The "unexpected end of archive" error in WinRAR or 7-Zip is a common and frustrating issue that occurs primarily when extracting compressed files on Windows 10 or 11. This error usually indicates that the archive file is corrupted or incomplete. Several factors can cause this, including interrupted downloads, antivirus interference, disk errors, or file system limitations. Here are six effective solutions to resolve this problem:
Table of Contents
- Solution 1: Redownload or Recreate the Archive File
- Solution 2: Repair the Corrupted Archive Using WinRAR
- Solution 3: Add the Archive to Windows Defender Exclusion List
- Solution 4: Check and Repair Disk Errors
- Solution 5: Verify Your File System Compatibility
- Solution 6: Reinstall WinRAR or 7-Zip
- Why Does the Unexpected End of Archive Error Occur in WinRAR/7-Zip and How to Fix It Quickly?
Solution 1: Redownload or Recreate the Archive File
Interrupted downloads often corrupt RAR files, triggering the error. Download the file again using a stable internet connection. If you have access to the original files, recreate the archive to ensure integrity.
Solution 2: Repair the Corrupted Archive Using WinRAR
- Open WinRAR and select the problematic archive.
- Click the Repair button on the toolbar.
- Choose a destination folder for the repaired file and confirm.
This built-in repair tool can fix minor corruption and restore the archive.
Solution 3: Add the Archive to Windows Defender Exclusion List
Antivirus or Windows Defender may block extraction, causing the error.
- Go to Virus & threat protection settings in Windows.
- Under Exclusions, add the archive file path to the exclusion list.
This prevents security software from interfering with the extraction process.
Solution 4: Check and Repair Disk Errors
Bad sectors or disk issues on the drive storing the archive can cause extraction failures.
Run Command Prompt as administrator and execute: chkdsk E: /f /r (replace "E:" with your drive letter)
This checks for and repairs disk errors that may affect file integrity.
Solution 5: Verify Your File System Compatibility
Extracting files larger than 32GB on a FAT32-formatted drive causes errors due to file size limits. Convert the drive to NTFS or another file system without this limitation to avoid extraction problems.
Solution 6: Reinstall WinRAR or 7-Zip
If all else fails, uninstall the current program version.
Download and install the latest version from the official website.
This ensures you have the most recent bug fixes and compatibility updates.
Why Does the Unexpected End of Archive Error Occur in WinRAR/7-Zip and How to Fix It Quickly?
The "unexpected end of archive" error typically signals a corrupted or incomplete archive file, often caused by interrupted downloads, antivirus blocks, disk errors, or file system restrictions. To fix it:
- Redownload or recreate the archive to ensure file completeness.
- Use WinRAR’s repair feature to fix minor corruption.
- Exclude the archive from antivirus or Windows Defender scans.
- Run disk checks to repair potential hard drive issues.
- Confirm the drive’s file system supports large files (prefer NTFS over FAT32).
- Reinstall extraction software for a fresh start.
Following these steps will help you resolve the error efficiently and extract your files without hassle.