RAR files

How to extract RAR archives

Most downloads will be ready to use the instant they've completed downloading, but occasionally you will find they have been converted to a compressed archive with the extensions: r01, r02, r03 and so on.

These are known as RAR files, and the process was carried out by the person who released the download to reduce its overall size and minimise the chance of any file corruption during the transfer.

Some people prefer it, and some people hate it, but if this is how your download has arrived, you'll need to know how to put all the pieces back together.

By far the most commonly used program to accomplish this task is one called WinRAR. Without this installed on your computer it will not be able to recognise the file type, and your download will look something like this…

So, to get a copy of WinRAR go here, and click on the download button shown in the image below. Save it to your computer and then install.

With WinRAR installed, your computer can now recognise the files, and your download should now look similar to this…

Note: If you have a different number of files in your archive, don’t worry about it. The amount will vary (more files for a larger download).

To extract the main file, all you do is 'double click' on one of the files in the archive, which will start WinRAR and open the window shown below.

Click on ‘Extract To’.

When the next window opens, click ‘OK’ to begin the extraction process.

After the file has been extracted, a new folder should have appeared.

Inside this folder you will find your movie or TV show etc ready for you to use.

Be aware that this version of WinRAR is the 'evaluation copy', and to get the licensed version, you will have to pay a fee. If you would prefer a completely free alternative, you should try 7-Zip.

Become an expert downloader with the step-by-step tutorials and more in
'The Essential Guide to Downloading'

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