Windows 7: How do I stop WinRar from opening zip files?

When I right click on a file and hover over send to and click on compressed zip file, a zip file is created but the icon isn't like a directory (the default one) but like a WinRar file. When I run it, WinRar opens the file.

I want the icon to look like a normal directory and the default program to open Zip files. I have unchecked 'ZIP' from WinRar's integration menu under options but still the problem isn't solved.

My main motive is to create a password protected directory and so I am creating a ZIP file which looks like a normal folder. If someone can provide an alternative to password protect a directory, I'll be more than happy. I prefer a software which gives me an option on right clicking the directory and password protecting a folder, so that when I try to open it next time it asks me for a password rather than creating a virtual disk and moving all my files there.



Thanks.

Regards,
Abhishek Sharma

Hello Abhishek,

Downloading and merging the ZIP option in the tutorial below will restore the default associations for ZIP files to have it open ZIP file by the built-in ZIP handler in Windows 7 again.

Default File Type Associations - Restore

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Will downloading and running it and affect all the file types? I prefer playing videos from VLC and so if it changes everything to default then it won't help in my case.

BTW I tried this tutorial Enable or Disable Windows Explorer View but when I change the permissions I get a message saying "Unable to change permissions on {E88D...}. Access is denied."

just download the file for zips (at the bottom of the first post)

Oh thanks, did that and it's working. But the icon is still of WinRar. And I can't find an option to password protect the ZIP, one of my friends said that it's possible to do so!

The ZIP download will only restore the default associations for .zip file extension.

Did you take ownership (steps 5 & 6) of the registry key before trying to change the permission settings?

are you saying that you can't find the option in winrar to add a password?

add files to archive >> advanced >> add password

as far as i know, you can't add a password using windows explorer compressed folders.

Oops, I didn't perform those steps, my bad!
Well I have managed to change the icon, again thanks to a tutorial from you.

The only worry now is the main motive of my problem, who do I password protect the ZIP. A friend said I can, but I can't find an option to do so!

Oh, so will it work if I open the ZIP by WinRar only to set password and then try opening it Windows Explorer?