Keep the original untouched
Always work from a copy or use a tool that exports a separate result. A failed repair attempt should never overwrite your only source file.
Inspect both directory and local headers
The central directory describes the archive as a whole, while local headers can still identify individual entries. A useful repair report should state which entries were recovered and which were skipped.
Expect partial results
If compressed data, an encryption key, or a local header is missing, an archive cannot recreate it. The honest result is a new archive containing only the readable entries.
Open the repaired archive
Check the exported ZIP with Archive Utility or another extractor. File names alone do not prove every recovered entry opens correctly.
Avoid repeated writes
Do not save a repaired archive over the source. Keep both files until you have checked the recovered content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can every corrupted ZIP be fixed?No. Repair can only use headers and entry data that remain readable.
Will CleanWarden overwrite my ZIP?No. It exports a separate recovered copy when repair is possible.
Can password-protected ZIPs be repaired?Structure may be inspected, but encrypted contents still require the original password and readable data.