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Fix “An unexpected error is keeping you from copying the file” Error in Windows

Mitch BartlettSeptember 17, 2018 Comments (7)
Error Unzipping file

Today I had an unusual problem when I tried to unzip a file using Microsoft Windows. I attempted to copy the file out of the ZIP file to my desktop and received an error:

An unexpected error is keeping you from copying the file. If you continue to receive this error, you can use the error code to search for help with this problem.

Error 0x80004005: Unspecified error

Error Unzipping file

This problem was an easy fix. Here’s how it’s done.

This error usually occurs when a zip file is encrypted with a password. Windows cannot detect that it is an encrypted file.

The solution is to use an archive utility like WinZip or WinRAR to extract the file. You’ll also need the password that was set on the file to extract it. Open the zip file in WinZip or WinRAR and you will be prompted for the password. The file should then copy successfully.

WinRAR password prompt screen

If you choose WinZip, you may not want to try to download it from the official WinZip website since it has become so spammy. I get my copy from OldVersion.


FAQ

What if I don’t know the password to the file?

You’ll have to talk to the person who zipped the file originally. They set a password on it. Otherwise, you will need to try to use password recovery software to try to open it.

Categories: Windows

Author Mitch Bartlett

Through my career that spans over 20 years I have become an expert in Microsoft Systems Administration, Android, and macOS. I started this site as a technical guide for myself and it has grown into what I hope is a useful knowledgebase for everyone.

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Comments

  1. Al Amin says:
    June 27, 2023 at 9:18 pm

    Thank you so much

  2. Madhusudan says:
    July 20, 2022 at 12:43 am

    this really helped! thank you so much!! :) :)

  3. emily says:
    June 30, 2022 at 1:47 pm

    thank you so much, using winzip to open the file worked. i was about to go crazy!

  4. Tasneem says:
    March 31, 2022 at 1:40 am

    yES THIS HELPS:) tHANK U SOOO MUCH

  5. Rodrigo says:
    January 14, 2021 at 8:48 am

    Nope it’s not a zip, but a video file

  6. fred says:
    December 28, 2020 at 12:46 pm

    nope was not a zip file but picture .png file

  7. JEREENA JOSEPH says:
    July 2, 2018 at 4:35 am

    Yes it helped

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The Experts Behind Technipages

My name is Mitch Bartlett. I've been working in technology for over 20 years in a wide range of tech jobs from Tech Support to Software Testing. I started this site as a technical guide for myself and it has grown into what I hope is a useful reference for all.

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Last Updated on September 17, 2018 by Mitch Bartlett