Error message when you extract items from a .zip file in Windows Vista or in Windows Server 2008: "Error 0x800004005: Unspecified error"

You try to extract items from a .zip file that contains a folder on a computer that is running a Windows-based operating system. After you do this, you may receive the following message:
If the computer is running Windows Vista, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003, the file extraction operation continues after you click Skip.

Note You may receive the same message during the file extraction. In this case, the extraction process continues after you click Do this for all current items.

If the computer is running Windows Vista Service Pack 1 or Windows Server 2008, you receive the following error message when you click Skip:In this case, the file extraction operation fails, and a 0 (zero)-byte file, instead of a folder object, is created in the target folder.

This issue occurs when you extract the items from the .zip file either by using a drag-and-drop operation or by using the "Extract All" option.

This issue occurs in special .zip files. If the .zip file contains folder items that do not have the directory flag set in the external file attributes field, the computer treats the items as files that are 0 bytes. Therefore, the issue occurs.

In Windows Vista SP1 and in Windows Server 2008, the computer parses files first. The 0-byte files are created before the folders. This behavior makes the extraction fail because the folder structure cannot be created.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Important Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 hotfixes are included in the same packages. However, only one of these products may be listed on the �Hotfix Request� page. To request the hotfix package that applies to both Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, just select the product that is listed on the page.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement

You have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other previously released hotfixes.

Registry information

To use this hotfix, you do not have to make any changes to the registry.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008, 32-bit editions

Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008, 64-bit editions

Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008, Itanium-based editions

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: