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Forum Discussion
Why do .zip files are unzipped when sharing? Person receiving the file says it's already unzipped.
When I upload a zip file to Dropbox the person I'm sharing with receives the file already unzipped. I need it to stay zipped.
JWoodrow wrote:
In either a shared link or shared folder, they see all the files separately from the zipped file. They would need to download all the individual files rather than one zip file.
I'm going to assume that the Zip file you created is named Workplace Violence Prevention Training.zip. Is that correct? Your screenshot shows that the person has already downloaded the Zip file (they're in the Downloads folder) and that they've opened it in Windows.
Windows has the ability to view and extract the contents of a Zip file without the need for other software. On Windows, Zip files appear and work just like a folder. You can even see at the top of your screenshot that it says Extract all, meaning the person is viewing the content of a Zip file.
The person isn't receiving a file that's already been unzipped. They're receiving the Zip file and they've opened it in Windows to view the content.
Megan
Dropbox Staff
Dropbox StaffHey JWoodrow, welcome to our Community!
How exactly are you sharing the file with that person? Is it through a Dropbox Transfer, shared link or a shared folder?
Does the file get unzipped when they try to preview it, or when they download it?
Let me know more, and we'll take it from there!
In either a shared link or shared folder, they see all the files separately from the zipped file. They would need to download all the individual files rather than one zip file.
- Rich
Super User II
JWoodrow wrote:
In either a shared link or shared folder, they see all the files separately from the zipped file. They would need to download all the individual files rather than one zip file.
I'm going to assume that the Zip file you created is named Workplace Violence Prevention Training.zip. Is that correct? Your screenshot shows that the person has already downloaded the Zip file (they're in the Downloads folder) and that they've opened it in Windows.
Windows has the ability to view and extract the contents of a Zip file without the need for other software. On Windows, Zip files appear and work just like a folder. You can even see at the top of your screenshot that it says Extract all, meaning the person is viewing the content of a Zip file.
The person isn't receiving a file that's already been unzipped. They're receiving the Zip file and they've opened it in Windows to view the content.
Got it. I tested it with a personal email and it works as expected. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.
