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WinRAR 5.70 Review
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WinRAR version 5.70 Review


It's been years now since I started using WinRAR as my main compression archiver application. I remember way back I only knew two (2) archivers, WinZIP and later WinRAR (version 3) because my former employer, a semiconductor manufacturing company used both but by 2004 stuck it out with WinRAR which was included in a total software security package (included in a deal with Symantec's Endpoint Security). From then on I always had WinRAR and along the course of work (via interfacing with other manufacturing representatives) have experienced using alternatives like 7Zip, BandiZIP and PeaZip (mostly to open encrypted archive files sent via email etc.). Forum work made me delve with more intricacies of WinRAR and with it opened my eyes to more alternatives as the forum world is flooded with a great number of software fighting to gain supremacy for that one loyal user. It has been a while since the release of WinRAR 5.70 thus it is high time that we update our WinRAR Review here at Geeks For Your Information Forum. 

The following is a review of WinRAR version 5.70 involving basic usage features and functions as well as some differences from previous WinRAR versions. This review will also show comparisons to other popular alternatives to WinRAR. Additional information from WinRAR developers will also be included with regards to this version. Let's get started!



WinRAR is the Windows version of RAR archiver -- a powerful compression tool allowing the user to create, manage and control archive files. This compression software offers a full list of quality ZIP features and supports a host of extraction formats. The user can compress files into RAR 5, RAR 4, and ZIP archive formats and can extract a number of different archives. WinRAR supports the extraction of several archive formats which in addition to RAR and ZIP, includes RAR, ZIP, 7Z,  ARJ, BZ2, CAB, GZ, ISO, JAR, LZ, LZH, TAR, UUE, XZ, Z, ZIPX and 001. WinRAR's most user-friendly aspects are the drag-and-drop feature and the Archive Wizard. WinRAR automatically detects the type of files you are compressing and adjusts the compression rate accordingly. WinRAR uses a traditional display involving menu trees that lets you go to your archive folder and drag the files or folder into WinRAR. WinRAR is officially distributed by win.rar GmbH

About win.rar GmbH

win.rar  GmbH  is and has  been  the  official  distributor  of  WinRAR  and  RARLAB  products since February 2002 and handles all support, marketing and sales functions related to  WinRAR  &  RARLAB.COM.  win.rar GmbH is registered in  Germany,  and  is represented worldwide by local partners in more than 70 countries on six continents. win.rar’s declared objective is to provide first-class quality support and to optimize its software to meet customer’s requirements in accordance with their valued feedback. For more information about WinRAR and win.rar GmbH please visit their website at http://www.win-rar.com 


There are several versions of RAR, for a number of operating environments: Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, Mac OS X.

There are two (2) versions of RAR for Windows: 

(1) Version with graphical user interface - WinRAR.exe; 
This is the RAR archiver version for Windows with full graphical interface. See "The WinRAR Interface below". 
 
(2) Command line console (text mode) version - Rar.exe.
This is also RAR version for Windows, but it only supports the command line text mode interface. This console RAR version is convenient, when the user needs to call RAR from BAT and CMD files or to use it at the command prompt. The console RAR version supports a larger number of command line switches and commands comparing to WinRAR. 

Note: WinRAR and WinRAR self-extracting modules require Windows XP SP3 or later.

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WinRAR features
  • Complete support of RAR and ZIP 2.0 archives; 
  • Highly sophisticated, original compression algorithm; 
  • Shell interface including drag-and-drop facility and wizard; 
  • Command line interface; 
  • Non RAR archives (7Z, ARJ, BZ2, CAB, GZ, ISO, JAR, LZ, LZH, TAR, UUE, XZ, Z, 001 and several ZIPX types) management; 
  • Solid archiving, which can raise compression ratio by 10% - 50% over more common methods, particularly when packing a large number of small, similar files; 
  • Multi-volume archives; 
  • Creation of self-extracting archives (also multi-volume) using the default or optional SFX modules; 
  • Recovering physically damaged archives; 
  • Recovery volumes allowing to reconstruct missing parts of multi-volume archives. 
  • Unicode support in file names; 
  • Other service functions, such as encryption, archive comments, error logging, etc. 





The WinRAR Interface

The WinRAR interface shows full graphical display of all elements of RAR archiver and also allows users to customize some features for more ease of use. 

WinRAR has the following menus (Main Menus): (1) File, (2) Commands, (3) Tools, (4) Favorites, (5) Options, and (6) Help. 

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The next interface item just below the "Main Menu" is the "Toolbar". Toolbar buttons duplicate items of the "Commands" menu. In "archive management mode" some buttons may be disabled (if functions are not applicable to the archive). WinRAR allows the user to customize the buttons (choose buttons to display, remove buttons text or reduce buttons size) via the "General settings dialog or clicking by the right mouse button on the toolbar. See images below. 

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Just below the toolbar buttons the "Up" button and the Disks List. "Up" button changes the "current folder" to the "parent folder". "Disks List" offers ease of selection change from current disk to another (alternatively the F4 key may also open the "Disk List"). See "interface images" again above. 




The WinRAR Shell

The WinRAR shell may be in one of two basic states (Modes). There are similarities and differences among this basic states and the user should (and must) be capable to understand what or where he is working (whichever basic states) in order to maximize efficiency and obtain best performance of WinRAR. 

User also needs to be careful on the usage of the "Delete" command which differs in both states. This will be further shown / explained in "DELETING CONTENTS OF AN ARCHIVE".


1. File Management Mode
In the file management mode, a list of files and folders from the current working folder is displayed. This current working folder is where you intend to make/derive an archive. To enter into "file management mode" the user has to launch WinRAR and go to the desired folder to be used as working folder. The user can use the "Folder Tree" (or select the location desired via the "Disk List"). From the identified working folder, user can select the files/folders to perform WinRAR functions such as archiving and deleting. Also in this mode it is possible to perform test and extract operations with groups of archives. The "Commands" (functions) available for file management mode is reflected in the Toolbar buttons. See image below. 


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2. Archive Management Mode
In the archive management mode, the list of archived files and folders from the currently opened archive is displayed. It is the mode when a user opens an archive to be viewed in WinRAR. User may also select files/folders and perform archive specific operations such as extracting, testing or commenting. The "Commands" (functions) available for archive management mode is reflected in the Toolbar buttons. See image below. 


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When I started to do a review for WinRAR (version 5.50) I myself got confused with both "file management mode" and "archive management mode". So I'd like to share some tip/info on how I differentiated both modes. 

I am mentioning this so the first time user / non-regular user, may, (at the very least) not be confused. This especially if "Options > Folder tree" are left unchecked (Options > Folder tree > Show disk folders -- unchecked and Options > Folder tree > Show archive folders -- unchecked)  because the both "file management mode" and "archive management mode" look "similar"

See image below especially the "Unchecked"

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If the first time user prefers to not use "Folder Tree" view, then the only differentiation is the "Title bar" and the "Disk List". Where in "archive management mode" (meaning an archive is open in WinRAR) the "Title bar" will show a file extension of the open archive. In this case, the open archive (in archive management mode) is "Manufacturing.rar", thus the "Title bar" will show "Manufacturing.rar". 

Also in "archive management mode" the Disk List will show the open archive name, in this case, "Manufacturing.rar" along with the type of archive and size. See image below. 


[Image: crxNeMQ.png]


In "file management mode" ("Options > Folder tree" left unchecked) the "Title bar" will show the name of the current working folder open. The "Disk list" will show the complete file path of the current working folder that is open in WinRAR. See images below.  


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One benefit of using the "Folder tree" (Options > Folder tree > Show disk folders -- checked and Options > Folder tree > Show archive folders -- checked) is that "if" there are comments relating to a created archive it will be shown in the WinRAR shell as a third column. 



Main Menu
When the user runs WinRAR for the first time he will see "Main menu" along with the icons that you will need to get you started. The Main menu are: (1) File (2) Commands, (3) Tools, (4) Favorites, (5) Options and the (6) Help menu (refer to The WinRAR interface for visualization). The drop-down list per menu is shown below. 


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Options Menu
WinRAR general configuration can be set via Main Menu > Options > Settings. This further displays the following WinRAR settings: General, Compression, Paths, File list, Viewer, Security and Integration. User can set configuration/settings to his preference here. 


