Forum Discussion
AlexBlythe
Apr 27, 2025Iron Contributor
7zip cannot open rar as archive, what's going on? Help!
Today I used 7-Zip to decompress a rar file, but it gave me an error message: "7zip cannot open rar as archive". It cannot be opened at all. The file size looks normal, and the download is not interr...
DeclanGray
Apr 27, 2025Iron Contributor
It can be a real bummer for a few reasons when 7Zip cannot open RAR files. Here’s the lowdown, keeping it casual:
- 7Zip is saying it can’t open the file, there’s a good chance that the RAR is actually corrupted. That means whatever you were banking on being inside (like that sweet video or important document) might be toast. You might end up spending way too long trying to recover it or figure out what went wrong.
- RAR files are created using the latest compression techniques or special features that 7Zip hasn’t caught up with yet. It’s like trying to play the newest video game on an old console – just not gonna happen. You’ll have to find a different extraction tool that's up to date, which can be a hassle.
- If the command line works but the GUI doesn't, it can feel like you’re juggling too many things at once. You’ve got to switch gears just to get your files open. If you’re not super comfortable with command line tools, this can feel a bit daunting, especially if you're just trying to chill and watch a movie or something!
- If you’re leaning on the GUI because you like visual interactions, getting hit with errors can totally sour the experience. You might find yourself wondering if there’s a bug or if the app is just unreliable. Plus, if you’re not tech-savvy, figuring out the command line can feel like learning a new language!
7Zip cannot open RAR files, it can mess up your workflow, waste your time, or even lead to some major file regrets. Best to have a backup plan or a couple of different tools on hand for when the going gets tough!