What Is a RAR File?
What Are RAR Files Used For?
You’ll probably only run into a RAR file when you’re downloading computer software.
Lifewire / Tim Liedtke
Some RAR files are split into parts for easier transmission.
Think of this like a little locked box full of data, with the password being the key.
RAR is actually the regular format of an archive program calledWinRAR.
The only problem with using WinRAR is that it’s not free!
Of all the un-RAR tools out there,7-Zipis probably the best one.
To do that, open 7-Zip File Manager from the Start menu and then go toTools>Options.
A little disk icon will appear next torarin the list.
Save the changes with theOKbutton.
If you’re dealing with multipart RAR files (named something like123.part1.rar, 123.part2.rar, etc.
7-Zip isn’t the only free program that can open RAR files.PeaZipandjZipare two alternative RAR openers.
Mac users should be able to download and useKekaorThe Unarchiverto unload RAR files.
See ourreview of Unzip-Onlinefor all the details.
It opens and saves to your setup or Dropbox account.
More download links to free RAR extractors can be found inthis list of free file extractor programs.
WinZip Free is often suggested as a free RAR opener, but it’s really just trialware.
Cracking a Password-Protected RAR File
Some RAR files can be secured behind a password.
This is where a RAR password cracker comes in handy.
Lots of different options let you customize how the different attacks should work.
It uses brute force to make guessing attempts at the password.
It supports trying numbers, symbols, capital letters, Latin, and spaces.
Like you now know, a RAR file is similar to a folder thatcontainsother files.
There are a few ways to do this.
If you’re converting a large RAR file, tryIZArc.
The best suggestion we have for creating a RAR file is to usethe trial version of WinRAR.
That’s over 9 millionterabytes!
This means Chrome OS can get files out of a RAR file without using any third-party software.
Another option is to attempt to repair the file.
Also, antivirus software can sometimes cause extracting errors.
Try disabling your antivirus software and see if this solves the problem.
RAR files are not inherently dangerous.
Their purpose, like a ZIP file, is to hold other files.
Its safe to launch the file and examine its contents.
Check the file extensions within the RAR and see if they match what you expect.
