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.

The one I use is Winzip (PAID registered user since 1995 and have latest version as well)Just run the winzip install program.

@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

Take a look at 7zip. It handles RAR and a bunch more.

Wouldn't the world be more wonderful if we stayed on topic?How do IDISABLE zip folders in Windows 7 ??

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.

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.

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

Thanks for help, but unfortunately it did not work for me. Microsoft should left user to define it.

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.

Great! There should really have been an option to disable this via Tools -> Folder options dialog. There is a very little addition to the resolution. I came across this article during the middle of some work so didn't want to restart my PC. I noticed that killing explorer.exe from Task Manager and then restarting the same (e.g. File -> New Task (Run ...) from Task Manager) makes this change effective.RS