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How to Fix Cannot Open OneDrive ZIP File on Mac (Error 79)
Question details
The user is unable to extract a ZIP archive downloaded from OneDrive on a Mac, encountering a specific macOS expansion error.
- Product
- OneDrive and macOS Archive Utility
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Downloading a compressed ZIP folder from OneDrive and attempting to expand it on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- The macOS Archive Utility fails to expand the file, throwing macOS Error 79, which indicates the ZIP archive is incomplete, invalid, or corrupted.
Ensure you have a stable and active internet connection, as network interruptions are a leading cause of incomplete or corrupted ZIP file downloads from cloud storage.
Re-download the ZIP File and Verify Its Size
A common trigger for macOS Error 79 is an incomplete download. Re-downloading the file ensures you have the fully intact archive.
When a download is interrupted, the resulting ZIP file may appear complete but will be missing critical data needed for extraction. Comparing the downloaded file size with the original file on OneDrive can help confirm if corruption occurred during the transfer.
Locate the problematic ZIP file in your Mac's Downloads folder and move it to the Trash to avoid confusing it with the new download.
Log into your OneDrive account through your web browser, select the required file or folder, and click the 'Download' button.
Once the download completes, right-click the file and select 'Get Info'. Ensure the file size matches the size reported in the OneDrive web interface.
Double-click the newly downloaded ZIP file to extract it using the default macOS Archive Utility.
Use a Third-Party Archive Tool
If the default macOS Archive Utility cannot handle the ZIP file, alternative unarchiver applications can often bypass minor compression errors.
Request a Newly Compressed Archive
If the file is fully downloaded but still fails to open, the archive may have been improperly compressed before being uploaded to OneDrive.
Easily Open Extracted Office Documents with WPS Office
Once you successfully extract your downloaded ZIP files, you will need a robust application to view and edit your documents. WPS Office is a highly compatible, fast, and free alternative to Microsoft Office that runs seamlessly on macOS.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the macOS version.
- 2. Install the software: Open the downloaded installer and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open your extracted files: Launch WPS Office and drag your extracted Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents directly into the app to start editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Microsoft OneNote to open a ZIP file on Mac?
No. Extracting a ZIP file has no relation to Microsoft OneNote. ZIP archives can be expanded natively on macOS by simply double-clicking the file to launch the built-in Archive Utility.
What exactly does macOS Error 79 mean?
macOS Error 79 typically means the Archive Utility encountered a fatal issue when trying to decompress a file. This is most often caused by the ZIP file being incomplete due to an interrupted download, or corrupted during the initial creation process.
Why are my OneDrive downloads constantly incomplete?
Downloading large files or folders from OneDrive can sometimes time out or get interrupted by fluctuating network speeds or temporary browser cache issues. Ensuring a stable internet connection and trying an incognito window or a different browser can help secure a complete download.
