File Extension RAR
File extension: RAR or .rar
Author of the .rar file extension: RARLab. RAR is an acronym for 'Roshal Archive.' Eugene Roshal was the developer of the RAR compression algorithm.
Category: Archive
Programs that use the .rar file type: WinRAR, Stuffit Expander
Explanation of .rar file extensions:
RAR compression uses a higher compression ratio than the compression used in WinZIP. When you have a file with the .rar file extension, you have a file 'or a group of files' that was compressed using the RAR compression. The RAR compressor also allows for the creation of spanned archives which are split amongst multiple files. Spanned .rar files usually have extensions such as .R00 to .R99 or they may have the regular .rar extension.
Typical problems associated with the .rar file extension:
One of the most common problems with .rar files is opening them. You must have a program capable of uncompressing these files.
Another common .rar problem occurs when the Windows registry contains invalid instructions or has had references to .rar files removed by spyware or other processes. For example, file associations may have been deleted in which case you must either run a registry cleanup or manually restore the file association.
Solutions/Recommendations:
First, when experiencing problems opening .rar files with WinRAR, make sure you have the latest version of the software. Check the WinRAR website for patches or updates that repair known issues.
If your software is fine but you can't open .rar files with WinRAR, go into Windows Explorer and find and right-click the RAR file you need to open. Click 'Open With' and then click on 'Choose Default Program.' Choose WinRAR or Stuffit Expander from the list of recommended programs. Check the box that says, 'Always use the selected program to open this kind of file.'
File corruption and missing .rar file associations are often be linked to the Windows registry. Because of this, a registry scan to rule out potential problems with the registry itself is highly recommended.
Associated links:
WinRAR
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