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Among other functions the "Options" menu also allows the user better viewing/ease of use (according to his preference) such as (a) "File list" where the user can set whether he wants to view all "details" of files in the "File List pane" or not (see image of The WinRAR interface for visualization), (b) Folder tree - where user can set the "Folder tree" of archive or disk or not. Traditional users who want to see all in one interface is favored to use this feature. See images below. 

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WinRAR allows the user to export and later import configuration/settings of via Options > Import and Export. Here you can either:

(a) Export settings to file
Selecting this will give a file "Settings.reg" for the user to save. Note that the user can save the ".reg" in whatever file name he desires. The default location is C:\Users\xxxx\AppData\Roaming\WinRAR but user can also select a location of his preference. In this case the default location is "C:\Users\JB_W101709\AppData\Roaming\WinRAR". See images below. 


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(b) Import settings from file
This allows the user to load saved settings from the default settings location ("C:\Users\xxxx\AppData\Roaming\WinRAR" folder) or a location you previously had set. (In this case the saved settings file is "WinRAR570_Settings_040319.reg")

By default WinRAR first searches the Registry but if "Settings.reg” file is present in ("C:\Users\xxxx\AppData\Roaming\WinRAR" folder or in this case "C:\Users\JB_W101709\AppData\Roaming\WinRAR" folder), it will be imported automatically. A restart of WinRAR is needed to apply some of imported settings. See images below. 


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© Create a WinRAR.ini file.
This allows the user to create a new "WinRAR.ini file" and copies existing WinRAR settings from Registry to this file. (User can also select a location of his preference). To apply the ".ini file", user needs to copy the file created with this command either to WinRAR's own folder ("C:\Users\xxxxx\AppData\Roaming\WinRAR" folder) or a user-specified location. In this case, the WinRAR.ini file is saved in "C:\Users\JB_W101709\Desktop\WinRAR570_ini file_040319" folder so to apply he needs to copy it to the WinRAR default folder to make it active. See image below. 

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Note:
  • A user exports the "Settings.reg" if he wishes to move his settings to another computer. 
  • A user creates "Winrar.ini" file if he wishes to have a portable WinRAR version, such as on USB flash drive, which stores most of settings in an ".ini file" and not in Registry.


The "Toolbar" (below the Main Menu) has buttons that are classified as "File / Archive management Command tools". The displayed buttons depends upon what WinRAR shell (Mode -- file management or archive management) the user is in. User can also set/select further toolbar buttons via Options > Settings > General > Buttons.

See images below for available toolbar buttons in both modes. 

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ARCHIVING FILES

Archiving file/s in Windows Explorer 
The fastest way to archive files/folders in Windows Explorer is via WinRAR shell integration. User can enable this function via "Options > Settings > Integration > Shell Integration -- (check) "Integrate WinRAR into shell". With this enabled user just needs to select whatever he needs to archive and right-click. The context menu items will show the WinRAR shell integration. Items given are: (a) "Add to archive…” (2) "Add to <archive name>, (3) Compress and Email..., and (4) Compress to <archive name> and email. The context menu items can be added to or removed via "Options > Settings > Integration > Shell Integration -- (click) "Context menu items...” See images below. 

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Sample archiving via Windows Explorer is shown below with the contents of folder "QC Tools" archived with archive name, "QC Tools.rar". 

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As mentioned previously, archiving via Windows Explorer is the most fastest way to archive files/folders but if the user needs to be more meticulous (set additional parameters) about the archive he will create, say for example, "password protect", or place "comments" in the archive, then it cannot be done there. The image of "QC Tools.rar INFO" below shows "Main Comment / Encryption -- absent” in "Info tab" and "blank" in the "Comment" tab. 

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WinRAR shell integration does not permit additional parameters to be set because when the user selects the context menu item, say, "Add to QC Tools.rar", archiving automatically executes and archive is automatically created. 

If the user needs "additional" parameters set for an archive, it is recommended to archive files/folders via the WinRAR shell mode. In this case, "QC Tools folder contents", user needs to archive the said folder in "file management mode". Archiving via WinRAR shell mode will be discussed later in Archive file in WinRAR shell mode" (an example using the same QC Tools folder will also be presented).  





Archive file in WinRAR shell mode
Archiving via the WinRAR shell mode is also easy and as mentioned previously in "Archiving file/s in Windows Explorer" the user is permitted to set "additional" parameters to a target archive. In this example, the same folder QC Tools folder is used. (This is also done to let some difference be seen with regards to "Archiving file/s in Windows Explorer" and "Archive file in WinRAR shell mode" via the main toolbar "Info" button).

User needs to select the "working folder" for the target archive (QC Tools folder/contents), select the files/folders to be added into the target archive and either click the main toolbar button "Add" or right-click in the file list pane and select "Add files to archive". 

The "Archive name and parameters" dialog box will appear and this is where the user can set additional parameters concerning his target archive. Shown are seven (7) tabs namely, (i) General, (ii) Advanced, (iii) Options. (iv) Files, (v) Backup, (vi) Time, and lastly, (vii) Comment. Each tab has settings that can be altered by the user according to his preference/needs. For this example we will just use, tab (i) General, and set (i) "archive name" / destination of the archive, (ii) password, and (iii) comment. 

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The main toolbar > Info of "QC Tools.rar" created via WinRAR shell mode is below. Please see the "Info" tab now showing "Main Comment/Encryption -- present" as the archive is "password protected" and "has" existing archive comments. The "Comment" tab shows the archive comment set. 

See image below and compare with "QC Tools.rar INFO (created via Windows Explorer)" image in "Archiving file/s in Windows Explorer"

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Below is the "Archive name and parameters / Archiving with password" dialog box showing all seven (7) tabs. 

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Note: 
By default WinRAR will create the archive in the current working folder but if user needs to specify a different destination, he should click "Browse" and from there locate his preferred destination and type the archive name in the "Find archive > File Name" dialog box. See image below.


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The example below is for the "EXE files folder" which contains installer executables (size is 800mb). Same procedure is applied. User needs to select the "working folder" for the target archive (EXE files folder/contents), select the files/folders to be added into the target archive and either click the main toolbar button "Add" or right-click in the file list pane and select "Add files to archive". 

Same as with the "QC Tools files/folder", this ( for EXE files folder/contents) example we will just use, tab (i) General, and set (i) "archive name" / destination of the archive, (ii) password, and (iii) comment. Note that if the user prefers he can set "additional" parameters using all seven (7) tabs. 

See images below. 

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Below is the "Archive name and parameters / Archiving with password" dialog box showing all seven (7) tabs for "EXE files / folder" archiving sample. 

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Please see the "Info" tab of "EXE files.rar" below showing "Main Comment/Encryption -- present" meaning the archive is "password protected" and "has" existing archive comments. The "Comment" tab shows the archive comment set. 

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Add files to an existing archive
The above example showed archiving of selected files/folders -- creating a new archive (in file management mode). User can add files to an existing archive as easy as creating a new archive. 


To add files/folders to an existing archive (QC Tools.rar) the user needs open the archive in WinRAR via "archive management mode". 

Note that when the user adds files/folders to an existing archive (no additional parameters set other than archive name -- using default settings -- without password/comment), the new archive with the files/folder added will inherit the default parameters. It is plainly like the user added what he wants to add. 

The image below will show the "Info" of QC Tools.rar (Main comment / Encryption --Absent) before and after adding text file "Add New Text Document so QC Tools_rar.txt". 

See example below.

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When user adds files/folders to an existing archive (existing archive with password and with comment), the new archive created will just add the target files/folders and will just inherit the comment of the archive -- not the password of the existing contents. 

In this example the existing archive will be "QC Tools.rar" (this time password protected -- "jasonx" and with comments) and the target file to be added is "GFYI_Undelete 11 PRO Valentines 2019 Giveaway.pdf". 

The images below will show the "existing" contents of (existing) archive "QC Tools.rar" (with password and with comment). All are with (*) asterisk symbol at the end of the file name symbolizing it is password protected (encrypted). Further images will also show that if the user does not specify a password "for" the file to be added, that file will not inherit the encryption of the archive itself. Thus "GFYI_Undelete 11 PRO Valentines 2019 Giveaway.pdf" does not show an (*) asterisk symbol. The "Info" of the new archive QC Tools.rar will show (Main comment / Encryption --Present) even though the file that was added does not have encryption. 

See images below. 

