
How to Unzip Files on Mac: Error 79 and Beyond
Unzipping files on a Mac can sometimes be a frustrating experience, especially when you encounter an error like 79. This guide is designed to help you navigate through this issue and successfully unzip files on your Mac. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this detailed guide will provide you with multiple approaches to resolve the problem.
Understanding Error 79
Error 79 typically occurs when the zip file you’re trying to extract is corrupted or has been damaged in some way. This can happen due to various reasons, such as incomplete downloads, interrupted transfers, or file corruption during storage.
Method 1: Using the Default Unarchiver App
The first method you can try is using the built-in Unarchiver app on your Mac. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the zip file you want to extract.
- When the Unarchiver app opens, click on the “Extract” button.
- Select the destination folder where you want to extract the files.
- Wait for the extraction process to complete.
If you encounter Error 79, try the following steps:
- Close the Unarchiver app and try extracting the file again.
- Check if the zip file is corrupted by renaming it and trying to extract it again.
- Try extracting the file on a different Mac to rule out any issues with your current system.
Method 2: Using Third-Party Unzip Tools
There are several third-party unzip tools available for Mac that can help you extract files even if you encounter Error 79. Some popular options include WinZip, The Unarchiver, and 7-Zip. Here’s how to use The Unarchiver as an example:
- Download and install The Unarchiver from its official website.
- Open the zip file you want to extract.
- When The Unarchiver opens, click on the “Extract” button.
- Select the destination folder where you want to extract the files.
- Wait for the extraction process to complete.
Follow the same steps as mentioned in Method 1 if you encounter Error 79 while using The Unarchiver.
Method 3: Using Terminal
For advanced users, you can try using the Terminal to extract the zip file. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Terminal app on your Mac.
- Use the “cd” command to navigate to the directory where the zip file is located.
- Use the “unzip” command followed by the name of the zip file to extract it.
- For example, if the zip file is named “example.zip,” you would enter: unzip example.zip
If you encounter Error 79, try the following steps:
- Check if the zip file is corrupted by renaming it and trying to extract it again.
- Try extracting the file on a different Mac to rule out any issues with your current system.
Method 4: Using Online Unzip Tools
Online unzip tools can be a convenient option if you don’t have any unzip software installed on your Mac. Some popular online tools include Online-Convert, iLovePDF, and ZipGenius. Here’s how to use Online-Convert as an example:
- Visit the Online-Convert website.
- Click on the “Unzip” option.
- Upload the zip file you want to extract.
- Select the destination folder where you want to save the extracted files.
- Click on the “Convert” button to start the extraction process.
Follow the same steps as mentioned in Method 1 if you encounter Error 79 while using an online unzip tool.
Preventing Future Errors
Here are some tips to help you prevent future errors when unzipping files on your Mac:
- Always download files from trusted sources.
- Keep your unzip software up to date.
- Regularly check for file corruption by renaming and extracting