Attachments Fails to Extract Using Windows Explorer

I was able to get an email with the download link to my zip file. I download the file and when I unzip it I receive the message: "Windows cannot open the folder. The compressed (Zipped) folder is invalid".

I retried the process and got same message on second zip file from Jotform.

I tried on a second computer and received the same message.

Hi Mike,

Thanks for reaching out to Jotform Support. I'm an AI assistant. I'll do my best to help you until someone from the support team is available.

Regarding the issue with the zip file being invalid when unzipping, this can sometimes happen due to file corruption during download or issues with the zip creation process.

Here’s how to troubleshoot this:

1. Try downloading the zip file again using a different browser or network to avoid corruption during download.
2. Use a different unzip tool such as 7-Zip or WinRAR instead of the default Windows extractor.
3. Check your antivirus software as it might interfere with the download or extraction process.

If the problem persists, please let us know so we can investigate further.

Give it a try and let us know how it goes.

Best regards,
Jotform Support

Hi Mike,

Thanks for reaching out to Jotform Support. I tried to export multiple submissions as PDF, open the email with the Zip file, and I was able to open it without any errors. Could you provide us the download link so that we can check it out? To check your link, we’ll need your permission to access your account. Don’t worry, you can turn it off again once we’re done. Let me show you how to do it:

1. In the top-right corner of your My Workspace page, click on your Avatar/Profile Image icon.

2. In the Dropdown menu that opens, click on Settings.

3. Next, in the panel on the left, click on the Security tab.

4. If you haven’t opened your Security page in a while, it’ll ask you to verify. To do that, click on Send Verification Code.

5. Then, enter the Verification Code you receive in your email.

6. Finally, at the bottom of the page, toggle the Jotform Support Access to the On position.

After we hear back from you, we’ll have a better idea of what’s going on and how to help.

I have enabled Jotform Support Access

Hi Mike,

I checked the download link for your previous Zip file but it is not working anymore. Can you try to download and unzip the new Zip file that was sent to your email and check if you will still get an error? Can you also try to use another device to unzip the file so that we can check if the issue is only happening in one device or all your devices.

Once we hear back from you, we'll be able to move forward with a solution.

Christine,

Your link with the PDFs worked for me. I tried again on the "McAdam Reunion" to download JUST THE ATTACHMENTS. It created the link and downloaded, but Windows couldn't open it.

Here was the link: https://www.jotform.com/uploads/MikeSanders/export_data/689d0a4038e34/MikeSanders2025-08-13-05-57-23.zip

Hi Mike,

Unfortunately, we are unable to access the link you've shared. See the screencast below:

Going back to the issue. The compressed Zipped folder is invalid typically indicates that the ZIP file is corrupted or damaged. This can happen due to various reasons, including incomplete downloads, virus or malware infections, or issues with the file itself. Can you try to go back to the file where it was saved in your computer? Here's what you need to do:

1. Right-click on the File from your computer.

2. From the Menu, select Extract All.

After extracting the file, try to open it. If the issue persists, you may need to Download and install a third party to repair the zip file with a tool like WinRAR.

Reach out again if you have any other questions.

The zip file with the photo submissions was not able to be extracted using Windows Explorer's native extraction on 3 different computers. Winzip was able to extract it.

You may want to evaluate the method Jotform is using for these types of files.

Feel free to use my account and download all of the attachments from the submissions from this table:

https://www.jotform.com/tables/250834349350154

Hi Mike,

I tested your form and had the same issue, so I created a ticket and escalated this to our Developers. Although we don't know exactly when it'll be fixed, we’ll circle back to this thread when we have an update.

Thanks for your patience and understanding, we appreciate it.