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I updated 7-ZIP to the latest version 9.2, but when I try to open e.g. jpg from zip archive I always get a message "Windows Photo Viewer can't open this picture because either this picture is deleted, or it's in a location that isn't available."

At the same time most other picture viewers can't open pictures from 7-zip archive. Could anybody "teach" Windows Photo Viewer how to work with 7-zip?

FoxyBOA
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2 Answers2

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In fact, it is a bug in 7-Zip. As program's author Igor Pavlov explains, the following happens when Windows Photo Viewer is set as default image viewer in Windows:

The Program1 (some photo file handler) calls another Program2 (windows photo viewer) and closes Program1. But 7-Zip waits only Program1. So it deletes image from temp folder. I plan to fix that problem in future.

The problem still exists in latest stable 7-Zip 9.20, though I didn't check if it is fixed in latest alpha.

There is a not-so-difficult workaround: use alternative image viewer as your default one. Personally, I use FastStone, but XnView etc. should be fine too.

Ilya Kurnosov
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7-Zip may just be storing files temporarily in a location that is hidden to the image viewers, or outside of their security context.

You'd have to use something like Process Monitor from SysInternals to see exactly where the file is being saved when you double-click on it, to see why Photo Viewer isn't seeing it.

This is even more relevant on Vista and Windows 7, with its enhanced security mode.

Have you tried running 7-Zip as Administrator, to see if that "fixes" the problem?

  • I use to open archives by dblclicking and not sure how to launch 7-ZIP in "admin" mode from popup menu... – FoxyBOA Feb 03 '11 at 06:11
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    Open Z-Zip normally with Admin mode (from a shortcut in the Start Menu or whatever), open a compressed file in the 7-Zip file browser, and then double-click on an image within that file. –  Feb 03 '11 at 06:14
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    This will never work. I tried everything, too. It seems 7-Zip deletes the files too fast (does not detect a lock on the file..) – sinni800 Feb 03 '11 at 07:11
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    Then I guess the moral of the story is, extract if you want to view it. –  Feb 03 '11 at 08:09
  • Or you should use non-default picture viewer that works smoothly with 7-zip. – FoxyBOA Feb 03 '11 at 09:57
  • Can you recommend one, FoxyBOA? –  Feb 03 '11 at 17:59