How to open RAR files? 4 simple methods of solving such problems
When you encounter a problem with an unknown RAR file and you do not know how to open such file, the first step you should take is to determine the cause of given problem. We will show you how to address most common problems with RAR files and how to solve them in 4 simple steps.
RAR File Extension
- File type WinRAR Compressed Archive
- File developer Eugene Roshal
- File category Compressed Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) RAR file?
The RAR (or WinRAR Compressed Archive) file format is a data compression and archive file format created by Eugene Roshal in 1993. It is a proprietary format, meaning that commercial software is needed to access its contents. The RAR format allows for significantly greater compression ratios than other file formats, meaning it uses less disk space and facilitates faster transmission.
RAR files can be password-protected, making them more secure. Additionally, RAR files allow for integrity checking and error recovery—so that incomplete or corrupt archives can be reconstructed using recovery volumes and recovery records. The RAR format is compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
How to open RAR file?
In some cases problems may occur when trying to open RAR files. Steps listed below can be helpful in addressing such problems.
Step 1 – Verify whether the file is properly associated with selected software
The first thing user should do is to associate application with RAR files. It may happen so that even when an application that supports RAR files is installed on the system it is not properly associated with this file format. This can be easily remedied by associating program with RAR files. In order to associate such files with given application, user must open the file menu (by right-clicking on the file) and choosing "Open with". A list of suggested applications will be displayed at the top part of menu. Next, select an application and confirm your choice by checking "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files" option. Confirm your selection by clicking OK.
In order to open RAR file, focus on steps 1 and 2
In majority of cases following instruction in step 1 and 2 should be enough to open files with RAR extension. Before attempting the next steps, test all the programs listed below.
Step 2 – Install a program that supports RAR files
Should it happen that the section with suggested programs is empty, it is most probable that no program supporting RAR files is installed on the system. Choose a program from the following list and install it:
Programs that support files with RAR extension
Step 3 – Check for other possible causes of errors
- Corrupted storage medium on which the RAR file is stored
- File data corruption or incompleteness (for example, due to incomplete download or copy process). In such case the file must be re-downloaded or properly copied and then opened again.
- Compatibility issues – check whether RAR extension is compatible with user’s operating system
- Administrative policy settings may prevent user from opening given file
Step 4 – Contact an expert
If you are still unable to open RAR file, you should contact an IT expert. You could also try to contact the developer of given software that supports RAR files. Appropriate website addresses can be found by clicking the name of given program in the list above.