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The images below will show a comparison when a password protected file (with encryption) is triggered to open versus a non-encrypted (no password protection) file. The file "Control Plan.pdf *" is password protected thus when triggered to open, an "Enter password" dialog box appears for the user to enter the correct password. In contrast, "GFYI_Undelete 11 PRO Valentines 2019 Giveaway.pdf" (no password protection) automatically opened. 


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So if a user wants to add files/folders to an existing archive that is password protected (with encryption), he needs to manually add a password to the target files/folders (files/folders to be added to existing archive) in the "Archive name and parameters" dialog box (Archive name and parameters > General > Set password...)

User can adopt the same password of the existing archive contents or apply a different password to the files/folders to be added. In this case the old password for the existing archive contents is "jasonx". If user wants to adopt "jasonx" as the password for the files to be added, he has to set "jasonx" in "Set Password > Enter password" dialog box (Archive name and parameters > General > Set password...). Alternatively user can set a "new / different password" to the added files/folder (thus resulting "new" archive contents will have 2 different passwords).  

The images below will show that a different password is set for "GFYI_Undelete 11 PRO Valentines 2019 Giveaway.pdf" alongside adding a "new comment" for the resulting archive. 

See images below. 

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Subsequent images below will show pdf file "Control Plan.pdf * " opened using "jasonx" -- original password). The new file added to QC Tools.rar --"GFYI_Undelete 11 PRO Valentines 2019 Giveaway.pdf* "opened using set password -- "GFYI".  

[Image: 2GhBvZS.gif]




Drag and drop support

Note: "Drag and Drop" function is only applicable "if" "Integrate WinRAR into shell" is enabled (checked). Dropping files is available only into RAR and ZIP archives.

Add files using drag-and-drop, to an existing RAR archive can be achieved by selecting the desired archive to open it in the WinRAR shell (archive management mode). Select the files to the archive by simply dragging them from another program (in this case Windows Explorer) and dropping to WinRAR shell. See images below. 


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Drag and Drop file/s to an archive within Windows Explorer / Desktop
File/s can also simply be added to an existing archive within Windows Explorer by selecting the desired file to be added (in this case "Add New Text Document so QC Tools_rar.txt"), drag and drop it to existing archive "QC Tools_Image.rar". User will see a "Copy" shadow signifying the drop. Desired file will be added to the existing archive automatically. 

See images below. 

[Image: Cdrt0BV.gif]


If the target "existing archive" contents is password protected (encrypted), the added file will not inherit the content encryption (added file will be without encryption). If user prefers that the added file be encrypted (with the same password as of the existing archive or with a different password) then he needs to add desired file/s via WinRAR shell "archive management mode" then set his desired password using the "Set Password > Enter password" dialog box (Archive name and parameters > General > Set password..).

See images below of added/dropped file "Add New Tex Document so QC Tools_rar.txt" without encryption. 

[Image: GLaZd1j.gif]


The user may also drop files to RAR or ZIP archive icons (and shortcuts) on the Desktop to add files to an archive.

See image below. 

[Image: f0ldb6L.png]


Drag and drop a single archive into "file management mode" 
When a single archive is dropped to WinRAR shell (file management mode) the archive contents is displayed and WinRAR will enter "archive management mode". This "drag and drop" action triggers WinRAR to "recognize" the dropped single archive and "displays/opens" it. WinRAR shell mode changes from "file management mode" to "archive management mode" in lieu of the archive dropped.  

See images below. 

[Image: X6ZfLGo.gif]


Drag and drop a non-archive into "file management mode" 
When one non-archive file (or more) are dropped to WinRAR shell (file management mode), WinRAR will show a dialog box for the user to enter an "archive name" (and set additional parameters) for the new the archive. From there WinRAR will create that "new" archive from the "non-archive" files dropped to WinRAR shell (file management mode)

If the user prefers, he can set desired "archive name" and "destination/location" for the archive to be created otherwise WinRAR will adapt the "file name" of the "dropped" non-archive file (if a single file is dragged/dropped) and use it as the new archive name (adding the “.rar" file extension)

When more than one "non-archive files" are dropped (and user will not enter "archive name") WinRAR will adapt the name of the "source folder" (of the dropped files) as file name (adding the “.rar" file extension).

See images below. 

[Image: rPOu7XT.gif]



Any single archive that is dropped to the WinRAR toolbar (or disk list / address bar, file list*) whether it be in either WinRAR shell state (file management mode or archive management mode*) WinRAR opens that "dropped" archive and contents in archive management mode. 

Note: If an archive is dropped into the file list of an "open archive" that "dropped archive" will be added to the "open archive" contents (an "Archive name and parameters" prompt will appear). Thus in "archive management mode" drag and drop is limited to the (i) WinRAR desktop icon, (ii) WinRAR toolbar, (iii) disk list / address bar.

The example below shows "Manufacturing.rar" archive "dragged" from Windows Explorer and "dropped" to WinRAR shell mode. 

See images below. 

[Image: y0IEqHP.gif]

One or more non-archive files dropped to the WinRAR desktop icon, WinRAR toolbar (or disk list / address bar, file list) in file management mode opens the prompt to enter "archive name" (and set additional parameters). Unless user specifies an (1) "archive name" and (2) "new" location/destination for the new archive (to be created) WinRAR will create the "new" archive inside the folder of the displayed contents in the "file list". WinRAR by default will use the "source folder name" as file name and create the "new" archive inside the folder of the displayed contents in the "file list". 

The example below shows PDF files (i) "Failure Mode Effect Analysis in a Precision Sheet Metal", and (ii) "ToolDiesMouldsReport" "dragged" from Windows Explorer (file path is T:\WinRAR570_Files for Test\Docs\Manufacturing) and "dropped" to WinRAR shell "file management mode". WinRAR by default will use the "source folder name" (Y:\WinRAR570_Files for Test\Docs\Manufacturing) as file name (creating new archive "Manufacturing.rar") in "Y:\WinRAR570_Files for Test\Docs"

See images below. 

[Image: DHQij5C.gif]




Drag and Drop using right mouse button
A user can "drag" an existing archive using the right-mouse button and drop it to a "new location/destination" (folder) to "extract" the contents of the archive. When the user drags the archive to the new location/destination a "Move to (folder name)" will appear (during dragging). After the archive has been "dropped" to the new location/destination, an "extract" context menu will appear ("Extract Here"). User needs to select that to extract all contents of the archive to new location/destination. 
 
In the example below the archive is "QC Tools_Images_PWORD.rar" (encrypted) and the new location/destination folder is "Y:\WinRAR570_Files for Test\EXTRACT HERE"

See images below. 

[Image: B7B3Dw2.gif]

A user can "drag" a non-archive file/s using the right-mouse button and drop it to a "new location/destination" to create a new archive. The user needs to select all files and drag it to the new location/destination. A "Move to (folder name)" will appear (during dragging) and once files have are "dropped", an "archive" context menu will appear ("Add to archive..." and "Add to <archive name>")  for him to use to create a new archive. 

In the example below the non-archive for "drag and drop" is "Extrude Taper Faces.pdf" and the new location/destination folder is "Y:\WinRAR570_Files for Test\ARCHIVE HERE"

See images below. 

[Image: NtPWGYP.gif]


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#2
COMMAND LINE

Below are the common command line syntax in WinRAR.

(a) Archiving files:

Common command line syntax for archiving files. 

WinRAR A [ -switches ] <Archive> [ Files ] [ @File lists ]

For example, if user wants to add the file LETTER.TXT to the archive LETTERS.RAR, type:

WinRAR A LETTERS.RAR LETTER.TXT

If an archive extension is not specified, WinRAR will use the default archive format selected in the default compression profile, but user may override it by specifying either .RAR or .ZIP extension.

The next example: add all *.WAV files to the solid RAR archive Songs:

WinRAR A -S Songs.RAR *.WAV

It is also possible to list the files to be archived in a file, rather than listing them in the command line. In this case the name of text file, containing the list of files to be archived, must be given in the command line. This is indicated by placing the symbol @ before this file name. Thus, user can create a file Binaries, containing the strings *.exe and *.com and execute the command:

WinRAR A TOOLS.ZIP @Binaries

to add all files with .EXE and .COM extensions from the current folder to ZIP archive TOOLS.

Command A - add to an archive
Add specified files and folders to an archive. Note: because archive volume modification is disabled, this command cannot be used to update an archive volume, only to create one.

