A RAR archive is a utility used for compression and can handle almost any type of file. A basic RAR archive file when split into several smaller parts produces a r01 file. For example, a single file can be split up into several smaller files each containing a smaller part of the original file. The number of files produced depends on the total size of the original file. For the sake of explanation, let’s assume a file called sample. This file is the parent file, and when it is compressed using the part archive option would produce files called “sampler, sample.r00, sample.r01, sample.r02, sample.rnn”. These files carry the parent file but in parts.

To unpack the files it is first extremely important to take care that all the parts are present otherwise the extraction or unpacking will not work. To unpack, you require software having compression capabilities. Opening the files through that software will automatically unpack all the files and will re-engage them into a single file which was your parent file.

To view files ending with an .r01, or .rar, you must have compression software installed in your system so that you easily access these files.

Compression reduces the total size of the file. This is useful if you are short on disk space or want to send a file through the internet which prohibits transfer of files of large size.

Some files are usually broken or split into several smaller RAR files. To obtain the parent file you must have all the parts. It is vital that all the files are intact and that none are “broken”. However to view the contents of a single part follow the steps given below.

1.     Locate the partial downloaded .rar file. Different versions of the WinRAR software will create differently labeled .rar extension files, for e.g. “part1″, “.r01″ etc.

2.     After selecting your preferred file, right click on that file and a dialog box will appear.

3.     On the option “Extract Files…” located on the lower left corner tick the checkbox.

4.      When you click OK, the files will start to decompress. Eventually an error message will appear. Click cancel.

5.     Now all you need now is video player that can read broken RAR files. The best one out there preferably is VLC available from www.videolan.org. Windows Media Player usually doesn’t handle broken RAR files.

Tip: VLC sometimes depending on codecs and compression algorithms used, will play broken RAR directly.

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