How to Fix Common Bandizip Errors
Most Bandizip error messages look alarming but have simple causes: an incomplete download, a file locked by another program, or a mismatched archive setting. Work through the sections below to fix the error you are seeing.
CRC failed or archive is corrupted
A CRC (cyclic redundancy check) error means the archive's internal data does not match what the archive header expects. The archive itself is damaged - Bandizip usually is not at fault. Common causes:
- The download was interrupted or truncated. Re-download the file and compare the file size with the source.
- The file was damaged during transfer (bad USB drive, unstable network, cloud sync conflict).
- The disk sector holding the file is failing.
After re-downloading, verify integrity with Bandizip's archive test: right-click the archive and choose Bandizip → Test Archive. See the guide on checking archive integrity for details.
"Cannot open the archive" or invalid format
- Make sure the download finished completely - partial files cannot be opened.
- Update Bandizip. Newer archive variants (for example RAR5) require a recent version; check the version history.
- Confirm the file really is an archive and not a renamed file of another type.
"The file is being used by another process"
Windows blocks Bandizip from touching a file that another program has open. Close the program using the file (an antivirus scanner or a media player are typical culprits), then extract again. The guides on this error and on Fast Drag & Drop explain how Bandizip's no-temp-file mode avoids the problem entirely.
Extracted filenames are garbled or show strange characters
This happens when the archive was created with a legacy codepage that your system does not use. Open Bandizip's settings and set the correct archive codepage, or enable the UTF-8 compatible option when creating archives yourself. Full walkthrough: solving filename encoding problems.
Password not accepted
- Check Caps Lock and your input method (IME) - passwords are case sensitive.
- If the archive encrypts file names as well as contents, you cannot preview inside it until the correct password is entered.
- Use Bandizip's password manager to avoid typos when extracting many archives: password guide.
Split archive errors
Multi-volume archives (.zip.001, .7z.001, .egg.001 and similar) need every part in the same folder with unmodified names. Extract from the first volume only. If one part is missing or corrupted, the whole archive will fail - request the missing part again.
Antivirus or SmartScreen warnings
Windows marks files downloaded from the internet with a zone identifier, which can trigger SmartScreen warnings on packaged executables inside archives. Only extract installers from archives you trust, and download Bandizip itself only from Bandisoft's official servers. More background: the zone identifier and SmartScreen.
Still stuck? The FAQ page covers additional edge cases, including context menu problems and license questions.