I’m having trouble getting a compressed archive from my email
Someone sent me a RAR file through Gmail that has some program files inside it. When I try to save the attachment to my computer, Gmail won’t let me download it because their security system thinks it might be dangerous.
The file contains executable programs that I actually need for work, but Gmail’s protection features are preventing me from accessing the attachment. I’ve tried right-clicking and using the download option, but it just shows an error message.
Has anyone found a way to get around this restriction? I know the sender personally and trust that the files are safe. What are my options for retrieving this compressed archive from my inbox?
try password protecting the rar first. gmail usually lets password-protected archives through since it can’t scan what’s inside. worked for me last month when my buddy sent dev tools - just have them send the password separately.
The Problem: You’re trying to download a RAR file containing executable programs sent via Gmail, but Gmail’s security system is blocking the download due to potential risks.
Understanding the “Why” (The Root Cause):
Gmail’s security measures are designed to protect users from malicious software. Executable files, especially those compressed in archives, are often vectors for viruses or malware. Therefore, Gmail’s system flags these attachments as potentially dangerous, preventing downloads to safeguard user accounts and devices. While you trust the sender, Gmail’s security protocols cannot make that same assessment automatically.
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Use Google Drive: The most effective solution is to have the sender upload the RAR file to Google Drive instead of sending it as an email attachment. Google Drive does not have the same restrictions on executable files as Gmail.
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Share the File: Instruct the sender to share the file with you via Google Drive, granting you download permissions. They can choose to set an expiration date for the shared link for added security.
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Download the File: Once the link is shared, access it through your Google Drive account and download the RAR file to your computer.
Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:
- Verification: Once downloaded, scan the RAR file with a reputable antivirus program before extracting and running any of the executable files within the archive. This extra security step ensures you’re not inadvertently infecting your system.
- Alternative Sharing Methods: If Google Drive is not a viable option, consider other secure file transfer methods such as using a dedicated file sharing service with strong encryption and security measures. This may require coordination with the sender to use a different platform.
Still running into issues? Share your (sanitized) config files, the exact command you ran, and any other relevant details. The community is here to help!
Gmail’s security filters are aggressive with executable files, and that’s not changing. Renaming extensions or switching browsers doesn’t work anymore.
I’ve hit this problem at work tons of times. Best fix? Skip email completely with an automated file transfer setup.
I made a workflow that watches a shared folder and processes whatever gets dropped there. People upload executables or archives to the folder, then the system extracts, scans, and delivers files to my workspace.
This dodges Gmail’s restrictions entirely and gives you better security than email. No more blocked downloads or broken attachments.
You can build something like this in 10 minutes. The automation handles monitoring, extraction, and delivery without any manual work.
Check out the file processing workflows here: https://latenode.com
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