How to Fix WinRAR The Archive Is Corrupted [5 Easy Ways]

Part 1. What Does 'WinRAR The Archive Is Corrupted' Mean?

The error message "WinRAR: The Archive is Corrupted" appears when WinRAR, a popular file compression and extraction tool, detects issues within the file you're trying to open. This indicates that the archive (e.g., a RAR or ZIP file) has been damaged or is incomplete, preventing it from being properly unpacked or used. When this happens, parts of the compressed data may be missing or unreadable, rendering the entire file useless unless repaired. WinRAR checks the integrity of archives, and if it finds errors during extraction, it displays this error.

⚡ Common Symptoms of a Corrupted Archive:

• Extraction Fails: Files can't be unpacked, and the process halts with an error.
• File Inaccessibility: The archive refuses to open or shows as empty.
• Error Messages: Specific prompts like "Unexpected end of archive" or "CRC error" may accompany the primary error.

Part 2. Why Do RAR Files Get Corrupted?

Several factors can cause RAR files to become corrupted. Here are the most common reasons:

• Incomplete Downloads: If a RAR file is interrupted during download due to network issues, power outages, or abrupt disconnections, the file may remain partially downloaded, leading to corruption.
• Hardware Issues: Faulty hard drives, bad sectors, or malfunctioning storage devices can damage RAR files stored on them. Similarly, issues with RAM or other hardware components during file transfer or extraction can cause corruption.
• Virus or Malware Infection: Viruses and malware can alter the structure of RAR files, corrupting the archive and making it unusable.
• File Compression Errors: Errors during the creation of the RAR file, such as interruptions or software glitches, can result in a corrupted archive.
• Transfer Errors: Problems during file transfer, such as using unreliable storage media (e.g., USB drives) or experiencing interruptions while copying files, can lead to corruption.
• Unsupported Software Versions: Using outdated or incompatible versions of WinRAR or other extraction tools can sometimes fail to handle the archive correctly, leading to errors.
• Physical Damage to Storage Media: Physical damage to storage devices, such as scratches on CDs or DVDs or damage to USB drives, can corrupt the RAR files stored on them.
• File Header Damage: The header of an RAR file contains metadata necessary for extraction. If this header is damaged due to any reason, the file may become unreadable.

Understanding these causes can help you prevent RAR file corruption and troubleshoot the issue effectively.

Part 3. How to Fix The Archive Is Corrupted WinRAR Error [5 Easy Ways]

When you get corrupted WinRAR archives, you need to have solutions to recover your files. Below are the ways to fix WinRAR archive corruption and recover your data successfully.

1️⃣ Check File Size and Integrity

Before attempting complex repairs, it's essential to check the file's size and integrity. If the RAR file is unusually small or doesn't match the expected file size, it's likely incomplete. You can compare the file size with the one listed on the download page or verify the integrity of the file using hash checkers.

2️⃣ Fix RAR Archive Corrupted in WinRAR with 4DDiG File Repair

Corrupted RAR files can be a major inconvenience, especially when you're dealing with important data that you cannot afford to lose. Luckily, a reliable solution for fixing these issues is 4DDiG File Repair. This tool is designed to restore corrupted or damaged files, including RAR archives, with ease and efficiency.

It is a powerful tool developed by Tenorshare to fix various types of corrupted files, including RAR, ZIP, Word documents, videos, photos, and more. It uses advanced algorithms to repair file corruption caused by factors like system crashes, file transfer errors, or incomplete downloads. Whether your RAR archive has become unreadable or is showing error messages in WinRAR, 4DDiG File Repair can help restore it.

• Batch Repair RAR Files: Seamlessly fixes corrupted RAR archives in bulk and restores them to a usable state.
• Supports Multiple Formats: Repair a wide range of file types, including repairing corrupted Excel, RAR, ZIP, Word, PDFs, and more.
• Simple User Interface: Easy-to-use interface, perfect for both beginners and advanced users.
• High Repair Success Rate: Advanced algorithms ensure a high success rate for file repairs.
• Preview Repaired Files: Allows users to preview the repaired files before final recovery.
• Safe and Secure: Ensures no data loss during the repair process, keeping your files intact.

