How to Resolve “Incompatible Archive” Error in WordPress 6.4.3 for Zip Files Created in macOS

Users encountering the “Incompatible Archive” error when uploading zip files created in macOS to WordPress 6.4.3 might be experiencing compatibility issues. This problem seems to have emerged with the latest WordPress update. In this guide, we’ll explore the root cause and provide a comprehensive solution to resolve the error.

Understanding the Issue:

The issue arises when attempting to upload zip files for WordPress plugins that were created on macOS. Previous WordPress versions, such as 6.4.2, did not exhibit this problem. It’s essential to note that zip files generated on macOS include an extra “__macfilename” folder, which was previously not a hindrance.

Steps to Reproduce the Error:

Download any plugin on macOS, for example, Akismet.
Unzip the downloaded file.
Zip the contents again.
Attempt to upload the re-zipped file to WordPress 6.4.3.

Error Message:

Users encounter the “Incompatible Archive” error when attempting to upload the zip file, preventing successful plugin installation.

Root Cause Analysis:

The issue seems to stem from changes in how WordPress 6.4.3 handles zip files created on macOS. The additional “__macfilename” folder may be causing compatibility problems during the upload process.

Solution:

To resolve the “Incompatible Archive” error, follow these steps:

Remove “__macfilename” Folder: Before zipping the plugin files, manually remove the “__macfilename” folder. This can be done using terminal commands or a file explorer.

bash code

cd /path/to/plugin
rm -r __macfilename

Zip Files Without “__macfilename” Folder: After removing the folder, zip the plugin files again without including the “__macfilename” folder.

bash code

zip -r plugin.zip *

Upload Modified Zip File: Attempt to upload the newly created zip file to WordPress 6.4.3. The error should be resolved, and the plugin should install successfully.

Conclusion:

By following these steps, users can address the “Incompatible Archive” error when uploading zip files created in macOS to WordPress 6.4.3. Ensuring that the “__macfilename” folder is excluded from the zip file allows for seamless plugin integration without encountering compatibility issues.

Remember to check for updates in future WordPress releases, as the platform may address this compatibility issue in subsequent versions.

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