Examples:

(a) add all *.hlp files from the current folder to the archive help.rar 

WinRAR a help *.hlp

(b) archive all files from the current folder and subfolders to 362000 bytes size solid, self-extracting volumes save.part1.exe, save.part2.rar, save.part3.rar, …, and add the recovery record to each volume 

WinRAR a -r -v362 -s -sfx -rr save

because no file names are specified, all files (*) are assumed.

© as a special exception, if folder name is specified as an argument and if folder name does not include file masks and trailing backslash, the entire contents of the folder and all sub-folders will be added to the archive even if "switch -r" is not specified. 

The following command will add all files from the folder Bitmaps and its subfolders to the RAR archive Pictures.rar:

WinRAR a Pictures.rar Bitmaps

if folder name includes file masks or trailing backslash, normal rules apply and you need to specify "switch -r" to process its subfolders. 

The following command will add all files from the folder Bitmaps, but not from its subfolders, because "switch -r" is not specified:

WinRAR a Pictures.rar Bitmaps\*


(b) Extract files:

To extract files with full paths:

WinRAR X [ -switches ] <Archive> [ Files ] [ @File lists ] [ Destination folder\ ]


To extract files, ignoring paths:

WinRAR E [ -switches ] <Archive> [ Files ] [ @File lists ] [ Destination folder\ ]

For example if you wish extract the file LETTER.TXT to the current folder from the archive LETTERS.RAR, use the following command:

WinRAR X LETTERS.RAR LETTER.TXT

Archive extension is optional and may be omitted.

The next command extracts all *.WAV files from the archive Songs to the folder Audio:

WinRAR X Songs *.WAV Audio\

It is also possible to list the files to be extracted in a file, rather than listing them in the command line. In this case the name of text file, containing the list of files to be extracted, must be given in the command line. This is indicated by placing the symbol @ before this file name. Thus, user can create a file Binaries, containing the strings *.exe and *.com and execute the command:

WinRAR X TOOLS @Binaries

to extract all files with EXE and COM extensions from the archive TOOLS to the current folder.

Extract archived files, ignoring paths, to the current or a specified folder. Example below is to "extract to the current folder all *.doc files from all RAR archives in the current folder"

WinRAR e *.rar *.doc

Extract files and folder with full paths. The folder structure, saved in the archive, is completely restored. In a similar manner as "command e" this command can extract files both to the current folder and to a specified folder. 

WinRAR x Fonts *.ttf

will extract *.ttf files from the archive Fonts to the current folder, but the command:

WinRAR x Fonts *.ttf NewFonts\

will extract *.ttf files from the archive Fonts to the folder NewFonts

User needs to use the "trailing backslash" shown above for denoting the destination folder.



© Command RN - rename archived files 
Rename files inside of archive. This command is supported for RAR and ZIP formats. The command syntax is:

winrar rn <arcname> <srcname1> <destname1> … <srcnameN> <destnameN>

For example, the following command:

WinRAR rn data.rar readme.txt readme.bak info.txt info.bak

will rename readme.txt to readme.bak and info.txt to info.bak in the archive data.rar.

It is allowed to use wildcards in the source and destination names for simple name transformations like changing file extensions. For example:

WinRAR rn data.rar *.txt *.bak

will rename all *.txt files to *.bak.

WinRAR does not check if the destination file name is already present in the archive, so you need to be careful to avoid duplicated names. It is especially important when using wildcards. Such command is potentially dangerous, because a wrong wildcard may corrupt all archived names.


(d) Command CH - change archive parameters
This command can be used with most of archive modification switches to modify archive parameters. It is especially convenient for switches like "-cl", "-cu", "-tl", which do not have a dedicated command. It is not able to recompress, encrypt or decrypt archive data and it cannot merge or create volumes. If used without any switches, 'ch' command just copies the archive data without modification.

Example:

set archive time to latest file

WinRAR ch -tl files.rar


(e) Command CV - convert archives
This command provides the command line interface to WinRAR "Convert archives". User can combine it with "-y switch" to skip "Convert archives" dialog and start the operation with default parameters. Use "Save" button in "Convert archives" dialog to change default parameters.

Examples:

convert all ZIP archives in the c:\files folder using default conversion parameters

WinRAR cv -y c:\files\*.zip




(d) Command D - delete files from archive 
Delete specified files and folders from an archive. This is the command line equivalent of the "archive management" command "Delete".

Notes:
  • (a) If this command removes all files from archive, the empty archive is removed. 
  • © This command is not applicable to volumes, because volumes cannot be modified. 

Example:

delete all *.dmy files from archive dummy.rar

WinRAR d dummy.rar *.dmy

(e) Command S[name] - convert an archive to a self-extracting
This command creates a "self-extracting archive (SFX)" which, when executed, extracts the files contained within it. It is also possible to make an SFX archive as the first of a multi-volume sequence, but it should be noted that the size will be larger by the amount of the SFX module. Should SFX volumes be created using the command "a" with the switches: -v[<size>] -sfx, then you do not need to ensure the volume size - the first volume will be automatically created with the correct size.
This command is the command line equivalent of the "archive management" command "Convert archive to SFX".
Example:
WinRAR s diamant
By default, WinRAR uses for RAR archives SFX module file "default.sfx", which must exist in the same folder as winrar.exe and, for ZIP archives, "zip.sfx" module. It is possible to specify, in the "s" command, an alternate SFX module name.
For example, to add the console SFX module "WinCon.sfx" execute:

WinRAR sWinCon.sfx myinst

(f) Command K - lock an archive 
This command prevents any further archive modifications by WinRAR. This is the command line equivalent of the "archive management" command "Lock archive". This command is supported for RAR archive format only.

Example:

WinRAR k release


(g) Command T - test archived files 
This command performs a dummy file extraction, writing nothing to the output stream, in order to validate the specified file(s). This is the command line equivalent of the "archive management" command "Test files".

Example:

test all *.rar archives on the current disk

WinRAR t -r \*.rar














SFX archives

An SFX or SelF-eXtracting archive is an archive, merged with an "executable module". Extraction of contents is triggered by executing the SFX archive file. Thus no external program is necessary to extract the contents of an SFX archive, (the SFX archive is enough to execute itself). Nevertheless WinRAR can work with SFX archives as with any other archives, so if the user does not want to run a received SFX archive (for safety purposes), he may use WinRAR to view or extract its contents. All SFX archives usually have ".exe" extension as any other executable file. 

To create an SFX archive from the command line or via WinRAR shell either select "Create SFX archive" option in "Archive name and parameters" dialog box when creating a new archive or when using an already existing archive user should press "SFX" toolbar button.

Create an SFX archive from Windows Explorer
The user can create an SFX archive by selecting files inside Windows Explorer. With "Integrate WinRAR into shell" user can just right-click > "Add to archive", set desired parameters (like archive name, destination, password and comments) alongside selecting "Create SFX archive" in "Archiving options" (Archiving options > Create SFX archive --checked).  See images below. 

[Image: iWTKMUa.gif]

To extract the contents of the created SFX archive, the user can just "double-click" said archive to execute "WinRAR self-extracting archive box" or use the right-click function, select "Extract files..."

Both are shown in the images below. 

[Image: eI510nX.gif]

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In the WinRAR shell (file management mode) user can create a SFX archive from an existing archive in two ways:

(a) via "Tools > Convert archive to SFX"
Where an "Archive (archive name)?" prompt will appear for the user to select from options, (i) Do not change SFX module, and (ii) Add a new SFX module (pre-selected). Clicking "OK" automatically creates an SFX archive from the existing archive. In this case, the created SFX archive is "QC Tool_Images.exe" from existing archive "QC Tool_Image.rar". 

See images below. 

[Image: LsAqiCG.gif]



(b) via Toolbar button > Add or right-click "Add files to archive..."
Where the "Archive name and parameters" dialog box appears. User needs to select "Archiving options > Create SFX archive" and click "OK". WinRAR will create an SFX archive named "QC Tool_Images.exe" from the existing archive name if user will not enter a "new" name for the SFX archive). The resulting SFX archive (in this case, "QC Tool_Images.exe") will have the existing archive "inside" the SFX archive.  

See images below. 

