E1262}When you try to delete them, you will almost certainly get an "access denied" or "failed" type of message. Before you can delete them, you need to change the permissions/ownership of these two keys. Here is how to do it:01 - open regedit from the RUN console02 - navigate to the first key that needs to be deleted (HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{E88DCCE0- B7B3-11d1-A9F0-00AA0060FA31})03 - right click on the key and select "Permissions"04 - click on "Advanced"05 - click on the "Ownership" tab06 - in the "change owner to" section, highlight your username07 - check the box for "replace owner on subcontainers and objects"08 - click on "Apply"09 - Click "OK"10 - Under "Security" tab, highlight your username and check the box for "Allow Full Control" (located mid-menu in the "Permissions For Administrators" section)11 - click "Apply" and "OK"12 - you can now delete the registry key. MAKE SURE YOU ARE ON THE CORRECT KEY!13 - repeat the process for the 2nd key.14 - reboot (changes will NOT take effect until you reboot15 - VOILA! NO MORE ZIP FOLDERS! woohoo!16 - thanks to the original solvers of this problem, whomever they may be.*********************************************************************************I would like the same help that deedvd is seeking. How do I DISABLE the zip folder function? I do NOT want my zip files to appear as "folders". Why anyone in Redmond thought this was a brilliant idea is beyond me. It adds to clutter and makes file browsing a lot less enjoyable. I simply want my zip files to appear as files - with the ".zip" extension. Just like every other file. The responses to deepdvd were probably as frustrating to him as they are to me. Changing the default program for zip files is IRRELEVANT. It only changes whether Windows or some third party app (7Zip, Izarc, etc) OPENS the files. They continue to show up as folders. I tried the unregister script (earlier thread)"Running regsvr32 /u %windir%\system32\zipfldr.dll should be enough to disable zip functionality. Then just run your 3rd party archite application and let it re-register archive files." and it did not work. I got the same error that deeddvd got "The module "C:\Windows\system32\zipfldr.dll" was loaded but the entry-point DllUnregisterServer was not found.Make sure that "C:\Windows\system32\zipfldr.dll" is a valid DLL or OCX file and then try again."I would love to find a resolution to this problem. If anyone out there knows how to DISABLE the zipfolder function, please post the solution. I am thanking you in advance.
February 6th, 2009 8:27pm

Tim, this is not an answer to the question, not even close. Notice it has no votes as helpful. Using some other program, be it Winzip, Winrar, 7-Zip or whatever does not disable the zip folders thatclutterExplorer. I know they are helpful for simple users but for anyone even approaching a power user they are not. Microsoft needs to provide simple Explorer settings to turn these off, it's long overdue. Anyone there at Microsoft pay attention to these things? I'm almost surprised that turning file extension display on doesn't take a registry modification. That has a selection in Explorer and so should zip folders.Looks like svenn99 finally has an answer to this. Now that I figure I'll be running the RC until release I needed a solution.
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May 7th, 2009 4:20am

Why is Zandor's reply marked as the answer?!? It is completely off track.Thanks sven99. Your procedure did not work completely (I also had to give myself full control of the reg key) but it got me on the right track.BTW Why doesn't MS makean option to turn them off.Zip folders have been a huge annoyance since I first tried XP. If you have a directory with lots of zip files containing lots of files then it can take many minutes to open the directory to just look at it. And Windows Explorer basically dies if the directory is on a network drive or a CD.Also note that the original poster said thatregsvr32 /u zipfldr.dllfixes the problem under XP. This is not exactly true. It does fix it temporarilly but it comes back the next time you reboot.
June 22nd, 2009 3:32am

Also note that the original poster said that regsvr32 /u zipfldr.dll fixes the problem under XP. This is not exactly true. It does fix it temporarilly but it comes back the next time you reboot. I wouldn't normally respond to an old thread, but the above is complete ROT. Once the command is run it stays that way until the opposite command (without the '/u') is run. DrT
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January 7th, 2010 4:47am

Thanks for help, but unfortunately it did not work for me. Microsoft should left user to define it.
September 9th, 2011 11:44pm

Try Windows Seven Forums and search for zip. http://www.sevenforums.com/#windows-7-help-support Thats how i disabled mine. took a few trys with the instruction.
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September 11th, 2011 3:11am

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