RAR, short for Roshal Archive, is an archive file format used mostly in Windows operating systems. It’s similar to ZIP but with better compression capabilities. RAR files are created using WinRAR or other third-party software that supports RAR, and oftentimes, you may come across RAR files when downloading software or media files from the internet. If you’re using a Windows 7 32-bit computer, opening RAR files can sometimes be challenging. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to show you some methods on how to open RAR files on Windows 7 32-bit.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Open RAR File on Windows 7 32 Bit
There are numerous reasons why opening RAR files on a Windows 7 32-bit computer is crucial. For instance, some programs or games that you download from the internet come as RAR files, and you have to extract them to access the executable setup file. Also, if you’re sharing large files with your colleagues or friends, compressing them using RAR makes it easy to transfer large files over the internet. Hence, knowing how to open RAR files on your computer will save you time and help you avoid downloading extra software.
Method 1: Using WinRAR
WinRAR is one of the most popular software for creating and opening RAR files. If you don’t have it installed on your computer, you can download WinRAR from their official website and install it. Here’s how to open RAR files on Windows 7 32-bit using WinRAR:
1. Locate the RAR file you want to open.
2. Right-click on the RAR file and select "Extract Here" or "Extract Files."
3. WinRAR will extract the RAR file into a folder with the same name as the original RAR file.
4. Open the extracted folder to access the files inside.
Pros:
– WinRAR is efficient in extracting RAR files.
– It offers several compression options to choose from.
– You can use WinRAR to create your RAR files.
Cons:
– The free trial period is only for 40 days.
– You have to purchase the software to keep using it after the trial period.
Method 2: Using 7-Zip
7-Zip is an excellent alternative to WinRAR. It’s free, open-source, and supports various file compression formats, including RAR. You can download 7-Zip from their official website and install it on your computer. Here’s how to open RAR files on Windows 7 32-bit using 7-Zip:
1. Right-click on the RAR file you want to open.
2. Hover over the "7-Zip" menu option, and select "Extract Here" or "Extract Files."
3. 7-Zip will extract the RAR file into a folder with the same name as the original RAR file.
4. Open the extracted folder to access the files inside.
Pros:
– 7-Zip is entirely free.
– It offers several compression options to choose from.
– You can use 7-Zip to create your RAR files.
Cons:
– The user interface is a bit clunky.
– Sometimes the software has compatibility issues with large RAR files.
Method 3: Using Free RAR Extract Frog
Another option for opening RAR files on Windows 7 32-bit is Free RAR Extract Frog. It’s a free software that’s easy to use, and it’s designed specifically for RAR files. You can download and install Free RAR Extract Frog from their official website. Here’s how to open RAR files on Windows 7 32-bit using Free RAR Extract Frog:
1. Right-click on the RAR file you want to open.
2. Hover over "Free RAR Extract Frog" in the menu that appears.
3. Click on "Extract Here" or "Extract Files."
4. Free RAR Extract Frog will extract the RAR file to a folder with the same name as the original RAR file.
5. Open the extracted folder to access the files inside.
Pros:
– Free RAR Extract Frog is free to use.
– It’s straightforward to use.
– It’s specifically designed for RAR files.
Cons:
– You cannot create RAR files using this software.
– The software hasn’t received updates for many years, so compatibility issues may arise.
What to Do If You Can’t Open RAR File on Windows 7 32 Bit
If the above methods didn’t work for you, here are some additional fixes to try:
– Update your operating system: Updating your Windows 7 32-bit to the latest version could resolve compatibility issues that prevent RAR files from opening.
– Download the latest version of WinRAR: If you’re using WinRAR, verify that you’re using the latest version of the software. Otherwise, updates can apply and may fix the issue.
– Try an online archive extractor: You can use online tools like Unzip-Online or B1 Online Archiver to extract RAR files if you have trouble opening them locally.
– Convert RAR file: Try converting the RAR file to ZIP or another compression format that your computer can open.
Bonus Tip
Always remember to scan your RAR files for viruses before opening or extracting them. Malicious files can hide in RAR archives and infect your computer with viruses, malware, or other security threats.
5 FAQs
Q1: Are RAR files better than ZIP files?
A: RAR and ZIP are both useful but have some differences. RAR files can provide better compression capabilities than ZIP, resulting in smaller file sizes. On the other hand, ZIP files are older and more widely spread format than RAR. ZIP files are supported on all operating system platforms.
Q2: Do I have to purchase WinRAR after the trial period?
A: Yes, the WinRAR trial period lasts for 40 days, after which you have to purchase a license to continue using the software.
Q3: Can I extract a RAR file without using any software?
A: No, you can’t extract a RAR file without using software that supports the RAR format. You can use online archive extractors to extract RAR files without downloading software.
Q4: What should I do if I receive an error while trying to extract a RAR file?
A: Try extracting the RAR file again. If the error persists, check if you’re using the latest version of the software or try using alternative software.
Q5: Can I use WinRAR on Mac computers?
A: Yes, you can use WinRAR on Mac computers. You need to download and install the Mac version of WinRAR from their official website.
Final Thoughts
Opening RAR files on a Windows 7 32-bit computer is not difficult if you have the right software. WinRAR, 7-Zip, and Free RAR Extract Frog are some of the best software for opening RAR files on Windows 7 32-bit. You can also try online archive extractors or convert RAR to ZIP if the above methods don’t work for you. Ensure to scan your RAR files for viruses before opening them and always use the latest version of the software.