[Image: 4U36iep.gif]


In the WinRAR shell (archive management mode) user can create a SFX archive from an existing archive via “Tools > Convert archive to SFX" or via "Toolbar button > SFX". Where an "Archive (archive name)?" prompt will appear for the user to select from options, (i) Do not change SFX module, and (ii) Add a new SFX module. Clicking "OK" automatically creates an SFX archive from the existing archive. In this case, the created SFX archive is "QC Tool_Images.exe" from existing archive "QC Tool_Image.rar". Process is the same as that of creating an SFX archive in "file management mode". 

See images below. 

[Image: 5IKGQp5.gif]


If an archive is already self-extracting, using the command "Convert archive to SFX" will give you options to, (i) "Do not change SFX module", (ii) "Add a new SFX module", or (iii) "Remove the already existing module from the archive". If user selects "Remove the already existing module from the archive", WinRAR does not touch the original archive and creates a new archive with the same contents, but without self-extracting module. This is the same in either WinRAR shell state (file management mode or archive management mode)

See images below. 

[Image: daWCKJo.gif]








EXTRACTING FILES

Extracting file/s in Windows Explorer 
Extracting files in Windows Explorer will be far easier with WinRAR shell integration enabled. Thus it is advisable that the user enable this function via "Options > Settings > Integration > Shell Integration -- (check) "Integrate WinRAR into shell". See image of context menu items connected to extracting files below. 

[Image: IZV070R.png]


To extract files (contents of an archive in this case "Extrude Taper Faces.rar") to a desired location / destination, user should right-click > select either "Extract files..."(opens the "Extract path and options dialog box where user can set desired destination and additional parameters), "Extract Here" (extract contents in current working folder), or "Extract to Extrude Taper Faces\" (creates a folder "Extrude Taper Faces" and extract's contents inside said folder --without additional parameters set)

For this example the "Extract files..." has been selected. The ""Extract path and options dialog box" opens for the user to set desired destination (in this case "Y:\WinRAR570_Files for Test\EXTRACT HERE\Extract"). See images below of the sample extraction of archive "Extrude Taper Faces.rar"


[Image: QmppV1R.gif]


Extract via Drag and Drop
Extraction of archive contents via "Drag-and drop" is possible by selecting the archive/s and then "press-and-hold" the right mouse button then user drags the selected archive to the desired destination folder. As the user releases the mouse button, a context menu will appear. 

For this example the "Extract files..." has been selected. The ""Extract path and options dialog box" opens for the user to set desired destination (in this case "Y:\WinRAR570_Files for Test\EXTRACT HERE\Extrude Taper Faces)

See images below of the sample extraction of archive "Extrude Taper Faces.rar" to new destination "Y:\WinRAR570_Files for Test\EXTRACT HERE\Extrude Taper Faces"

[Image: J66KMDE.gif]

Images below shows "Extract Here" context menu selected. Current working folder is "ARCHIVE HERE" (Y:\WinRAR570_Files for Test\ARCHIVE HERE).

[Image: 7BGQNpk.gif]









Extract file/s in WinRAR shell mode
Below are common ways to extract files/folders from an archive in WinRAR shell. 

To extract a  file using WinRAR, user must first open the archive in WinRAR shell via "double-clicking" or press "Enter" on the archive name (in this case "Forum etc.rar") in the Windows Explorer. This will open the archive in WinRAR shell state (archive management mode).

When already in WinRAR shell (file management mode), user can "double-click" or press "Enter" on the archive name to open the archive in "archive management mode". 

Any single archive dragged from Windows Explorer and dropped to the WinRAR desktop icon, WinRAR toolbar (or disk list / address bar, file list*) whether it be in either WinRAR shell state (file management mode or archive management mode*) WinRAR opens that "dropped" archive and contents in archive management mode

Note: If an archive is dropped into the file list of an "open archive" that "dropped archive" will be added to the "open archive" contents (an "Archive name and parameters" prompt will appear). Thus in "archive management mode" drag and drop is limited to the (i) WinRAR desktop icon, (ii) WinRAR toolbar, (iii) disk list / address bar.

When an archive is opened in either WinRAR shell state (file management mode) its contents can be extracted (or if in “archive management mode" contents can be viewed and extracted) via the "Extract To" toolbar button or right-click > (i) Extract to a specified folder, or [/i](ii) Extract without confirmation[/i] context menu.  

In either WinRAR shell state (file management mode and archive management mode) the user can extract via (a) Toolbar button > "Extract To" or, (b) via right-click > (select extract context menu)

See images below of "Forum etc.rar" contents extracted to a specified folder (right-click > Extract to a specified folder). Specified folder (destination) is "Y:\WinRAR570_Files for Test\EXTRACT HERE\Extract Forum etc". 



[Image: bN4n3yb.gif]

Images below shows "Extract without confirmation". Archive contents of "Forum etc.rar" is extracted to "current working folder". Current working folder is "Y:\WinRAR570_Files for Test\ARCHIVE HERE\Archive 2".

[Image: THSIpGZ.gif]


If a user wants to stop the extracting process just click the "Cancel" button in the command window. If user wants to "minimize" it and let it run in the background, there is a "Background" button that you can use. There is also options for "Mode" (opens Command parameters), "Pause" and if needed "Help" (opens the built-in Help file). If the extraction is completed without errors, WinRAR will return to the shell, in case of an error, a Diagnostic message window will be displayed.


[Image: ixm1vpa.png]





TEST ARCHIVE FILE

To test an existing archive inside Windows Explorer, the user just needs to right-click on the archive and select the "Test archive" in the context menu. If no errors are detected, WinRAR will display a corresponding message. If there are errors found, WinRAR displays the data via a "Diagnostic message" window. 


[Image: JwjvLv7.gif]


In WinRAR shell (file management mode) the user can test an existing archive via the main menu Commands > "Test archive files" or the toolbar button > "Test". If no errors are detected, WinRAR will display a corresponding message. If there are errors found, WinRAR displays the data via a "Diagnostic message" window. This is the same as in "archive management mode"

Also in "file management mode" it is possible to select a folder containing one or more archives and WinRAR will search for archives inside that folder for test. User needs to execute the test either via the main menu Commands > "Test archive files" or, the toolbar button > "Test". Upon finishing the search WinRAR will start to test the archives. If an archive is encrypted (password protected) the "Enter password" prompt will appear for the said archive for the test to continue. 

[Image: pnykvdz.gif]






VIEW CONTENTS OF AN ARCHIVE

To "view" the files/contents inside an archive you can either use Main menu > Command > View File, or click on the "View" button in the WinRAR window or via keyboard shortcut -- Alt+V. 

In the "View file" command, WinRAR shows the contents of the file under the cursor in the "internal viewer" window regardless of the file contents or configuration settings, but if the user were to press "Enter" on a file name, several different results are possible. If the file under the cursor is an archive, WinRAR will open it and display its contents, otherwise further actions depend upon them settings specified in "Viewer settings dialog box". 

[Image: pDi3fGc.png]

Through this dialog box ( Options > Settings > Viewer ) the user may force WinRAR to always use the internal viewer, (i) to open the file in the external viewer, (ii) to call a program associated by Windows with this file type or,  (iv) to ask, each time before viewing the file.

WinRAR can be used to view normal files (whether in an archive or not). If an "external program" is called to view a file, WinRAR unpacks this file to a "temporary folder", passes its name to the external program and waits for the program to terminate. After this WinRAR tests the file modification time and if it was updated, offers to update this file in the archive and then deletes the temporary folder with the extracted file. In this case the WinRAR temporary folder is "C:\Users\JB_W101709\AppData\Local\Temp". This can be set in "Options > Settings > Paths > Folder for temporary files". (Note that the user can specify a different folder according to his preference).

[Image: zE6zGhl.png]

[Image: 1sOLNrJ.gif]


The scheme described above is slightly modified, when "Enter" is pressed on a content (of an archived file), which has ".exe" extension (SFX archive). In this case WinRAR extracts not only this file, but the "complete contents" of the archive to the "temporary folder" and then runs the executable file. Take the case below. The SFX archive "Chrysler_PFMEA Audit checklist.exe" is opened in WinRAR shell (archive management mode) displaying the lone content "Chrysler_PFMEA Audit checklist.pdf". Pressing "Enter" on "Chrysler_PFMEA Audit checklist.pdf" runs the file (inside the temporary folder). Now "Chrysler_PFMEA Audit checklist.exe" (SFX archive) is encrypted thus when content is opened it the "Enter password" prompt appears. 

