Can you configure Windows to open JAR files like ZIP files without a 3rd party tool?

Solution 1:

Or from the command line:

assoc .jar=CompressedFolder

Under Vista (or higher) you have to run this in an elevated Command Prompt.

Solution 2:

I tried exporting HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.zip, changing all references of '.zip' to '.jar' and importing it to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.jar.

Under Vista at least it let me open a .jar file as if it were a .zip.

Solution 3:

What you need to do is associate the JAR extension in Windows Explorer with Compressed folders. From Windows Explorer select tools / Folder Options. Then the Files Types tab. Select New and associate JAR Compressed (ZIP) Folder.