ZI File Extension

What is ZI file?

The ZI extension represents the popular ZIP archive, under a different name. Within the archive, there is at least a single file of any type.

Additional information about ZI files:

• ZI extension is usually used in order to bypass filters (antivirus software) of an email service, which often block transferring standard ZIP files,
• in order to open a ZI file, one should change its extension into ZIP – thus enabling to decompress the archive using any application compliant with the ZIP standard.

Programs which support ZI file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support ZI files. Files with ZI extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 10/12/2022

How to open file with ZI extension?

Problems with accessing ZI may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with ZI files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install WinZip

Problems with opening and working with ZI files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with ZI files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select WinZip or one of the recommended programs (for example, 7-Zip, WinRAR, StuffIt Expander) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support ZI files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading WinZip installed is by going to developer’s website (WinZip Computing, S.L.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of WinZip

If you already have WinZip installed on your systems and ZI files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why ZI files are not compatible with WinZip. The most recent version of WinZip is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Renamed Zip Format files with WinZip

After installing WinZip (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open ZI files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the ZI file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the WinZip installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open ZI files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the ZI file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select WinZip and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with ZI extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the ZI is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the ZI file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The ZI may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the ZI is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the ZI file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with ZI extension is complete and error-free

Did you receive the ZI file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. If the ZI file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Renamed Zip Format file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open WinZip

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support ZI files. Close all running programs and try opening the ZI file.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Renamed Zip Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle ZI files.

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