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.RAR Files

The .RAR file extension is a file type generally used by WinRar - a file compression utility. Eugene Roshal (RAR standing for Roshal ARchive) developed the methodology to compress, decompress, transfer and store smaller exact versions of larger sized data files.

The .RAR method of "shrinking" files is currently considered as the most efficient file compression technology available today. RAR files are not only smaller than the original file but in cases where the native file is very large (5+ MGS) .RAR files can be segmented into smaller pieces that then be sent via email, uploaded to newsgroups or even burned onto optical media - such as a CD or DVD.

Opening .RAR Files

.RAR files are self-executing files - to open, or decompress a .RAR file - simply double-click the file to open it. Once you double-click on the archive and run the .RAR decompression application that reads the archive it will decompress the file and return it to the file's original state.

Before opening one of these file extensions ensure it comes from a source you trust, you have good anti-virus, anti-spyware, spam controls, privacy software, a registry cleaner and trusted data recovery tools activated and protecting your system.

Depending on the contents of the file, once you have decompressed the .RAR file you will either have one very large file or several smaller files - it will depend on how the original .RAR file archive structure was set up. In order to open a .RAR file you must have a correctly installed version of a .RAR decompression utility. There are several utilities capable of compressing or decompressing .RAR files - WinRar is the most common and is generally an industry standard for creating and using .RAR files.

If you have the correct software installed and still cannot open a .RAR file you may also be dealing with a totally different set of issues - a problem with the file association between the .RAR file extension and the compression utility application. Fortunately most file extension-related errors can be easily resolved by running a Windows Registry Optimizer which cleans the Registry and repairs many of these types of problems. These programs also tend to keep the Windows Registry working efficiently, speed up the PC or laptop and generally keep the computer functioning smoothly.

Compressing files into the .RAR format requires you to first identify the files that must be included in the archive. This process can be simplified by collecting and placing all of the files within the same folder - then simply right-click on the folder and launch WinRar (or other .RAR utility) to start the compression process. The application will create the compressed archive using the name of the file or folder and appending the .RAR extension. If you do not have compression utility such as WinRar installed on your PC or laptop you will not be able to compress or decompress files.

Security Threats With. RAR Files

.RAR files are self-extracting files - their power to compress and decompress is also their biggest weakness. As with any self-extracting, or self-executing file type, once you decompress and thereby open the file, you have absolutely no control over what the file actually does. With .RAR files there is always the chance that someone has built a malicious code into the .RAR file which then activates when you decompress the .RAR file. The .RAR file is a perfect container for transferring a worm, virus, malware or adware to either attack you computer or track your permissions and personal information.

As a best practice do not open .RAR files unless they are from a trusted source. Even if you receive a .RAR file from a known source it is always recommended that you scan the files prior to decompression in order to avoid being the victim of a of virus or having to spend time and money getting rid of malware or other dubious codes. It is recommended you take every precaution before opening this file type even if it was delivered or e-mail or download from a trusted source. Be sure to have anti-spyware, spam controls, privacy software, a registry cleaner and trusted data recovery tools activated and protecting your system before decompressing a .RAR file.

Other Common Problems With .RAR Files

One common error-type you may encounter with .RAR files ia a "CRC error" - this error refers to a damaged archive. These archives can often be recovered, even if they are damaged, provided that the file was completely downloaded and created with a recovery record. Utilities that read the .RAR file come with a tool that can repair the damage provided the two requirements are met. The damage occurs during the transmission of the file. If however, the damage is caused by an infection, the recovery utilities will not be able to repair this, only an anti-virus tool can attempt to clean and repair the file archive.

You also may occasionally run into an "unknown method error" which usually results from trying to decompress an archive created with a newer version of the compression application than you currently have. You will likely want to install the most current software application because of improvements made on newer versions of the algorithm prevent older editions from decoding it. To resolve the problem simply update your application to the latest version to be able to unpack the archive.

The Difference Between .RAR and .ZIP Files

An archive in this context refers to files that contain one or more files or folders within it and compression when used in reference to archiving, defines the mathematical technique by which the space occupied by a file has been effectively reduced and contained within a smaller sized file.

The difference lies in the compression technique of .RAR that enhances the .ZIP compression procedure resulting in a more advanced algorithm yielding 8% to 30% smaller archives than .ZIP. Improvements include incorporation of redundancy that allows the repairing of damaged archives caused by transmission and not by virus infection. It also provides support for international characters that make it possible to store non-English .RAR filenames. The compression procedure for RAR is referred to as lossless compression because it will decompress the file to its exact original condition.

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