How to Repair Archive Utility Error 1 on Mac

Are you facing archive utility error 1 on your Mac when opening ZIP files? For example, the pop-up window with 'Unable to expand filename.zip (Error 1 - Operation not permitted.)' This article covers simple fixes and detailed steps to resolve this issue.

Mac users dealing with the archive utility error 1 while trying to read or extract ZIP files can get irritated. This error occurs when users try to unzip files using the built-in Archive Utility and meet file corruption or permission constraints. Archive utility error 1 usually indicates that the Mac's Archive Utility is having trouble processing a file due to faulty or incomplete downloads, invalid file formats, or lack of file permissions.

This issue might frustrate Mac users who use compressed files, mainly if the files are crucial. Fortunately, there are various methods to fix this problem without losing data. This article will explain how to solve archive utility error 1, and repair damaged ZIP files on your Mac to restore file access. 

How to Fix Archive Utility Error 1

Archive utility error 1 might prevent you from unzipping files, but there are a few ways to fix it. Protecting your data before fixing it prevents additional harm. We provide four ways to fix this issue:

  1. Fix 1. Use Terminal to Unzip Files
  2. Fix 2. Use Zipeg to Unzip files
  3. Fix 3. Update or reinstall Archive Utility

Fix 1. Use Terminal to Unzip Files

Suppose the built-in Archive Utility fails to extract your files. In that case, you may open the Terminal program, which has a robust command-line interface and can manually unzip files without using the graphical Archive Utility. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1. Move the problematic ZIP file on your desktop for easy access.

Step 2. Search for "Terminal" in Spotlight (top-right corner) or launch it from "Applications > Utilities."

Step 3. Type "cd ~/Desktop" and press Enter.

Step 4. Press Enter after typing the command "unzip filename.zip" (replacing "filename" with the name of your file).

If successful, the terminal will provide a progress report and extract your files for the desktop.

Fix 2. Use Zipeg to Unzip Files

If Terminal does not work, you may use Zipeg, a free, open-source software for unzipping multiple archive formats such as ZIP, RAR, and 7z. Here's how you can utilize it:

Step 1. Zipeg is available for download and installation from the official website.

Step 2. Open the app and drag the ZIP file onto the Zipeg interface.

Step 3. Zipeg will reveal its contents before extracting a file.

Step 4. Select the files you wish to extract and specify the destination folder.

This approach works effectively for files that may be partly damaged but contain usable data.

Fix 3. Update or reinstall Archive Utility

Sometimes, the problem is caused by an out-of-date or malfunctioning Archive Utility. Mac's Archive Utility is updated with system upgrades, but it could be time to check for any available system updates if you've put off updating. Here's how:

Step 1. Navigate to Apple Menu > "System Preferences" > "Software Update". If an update is available, install it.

Step 2. If the issue continues, try resetting the Archive Utility by removing the preference files. In Finder, go to ~/Library/Preferences/ and remove the file com.apple.archiveutility.plist.

Step 3. Restart your Mac and attempt to open the ZIP file again.

This should refresh the Archive Utility and address minor difficulties with file corruption or permission constraints.

Repair Corrupted Archive Files on Mac

If you want to repair damaged ZIP files on your Mac and your usual approaches have failed, EaseUS Fixo Document Repair provides a reliable solution. As a specialist file repair tool, it can handle various damaged files, including ZIP archives. It is an excellent alternative for dependable and speedy data recovery solutions.

EaseUS Fixo Document Repair handles vast files and can handle severe corruption problems, which often make files inaccessible using native or manual restoration techniques. Here's a list of its main features:

  • It supports many file formats, including ZIP, 7z, and RAR repair on Mac.
  • The program prioritizes data integrity, ensuring little data loss when recovering files.
  • After repair, users may examine the restored files before saving them.

EaseUS Fixo Document restoration speeds up the process, rapidly recovering even huge and complicated files. First, follow the instructions below to fix your damaged files on Mac.

Step 1. Download and launch Fixo on the Mac. Choose "File Repair" from the left panel. Click "Add File" to select corrupted Zip files you want to repair.

Step 2. To repair corrupted Zip files in batch, click the "Repair All" button. If you want to repair a specific file, move your cursor to the file and click the "Repair" button.

Step 3. Click "Save" to save a selected Zip file. To keep all the repaired Zip files, choose "Save All". When the save completes, click "View Repaired" to locate the repaired folder.

Once you've successfully fixed your files, please share this information with others who may find it helpful! Also, remember to share this page on your preferred social media networks to spread the word about this service.

 

What Causes Archive Utility Error 1

The Mac "Archive Utility Error 1" occurs while attempting to unzip or extract files from a zipped archive. Understanding the reasons might help you avoid this annoying mistake. Here are several primary causes of this error:

  • Corrupted or Incomplete ZIP File: Corruption or incomplete ZIP files are significant causes of this issue. Error 1 occurs when the Archive Utility cannot zip/unzip a file that didn't download successfully, contains missing data, or was damaged during transmission.
  • File Format Unsupported: Although Archive Utility supports many formats, specific sophisticated or non-standard compression formats may need to be revised. If Archive Utility doesn't support the format, the issue may occur.
  • File Permission Issues: MacOS may prevent Archive Utility from accessing or unzipping a ZIP file in a restricted directory or disk, which might cause Error 1 and unable to expand Zip on Mac.
  • Insufficient disk space: If you have inadequate disk space, Archive Utility may fail to extract data from your Mac. Ensure you have adequate free space to unzip huge archive files.
  • Outdated System or Archive Software: An obsolete macOS or Archive Utility may create compatibility difficulties with newer archive formats. Update your operating system regularly to avoid these issues and improve file extraction.

LEARN MORE

Still curious? Click here to learn about Fix Zip File Won't Open and Repair Coprrupted Zip Files.

Archive Utility Error 1 FAQs

Following are the archive utility error 1-related queries that users search for. Let's have a look:

1. How do I fix Archive Utility on Mac?

Check "System Preferences" > "Software Update" to solve Archive Utility. If the problem continues, delete com.apple.archiveutility.plist in ~/Library/Preferences/ and restart the system. EaseUS Fixo Document Repair can restore damaged archives if necessary.

2. How to fix error 1 operation not permitted?

A permissions problem frequently causes this error. Check full access by right-clicking the file and going to Get Info > Sharing & Permissions. Or use Terminal with sudo unzip filename.zip. Fix corrupt files using EaseUS Fixo Document Repair.

3. What is error 1 when unzipping Mac?

Error 1 indicates file corruption or permission issues prevent ZIP file extraction. Try Terminal or EaseUS Fixo Document Repair to unzip it.

4. Why can't I unzip files on my Mac?

Corruption, inadequate permissions, and invalid formats cause problems when unzipping. Fix them using Terminal or EaseUS Fixo Document Repair.

Conclusion

Archive file corruption or problems like Archive Utility Error 1 may be irritating, particularly when essential data are lost. These problems generally come from incomplete downloads, invalid formats, or authorization restrictions. Fortunately, EaseUS Fixo Document fix can recover and fix corrupted ZIP or archive files.

Its powerful repair functions may recover data from highly damaged archives, making it a valuable tool for Mac file extraction users. Using Fixo, you can prevent corruption and swiftly recover your essential data.

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