Tips to open LHA file

Can't open the LHA file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open LHA files as well as a list of programs that support LHA files.

LHA file extension

File Name LHARC Compressed Archive
File Category Compressed Files

The LHA file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the LHA files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the LHA file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 8
  • 6
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is LHA file?

The file with the extension LHA is the Compressed Files file type. Additionally, the Compressed Files category contains 236 of other files. LHARC Compressed Archive is most often found on 3 operating systems. The file will work on Linux, Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The main program that supports this format is WinZip. This was created by WinZip Computing, S.L.. There are also 15 alternative programs to handle the LHA file. ALZip, IZArc, 7-Zip, Zipeg will apply when it is not possible to use WinZip.

How to open LHA file?

An often recurring problem with LHARC Compressed Archive is that LHA is not associated with the correct program file. This is manifested by the fact that LHA files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the LHA file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install WinZip

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that WinZip is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name WinZip into the system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below you will find a list of applications that support LHA files.

Step 2. Create association of WinZip with LHA files

If, despite the installed application, the LHA file does not start in the WinZip application, you must create a file association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the WinZip application as the default for handling the LHA file.

Step 3. Update WinZip to the latest version

If, despite the association of the WinZip program with the LHARC Compressed Archive file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. In this case, use the WinZip Computing, S.L. website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the LHA file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This suggests truncating the LHA file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the LHA file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected LHA files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the LHA files changes over time. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for the failure. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged LHA files. You can restore the file from a backup or use N/A help.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted LHA files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the LHA file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. In this case, the LHA file is blocked by the first application to open it. Just close unnecessary programs. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the LHA file for a certain period of time. If the problem persists, restart the machine.