Unable to open zip file

[#1]

Hi I made a DSAR to Plusnet which they responded to by sending me a message (via a private portal) which had a zip file attachment.  I am unable to open this file and have requested the information in another format but while I am waiting for a response from Plusnet (this can take up to 28 days) I wondered if anyone on here had any suggestions. 

When I click on the attachment it says "downloading file" - it doesn't tell me where and I cannot find it when I search my computer.  I don't have any cloud or other external systems for saving files so it can't be going there. If I right click there is no unzip or open option.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks

EDIT : well that's odd. Just after I posted this message my computer told me the download had failed.  Maybe Plusnet did something in the background! 

[#2]

@Minnie I would suggest you 'save' the attached file to, say, 'My Documents', and then merely 'unzip' the file there. I assume, but don't know for certain as I don't use the Windows OS, that there is a default program on your computer which will do this.

Which version of Windows are you using?

[#3]

Hi @jab1 thanks but unfortunately I use a Mac not Windows.  If I try the Mac version of a right click I don't get the option to save or open.  I have downloaded a unzip utility but obviously can't use that if I can't download the file.  I tried changing the location for saving downloads but that still doesn't seem to be helping.  Will try again later but at the moment it looks like I'm waiting for Plusnet.  Thanks for your help though.

[#4]

Well, I tried, @Minnie , but as I have zero experience of Mac's, I can't help further. Maybe another Mac user will spot this and help.

[#5]

@jab1 thanks for trying it was very much appreciated. 

[#6]

This any help: https://support.apple.com/en-al/guide/mac-help/mchlp2528/mac ? I haven't read it, just searched for possibilities, and as this is from the official Apple support site, it should be of use.

[#7]

Hi @jab1 thanks for that I will give it a try but unless I am reading it wrong it seems to be for files already on your Mac - which this one isn't it stuck in the private portal.  Again thanks for all your help.

[#8]

I don't believe a Mac won't 'save' an attachment from an email, in fact I seem to recall doing so on my iPad, which is a 'small' version of the iMac?

[#9]

@Minnie 

I don't have any experience of Mac either, but this has worked for me on a few occasions when trying to save a file locally and "all else has failed":

1.) Reduce the size of the browser window so that it only occupies the left side of the screen.

2.) Have either your Desktop, or file manager open in the directory that you want to save to on the right side of the screen.

3.) Using the left mouse button, click and hold on the file that you want to save and drag it across to the right side of the screen, then release the mouse key.

This is basically, "Drag and Drop".

.

[#10]

PN must supply you the file(s) in the format of your choice. If zip files are no use to you, tell them. You could request that the send them in the post to you, or a MAC format that you can open.

[#11]

Mac's can open .zip files.

[#12]

HI @jab1 sorry for the delay in replying I can save an attachment from an email - have done it many times in the past with no problem.  Unfortunately this time it is not attached to an email.  Plusnet use a website called BTprivacy which require a code to log into.  The attachment is on this website.  It seems that I will have to wait for Plusnet to get back to me with another format.  Again thanks for your help.

[#13]

Hi @Mr_Paul sorry for the delay in replying - unfortunately drag and drop doesn't work  - the attachment seems determined to be awkward!  Will just have to wait for Plusnet!

[#14]

OK, @Minnie . I should have realised they wouldn't send such information via email, but I didn't know what system/protocol they DID use

[#15]

Hi @mystreet1 thanks for replying.  I have asked them for another format but they have up to 28 days to reply to a DSAR so it looks like I will just have to be patient.  Thanks for your help it is much appreciated.