See images below. 

[Image: 4ir7QR3.png]

[Image: Wdm8Qn7.gif]









DELETING CONTENTS OF AN ARCHIVE

The "Delete" command in WinRAR shell state is accessible in both "file management mode" and "archive management mode" but the user should be wary of the differences between deleting in both states.  

Delete in File Management Mode
In WinRAR shell "file management mode" anything that is deleted (selected files and folders, etc) goes to the Recycle Bin. This is like the user is in "Windows Explorer". So user has the chance to restore accidentally deleted data. The "Delete" command can be executed by either the (i) "toolbar button > Delete", (ii) "right-click > Delete files" or, (iii) " Commands > Delete files"

(Note: If user has enabled "Display delete confirmation dialog" in Recycle Bin > Properties, a confirmation prompt of the executed delete action will be seen prior deletion). 

See images below. 

[Image: f4i62NX.gif]


File management mode also allows the user to delete files permanently (tailored for advanced users). This can be done by using the keyboard, pressing "Shift+Delete" instead of "Delete" key or the toolbar button > "Delete" (or "Commands > Delete files”)

[Image: LBCZYSV.gif]


Delete in Archive Management Mode
In WinRAR shell "archive management mode" all deleted files/folders are completely/permanently deleted from the archive without any possibility of restoring them. User should "remember" that he is inside an open archive. The archive IS NOT connected to Windows Explorer shell thus deleting anything "inside" the archive is permanently deleted. The "Delete" command can be executed by either the (i) "toolbar button > Delete", (ii) "right-click > Delete files" or, (iii) " Commands > Delete files"



[Image: j2gZRjL.gif]



FIND FILES

The "Find" command in WinRAR shell is accessible in both states (file management mode and archive management mode). User can execute "Find files" via the toolbar button > "Find", or "Tools > Find files".
Using "Find files" dialog it is possible to search for files contained the specified string either in the opened archive or in selected folders or disks. Dialog items are described below.

File name to find
By default it contains "*", what means to check all files. You may enter other file mask here, for example, "*.txt" to search only in .txt files. It is allowed to enter several file masks separated by spaces. If you need to specify a file name containing spaces, enclose it in quotes.

String to find
Here you may enter a string to find. If you leave this field blank, WinRAR will display all files matching other specified criteria.

Match case
Enables case sensitive string comparison.

Use all tables
Use ANSI, Unicode and OEM (MS DOS) character tables when searching for string. If this option is off, WinRAR uses only the default Windows character table (ANSI) in the search operation.

Hexadecimal search
Treat the entered string as sequence of hexadecimal values separated by spaces.

Search area
This option is restricted to currently opened archive if searching inside of archive. Outside of archive use "Current folder" to search in the current folder only, "Selected items" to search in folders and files selected in WinRAR file list. Select appropriate drive names to search on these drives.

Archive types
Archive types to search in. By default it contains "*", what means "all archive formats", but, for example, you may enter "*.rar" to search data only in rar archives. It is allowed to enter several archive masks separated by spaces. Because of technical limitations WinRAR is not able to search for text in ACE archives, other formats supported by WinRAR are supported here.

"Find in subfolders" option
Forces WinRAR to search not only in the specified folder, but also in its subfolders.

"Find in files" option
If enabled, WinRAR will search in usual not archived files matching the specified file name.

"Find in archives" option
Enables to search in the archived files. You may set both "Find in files" and "Find in archives" to search a desired string both in archives and in usual files.

"Skip encrypted" option
If password is required to search inside of encrypted archive, such archive is skipped silently.

"Save" button
This button saves the current state of dialog, so it will be automatically restored when activated next time.

See images below. 

[Image: IoRdsZW.gif]

[Image: AAXzh34.gif]
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#3
WinRAR WIZARD

The WinRAR Wizard was designed for novices and allows the performance of basic compression and decompression operations using the simple "step-by-step procedure". The WinRAR "Wizard" can be executed via toolbar button > Wizard or Tools > Wizard. The "wizard" dialog box consists of options to: (i) Unpack an archive, (ii) Create a new archive, and (iii) Add files to already existing archive.


Unpack an archive
"Unpack an archive" is to "extract contents of an existing archive". Selecting this will unpack/decompress or extract the contents of any archive. Click "Browse" button, locate the target archive (for content extraction). Set the "destination" for unpacked files (contents of target archive). Click "Finish" to execute extraction of contents to set destination.  

See images below. 
 
[Image: NSVGinN.gif]


Create a new archive
Selecting this will allows the user to create a "new archive". After option selection, user it prompted to enter a "name" for the new archive. Next step is to "add files/folders" and then user is prompted to enter a "destination" where the new archive will be created. Archiving options are presented / given to the user If user needs to set additional options for the new archive to be created, the "archiving options" are presented. Click "Finish" to execute creation of new archive. 

 
[Image: RgU5Ovc.gif]


Create a new archive (SFX archive)
To create a new archive which has a self-extracting module (create a self-extracting archive) the procedure is the same as mentioned above but the option to "Create self-extracting (.exe) archive" should be enabled (checkbox should be "checked"). Click "Finish" to execute creation of new self-extracting archive (SFX archive). 

 
[Image: t002225.gif]


Add files to already existing archive
"Add files to already existing archive" option, user will be prompted to "Select files to add" and add it to the existing target archive. User will be prompted to locate (target existing archive). Additional archiving options (such as password protection) can be set via the "Wizard: Archiving options". Click "Finish" to execute adding files to an existing archive. 

 
[Image: PmX9XTK.gif]








INFO / SHOW INFORMATION OF AN ARCHIVE

The "Info" button is the "show information" command and can also be accessed via the Main menu > Tools > Show Information, or via the "Info" button in the toolbar of WinRAR window. 

In WinRAR shell "file management mode" the "Info" button or 'Show information" about contents of selected files/folders -- (1) total size, (2) number of files/subfolders, and (3) number of archives.
 
[Image: fuXhx8c.gif]


In the archive management mode, when "Show information" is accessed, WinRAR will display the following information about the archive: (a) archive name (in the dialog title), (b) archive type (solid, SFX, volume) and format (RAR, ZIP, CAB, ARJ, LZH, etc.). All these parameters are combined in the single string displayed at the top of the dialog. This is when a single archive is selected. See images below. 

 
[Image: B4NRZEz.gif]

Images below are for "Show Information" for one or more archives. 
 
[Image: H24SOEo.gif]

 

VirusScan

Although you’re main security setup should be configured to scan all files to be safe. There are instances that you may need to scan within WinRAR shell “archive management mode". To scan an archive for viruses user can either click "VirusScan" via the toolbar button of WinRAR window or via "Tools > Scan archive for viruses". A dialog box will appear with the following options:

Virus scanners found by WinRAR
List of antivirus software installed on a computer and identified by WinRAR. If this list contains several virus scanners, user may choose according to his preference. If the list contains only "User defined" item, it means that WinRAR could not find any antivirus software and user needs to specify a scanner name and parameters manually.

Virus scanner name
Name of virus scanner executable. User needs to modify this field only if WinRAR cannot find antivirus software installed on the user's computer and "Virus scanners found by WinRAR" list contains only "User defined" item. In such case user needs to press "Browse" button and locate a virus scanner .exe file, which will be called by WinRAR to check unpacked files. 

Virus scanner parameters
Parameters passed to the resident (defined) virus scanner. User needs to modify this field either if WinRAR cannot find antivirus software installed on the computer or if it passes invalid parameters to virus scanner. For example, it may happen if command line syntax of antivirus program is changed in a new version. Usually virus scanners require only one parameter - the name of folder containing unpacked files. WinRAR denotes this folder as "%f". Since its name may include spaces, it is necessary to enclose it in quotes, so most likely you need to place "%f" string to this field. Though, some scanners may require additional options, which can be found in their documentation.

If user uses only one antivirus and do not need to modify its parameters every time, he may skip the virus scanner selection dialog by turning "Propose to select virus scanner" option in Security settings off. 
 
[Image: NCCkxwl.gif]





REPAIR AN ARCHIVE

If WinRAR considers an archive/selected files as corrupt it will attempt to repair them. The "Repair" command can be accessed via “Tools > Repair archive" or via toolbar button > "Repair".  

