Home > Questions

Zip error: Couldn't communicate with a helper application

I was busy compressing and transferring files on my iMac running macOS Monterey 12.4 when all of a sudden I got a 'Couldn't communicate with a helper application.' warning. Now, I can't compress my files. I tried to reload macOS Monterey, but I am STILL getting the message! Very frustrating! If anyone knows how to fix it, please help! Thx!

Best Answered by

iBoysoft author Jenny Zeng

Jenny Zeng

Answered on Tuesday, December 3, 2024

The error "Couldn't communicate with a helper application" may be caused by a transient system glitch or compressing files stored on the iCloud. To fix it, try these:

Reboot your Mac: Click the Apple menu > Restart to reboot your Mac, then retry compressing files multiple times.

Create another directory in your Home folder: If the files you're trying to compress are synced to iCloud, create a new folder and move the files to it, then compress the new folder.

Use iBoysoft MagicMenu to compress files on Mac: If compressing files still fails with the error "Couldn't communicate with a helper application," you can use iBoysoft MagicMenu to zip files on your Mac.

It's a right-click menu utility that allows you to perform various tasks including file compressing on Mac with a simple right-click. With it installed, you can select one or multiple files or folders, right-click on them and choose Compress to zip your files. 

It's efficient and gives you more customization. For instance, you can choose a compression level and encrypt the compressed folder.

People Also Ask

Read More Questions

Read More Advice From iBoysoft's Computer Experts

cómo cifrar un correo electrónico en Thunderbird

Cómo Encriptar Un Correo Electrónico En Thunderbird?

Si estás buscando una forma de poner contraseña o encriptar tu correo electrónico, has llegado al lugar adecuado. Esta publicación te dice cómo encriptar tu correo electrónico en Thunderbird y cómo proteger con contraseña un correo electrónico.

How to fix images not loading in Mail on Mac

Images Not Loading In Mail App On Mac, How To Fix It?

If you encounter the trouble that the attachments in Mail not loading on Mac, you've come to the right place. This article tells you how to make the attachments load and download successfully.

News Tips

icloud vs icloud drive

¿Es iCloud Drive lo mismo que iCloud?

Si estás confundido con los nombres similares de iCloud e iCloud Drive, puedes distinguirlos después de leer esta publicación proporcionada por iBoysoft, que explica las diferencias entre iCloud e iCloud Drive.