During the use of your computer or laptop, you may occasionally encounter the situation of Winrar file extraction error. You cannot extract the Winrar file to retrieve data or install software. Let’s Softbuzz explore how to fix common extraction errors with rar files here.
Causes of Winrar extraction errors
Do you know why you often encounter rar file extraction errors? Below are some main causes leading to Winrar extraction issues:
- Due to antivirus software or Windows Defender mistakenly identifying the file as a virus, resulting in unable to extract rar files because files are missing or deleted.
- Because the version of Winrar on your machine is outdated.
- Because the uploader set a password for extraction, but you entered the wrong password.
- Due to unstable internet connection leading to upload or download errors => Winrar extraction errors.
3 methods to fix cannot extract rar files
After understanding some causes of Winrar extraction failures, you can implement one of the following methods to fix the corrupt rar file extraction error.
If your Winrar file is password protected, make sure you entered the correct password. Otherwise, ask the provider for the correct password or re-download a different file :).
Method 1: Disable Antivirus and Windows Defender
The first thing you should do is try disabling your antivirus software and Windows Defender to confirm whether the extraction error is caused by them or by virus threats.
For more details, refer to the articles
Method 2: Download and Install the Latest Winrar
One cause of rar file extraction errors is that your current Winrar version is too old. To fix this, do the following:
Step 1: Uninstall the old Winrar version using Your Uninstaller.
Step 2: Download the latest Winrar from one of these links
Newest Winrar | Winrar Official Site
Step 3: Install Winrar normally
Step 4: Try extracting the corrupt rar file again to see if it works.
Typically, updating to the latest version resolves the extraction issue. If not, proceed to method 3.
Method 3: Repair Corrupt Rar Files Using Repair Archive Tool
Step 1: Right-click on the corrupt file > select Open

Step 2: Choose Tools > select “Repair archive” or press Alt + R

Step 3: Choose save location and click OK.

Step 4: Wait for the repairing process to finish, then click Close.

Check if the result is fixed. If not, continue to the next method.

Method 4: Skip Corrupt Files During Extraction
Step 1: Right-click on the corrupt file > select “Extract files…“

Step 2: Choose “Keep broken files” > click “OK“

Conclusion
Now Softbuzz has shared with you some methods to fix Winrar file extraction errors. You can try one of the above methods. If none work, your only option is to re-download a new file from the internet :). I assure you this method is guaranteed to succeed! Just takes more your time ^^. Wishing you success.