WinRAR is able to repair only RAR and ZIP archives. WinRAR tries to detect the type of the archive automatically using archive data and extension, but user also may set an archive type manually. The source archive is not changed and result of operation is stored into a new archive, which is named "fixed.arcname.rar" or "rebuilt.arcname.rar", where 'arcname' is the original archive name. Success of "Repair" operation depends on the archive type and type and size of damaged area. Chance of successful RAR archive repair is significantly higher if it has the recovery record. If archive does not contain the recovery record, chances are lower for solid archives and no repair is possible for archives with encrypted file names. See images below. 
[Image: VTYK8wL.gif]

 

PASSWORD ENCRYPTION (WinRAR 5.7x -- WinRAR 5.70/5.71)

In WinRAR both "RAR and "ZIP formats support encryption. To encrypt files user needs to specify a password before archiving or directly in the "Archive name and parameters dialog box. 

In WinRAR shell, to enter a password user may either press Ctrl+P or select the "Set default password" command in File menu or click on the small icon of a key in the bottom left corner of the WinRAR window. To enter a password in Archive name and parameters dialog press "Set password" button in "Advanced" set of options.
 
[Image: kr0cYbq.gif]

RAR format allows to encrypt not only file data, but also other sensitive archive areas: file names, sizes, attributes, comments and other blocks, thus having a higher security level. To avail of this feature the "Encrypt file names" option must be selected. See "Encrypt File Names" below. 

User must not forget to remove an entered password, when it is no longer needed, otherwise user may occasionally archive some files using the password without wanting to. To remove a password, user needs to (1) enter an "empty string" instead of a password or (2) close WinRAR and start it again. 

While a password exists, the icon of key is red, otherwise it will be yellow. Also, when user starts an archive operation using a password, title bar of "Archive name and parameters" dialog flashes twice.

If user enabled "Use for all archives" option in password dialog and entered the empty string as a password, extract and test commands will skip all encrypted files and archives. In this mode the icon of key in WinRAR status bar is not displayed.

User does not need to remove a password if he entered it directly in "Archive name and parameters" dialog. Unlike other ways such password is valid only for the single archiving operation and automatically removed after its completion.



ORGANIZE PASSWORDS (password organizer)
"Organize passwords" dialog (Enter password dialog> Organize passwords...) provides a way to save frequently used passwords and access them quickly later. It contains the list of password records stored by user. Normally password labels and archive masks are included to this list. If no label is defined/entered, the password text is displayed instead of label in "Label" column.
 
[Image: vkVuHIj.gif]

[Image: tHgolCr.gif]

[Image: w3LN7Sy.gif]

[Image: aZyLgHY.gif]

[Image: myjsDup.gif]


User can open "Organize passwords" from usual WinRAR password dialog (Enter password dialog> Organize passwords...). He can just press "Organize passwords..." button, where he can enter the default password or when WinRAR requests a password for encrypted file or archive.

To add a new password, user just needs to press "Add" button at the right side of the dialog so a new password record will be listed. A "Password information" dialog, will appear where he can specify the password text, label and archive mask. 

"Delete" button removes all selected password records. "Edit" button to modifies parameters of password record under the cursor in "Password information" dialog. "Move up" and "Move down" change the position of all selected passwords in the list.

See current saved passwords / labels for this review below. 
 
[Image: uM38ky7.png]

User can set the master password in "Organize passwords" dialog if user wants to encrypt password records and protect them from unauthorized access. See "Master Password" below. 

NOTE: 

While this password organizer feature can make working with passwords more convenient, you need to weigh security risks carefully. 

If information protected with password is sensitive and confidential, either:

(a) avoid this feature or, 

(b) use it only if your computer is protected from unauthorized access or set the master password.



"Enable autocomplete" option allows the autocomplete feature in password dialog. It is enough to enter first letters of password or password label and if this password or label is found in the list of saved password, WinRAR will propose its full text. Autocomplete feature works only if "Show password" option in password dialog is enabled. If passwords are hidden, autocomplete is disabled. If label is defined for stored password, autocomplete will work only for label and not for password text.

When all modifications of password list in "Organize passwords" dialog are done, user needs to press "OK" to save them. User will be able to access saved passwords in password dialog, either using the drop down list associated with "Enter password" field or utilizing the autocomplete feature.



Encrypt File Names
If user sets "Encrypt file names" option, WinRAR will encrypt not only file data, but all other sensitive archive areas like file names, sizes, attributes, comments and other blocks, providing higher security level. Without a password it is impossible to view even the list of files in archive encrypted with this option. 
 
[Image: 9o7KDna.gif]

[Image: ePu4VqA.gif]

[Image: cslTf67.gif]

[Image: toKYvMt.gif]


NOTE: This option is available only when compressing data to RAR archive, it is not supported for ZIP format.

For ZIP files the "ZIP legacy encryption" option is available. It enables use of ZIP legacy encryption algorithm. "ZIP legacy encryption" is not strong as AES, but has better compatibility if user is using older software (archivers). If this option is turned off, ZIP archives are encrypted with AES-256, which is more secure, but can be incompatible with some older versions of unzip tools.
 
[Image: QjMGcPI.gif]

[Image: xqkobZS.gif]

Solid RAR archives and archives with encrypted file names can have only one same password for all archived files. Files in non-solid RAR archives without name encryption and in ZIP archives can use different passwords.




Master Password
Enter the master password to encrypt password records stored in Registry and protect them from unauthorized access. All passwords stored in compression profiles are not encrypted securely and can be read by anybody having access to your computer. Thus if user prefers added security a "master password" should be set. 

User will need to enter the master password in password prompt dialog to access these records after that. Once entered, the master password is valid until WinRAR is closed. To test, user can "close/exit" WinRAR and open it again (after specifying the master password) to see how protection works. 

To remove encryption from previously protected password records user needs to enter an "empty password". Actual encryption is performed only after user hits "OK" in parent "Organize passwords" dialog and not immediately after closing this master password prompt.
 
[Image: jyOFP6w.gif]

[Image: nPjWvBw.gif]
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#4
Comparison of WinRAR ver5.70 to alternatives (ZIP format)

To compare the performance of WinRAR ver5.70 to other popular archiver alternatives in the market a rough data comparison has been prepared. 

For a smaller sized archive, the "Manufacturing" folder (T:\WinRAR570_Files for Test\Docs\Manufacturing) was chosen. The size of the folder (and contents) is 2.64 MB. The archive type selected is "ZIP" and compression method selected is   set at "normal". Dictionary size at 32 KB. Archive is password protected and AES-256 encrypted. See images below.


7Zip Portable version 19.00
[Image: BRksvKc.gif]


Ashampoo ZIP Pro 2
[Image: PRIvpop.gif]



Bandizip version 6.15 Portable
[Image: bKDD6zt.gif]



PeaZip version 6.7.1 Portable
[Image: mlMS1ul.gif]



PowerArchiver 2018 Professional (version 18.00.58)
[Image: 8Twpbbn.gif]



WinRAR version 5.60
[Image: NpSwopG.gif]



WinRAR version 5.70
[Image: lE7I7R5.gif]



Comparison data between the alternative archivers versus WinRAR version 5.70 is shown below. The smallest archive size is the archive made with WinRAR version 5.60 and WinRAR version 5.70 both at 2318 KB. The largest archive size was created with Ashampoo ZIP Pro 2 at 2324 KB. The differences between the archive sizes can be waived off as minimal though. Creation time was pegged at >1 minute on all archivers including WinRAR v5.70. 


[Image: 1fhz8ub.png]



For a larger sized archive, the "4gb size" folder (T:\WinRAR570_Files for Test\4gb size) was chosen. The size of the folder (and contents) is 2.86 GB. The archive type selected is "ZIP" and compression method selected is   set at "normal". Dictionary size at 32 KB. Archive is password protected and AES-256 encrypted. See images below.


7Zip Portable version 19.00
[Image: nG053VX.gif]


Ashampoo ZIP Pro 2
[Image: xVq37Sq.gif]



Bandizip version 6.15 Portable
[Image: Aqxhu5R.gif]



PeaZip version 6.7.1 Portable
[Image: y9RX0ns.gif]



PowerArchiver 2018 Professional (version 18.00.58)
[Image: AnxyTvo.gif]



WinRAR version 5.60
[Image: aZFBH5l.gif]



WinRAR version 5.70
[Image: 2QdXhte.gif]


Comparison data between the alternative archivers versus WinRAR version 5.70 is shown below. The smallest files size is the archive made with PowerArchiver 2018 Pro (version 18.00.58) at 2819232 KB. The biggest archive was made with Ashampoo ZIP Pro 2 at 2822055 KB while WinRAR version 5.70's archive size is 2820418 KB (the same as previous version WinRAR v5.60). The differences between the archive sizes are minimal. 

For creation time there was a significant difference seen as the alternative archivers was created from 2 - 3 minutes maximum with PowerArchiver 2018 Pro (version 18.00.58) as the fastest at 2 minutes. BandiZIP version 6.15 Portable's creation time is second at 2.2 minutes. The slowest was the archive created with WinRAR version 5.60 which took 12 minutes to finish. WinRAR version 5.70 was at 9 minutes. WinRAR's data is way out of the average of the alternative archivers. 

[Image: cURJwVS.png]




Comparison of WinRAR ver5.70 to PowerArchiver 2018 Pro (RAR format)


Comparison data between the alternative archiver PowerArchiver 2018 Pro (version 18.00.58) versus WinRAR version 5.70 using RAR archive type (format) is shown below. 

The same "Manufacturing" folder (T:\WinRAR570_Files for Test\Docs\Manufacturing) was chosen again. The size of the folder (and contents) is 2.64 MB. The archive type selected is "RAR" and compression method selected is   set at "normal". Dictionary size at 32 KB. Archive is password protected and AES-256 encrypted. 

"Manufacturing_WinRAR570_rar.rar" created with WinRAR v5.70 is the smallest in size (at 2289 KB) as compared to "Manufacturing_PA2018Pro_rar.rar" (PowerArchiver 2018 Pro) which is 2711 KB. Both archive creation time clocked at <1 minute. See RAR archive comparison data below. 


[Image: cX8UOEC.png] 




For a large size archive, the same "4gb size" folder (T:\WinRAR570_Files for Test\4gb size) was chosen again. The size of the folder (and contents) is 2.86 GB. The archive type selected is "RAR" and compression method selected is   set at "normal". Dictionary size at 32 KB. Archive is password protected and AES-256 encrypted. 

The archive created with WinRAR v5.70 (4gb ISO_WinRAR570_rar.rar) is the smallest at 2820418 KB as compared with "4gb ISO_PA2018Pro_rar.rar" (created with (PowerArchiver 2018 Pro) at 3007641 KB. A difference of 238850 KB is present.

The creation time shows a very significant difference as WinRAR v5.70 (4gb ISO_WinRAR570_rar.rar) clocked at 8 minutes way behind PowerArchiver 2018 Pro's (4gb ISO_PA2018Pro_rar.rar) 1.5 minutes. This is the same behavior as that of the ZIP archive comparison data shown previously. See RAR archive comparison data below. 


[Image: YVx7l5s.png]
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#5

WinRAR version 5.70 stable (February 28, 2019)

What's New:

Note: Below are excerpts lifted from full list of changes

1. "Files to process" option on "Time" page of archiving dialog allows to choose files based on modification, creation or last access file time. Previously it was possible for modification time only.
   
[Image: 8tR6qSA.png]


3. WinRAR file list can display creation and last access file times if they are available. Creation and last access columns are disabled by default and can be enabled in "Select file list columns" dialog. This dialog is opened after right clicking on file list column headers or after pressing "File list/Files/Columns..." button in WinRAR settings.


[Image: 96EkJlV.png]

[Image: Ktcvr9h.gif]

4. "Double extensions for archives" and "Archives in subfolders" options on "Files" page of archiving dialog modify behavior of  "Put each file to separate archive" option. You can switch between archive names in filename.ext.rar and filename.rar style with "Double extensions for archives".

You can create a separate archive for every file in selected subfolders or store the entire contents of every selected folder in separate archive depending on the state of "Archives in subfolders" option.


[Image: uCaflUp.png]



7. New "File list/List style/Checkboxes" option in WinRAR settings allows to use checkboxes to select file list items.


[Image: 92SkrxO.png] 



8. New "File list/Files/Exact sizes" option in WinRAR settings. If this option is on, file sizes are always displayed in bytes. If it is off, sizes are rounded up and use units such as KB or MB. Smaller files can be still displayed in bytes.


[Image: VQ3nqUo.png]

[Image: g7dtmS7.png] 


17. "Find" command "Disks and folders" drop down list has been renamed to "Search area". Additionally to already existing choices, it includes a new "Selected items" option restricting search to files and folders selected in WinRAR file list.


[Image: wtG6xWc.png] 


18. "Find" command displays the number of found items in status bar.


[Image: SpJhsXb.png]


21. Nadav Grossman from Check Point Software Technologies informed us about a security vulnerability in UNACEV2.DLL library. Aforementioned vulnerability makes possible to create files in arbitrary folders inside or outside of destination folder when unpacking "ACE archives". WinRAR used this third party library to unpack "ACE archives". UNACEV2.DLL had not been updated since 2005 and we do not have access to its source code. So we decided to drop "ACE archive" format support to protect security of WinRAR users.

   
[Image: usUtjfB.png]


WinRAR 5.70 - FULL (COMPLETE) LIST OF CHANGES HERE
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#6
 
WinRAR offers a 40 day trial usage of without limitations of its features. At the end of the 40 day period a license is needed to further the program. 


 
SOME ALTERNATIVES TO WINRAR
 



FINAL WORD

WinRAR as archiver is pretty much simple to use and reliable. The most significant issue connected with the release of this version was the developer’s workaround and fix to the reported vulnerability by Nadav Grossman from Check Point Software Technologies (see also What's New #21 and reported in GFYI's thread here). WinRAR has since version 5.70 has dropped "ACE support" altogether citing that the last WinAce version was way back 2007 and the availability of "real-life" Ace archives (not just test samples). Also the customer feedback of this current version is that users are not annoyed with the "ACE support" removal since they do not use .ace archives anymore. 

An official quote from WinRAR developer Eugene Roshal,
Quote:from WinRAR developer Mr. Eugene Roshal
...Regarding ACE support removal: it is difficult to find real life ACE archives, not some test samples, these days. Last WinAce version was out in 2007 and even www.winace.com does not work anymore...

...Based on WinRAR 5.70 feedback we already have, vast majority of users is "not annoyed" by this removal, since they do not have ".ace archives" anymore. 
 
One significant finding in the rough comparison made was WinRAR version 5.70's creation time of the "4gb ISO folder (2.86 GB)" in ZIP and in RAR format. WinRAR version 5.70 clocked 9 minutes for ZIP archive format while in RAR archive format it was 8 minutes. The average creation time for the ZIP is 2.64 minutes while in RAR archive format WinRAR version 5.70 was 6.5 minutes slower when compared with PowerArchiver 2018 Pro (clocked 1.5 minutes). The size of the archives created can be waived off as the difference is minimal (though this may depend on the user). There were no errors encountered with WinRAR version 5.70 and alternatives during the rough comparison proper.

Please see comparison table again in "Comparison of WinRAR ver5.70 to alternatives (ZIP format) / Comparison of WinRAR ver5.70 to PowerArchiver 2018 Pro (RAR format)" above. 

As with any product/software application, customer feedback is needed to make any product function the way it should be and at the same time keep the user safe from any issues that may arise with using it. It is the way the software maker/developers handle/improve such issues and vulnerabilities pointed out on their product. On my experience WinRAR support was as always professional on my inquiries and as attested previously when I reviewed WinRAR version 5.60 their feedback mechanism is superb. For that matter any user (or anyone) can send feedback/inquiries or email correspondence to WinRAR and they open to respond to whatever issues or inquiries sent. 

Which is the better choice...WinRAR version 5.70 or alternatives presented here? The finding in the "comparison portion" is just a rough comparison and may not be sufficient to yield a "proper choice". As mentioned (at the start of the review) even I use 7-Zip, BandiZIP and PeaZip and each has their own strength / purpose (as I interface with our manufacturing counterparts) thus it is solely on the user to determine what is the "best archiver" for him according to his preference and needs. 

Would I want WinRAR version 5.70 around? Yes, it is a keeper for me.
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#7
Very long and detailed review. I am using this for many years, very good app.
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#8
Great and very well detailed review, as always! thanks @jasonX!!!!
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#9
Very precise review and good software, thank you very much @jasonX! Smile
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#10
Amazing review in great detail @jasonX, good job Smile
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