• Get the 4DDiG File Repair installed and initiate it. Then go to the main dashboard and click on "Corrupted File Repair" > "File Repair".

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• Click on "Add Files" and browse through your computer to find the corrupted .RAR file. Once found, select the file to add it to 4DDiG File Repair.

  

• Click "Repair All" to start the repair process. The software will analyze and fix the corrupted WinRAR archives in batch at once and restore it.

  

• Once the repair is done, you can preview the restored file. If it"s good, click Save to save the repaired .RAR file on your system.

  

• To check the repair's success, open the restored .RAR file with WinRAR or your archive software to see if it"s working properly.

Follow these steps and you can repair damaged .RAR archives and recover your data. 4DDiG File Repair has your back to protect your files from corruption loss.

3️⃣ Repair RAR File with WinRAR Built-in Repair Tool

What if your hard drive is full and you can"t install another program? The good news is that WinRAR has a built-in repair tool. You can use that instead. But please note that it"s a basic repair tool and not as advanced as the others.

✔️ Preparations for WinRAR Repair

Here"s what the WinRAR Repair Archive feature offers:

• No need to install additional tools.

• WinRAR Repair Archive can repair RAR and ZIP files.

• Supports batch processing.

✔️ Steps to Use the Built-in Repair Tool:

• Open WinRAR. Click "File" and then "Open Archive" to upload the corrupted archives. Or press CTRL + O.

• Once the corrupted archives are loaded, click "Tools" and then "Repair Archive". Or press Alt + R.

  

• On the pop-up window, click "Browse" and check the "Treat the corrupt archive as RAR" box. Select a destination for the repaired archive.

  

• Choose the archive type. If it"s a ZIP file, check the ZIP checkbox and click Ok. If it"s a RAR file, check the RAR checkbox and click Ok. WinRAR will repair the file. Wait and then check the file in the destination folder you selected.

4️⃣ Repair WinRAR File Online Free

Having a corrupted WinRAR file can be a real pain and disrupt your work. But there"s a simple solution that doesn"t require you to install complex software on your system. 4DDiG Online Free Document Repair is an easy and user-friendly way to repair damaged WinRAR files and other document files. This online free tool will repair corrupted files and give you back your data.

• Go to the 4DDiG Online Free Document Repair Tool website.

• Click the "Upload File" button on the page. Browse your computer to select the damaged WinRAR file to repair.

• Once uploaded the tool will start an automatic analysis and repair process. Time may vary depending on the file size and corruption level.

• Once the repair is done, you will receive a download link for the repaired file. Click download to save the repaired file to your desired location.

  

4DDiG Online Free Document Repair is a simple and effective way to fix corrupted WinRAR files and get back your data.

5️⃣ Extract Damaged RAR Files

If your WinRAR archive is still corrupted after trying all the above fixes, extracting the files including the damaged files, is your last resort. This will give you access to most recoverable data. Follow these steps:

• Right-click on the corrupted WinRAR archive and choose "Open with WinRAR".

• Select "Extract" and select a destination folder for the extracted files.

  

• In the "Miscellaneous" section check the checkbox for "Keep broken files". Click Ok.

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4 Quick Ways to Fix '7ZIP Cannot Open File As Archive' Error

Part 4. People Also Ask About the "WinRAR The Archive Is Corrupted" Error

Q1: What does "Unable to open archive: unknown format or archive is corrupted" mean?

This error typically indicates that the archive file you"re trying to open is either not a valid archive or has been corrupted. You can try repairing the file using WinRAR"s built-in repair tool or third-party software like 4DDiG File Repair.

Q2: How to fix a corrupted zip archive?

Fixing a corrupted ZIP archive follows a process similar to that of RAR files. You can use WinRAR or 4DDiG File Repair to repair the ZIP file.

Q3: What do you do when the archive header is corrupted?

When the archive header is corrupted, the file might become unextractable. Try repairing the header with WinRAR or use 4DDiG File Repair for better recovery chances.

Conclusion

Dealing with the "WinRAR the archive is corrupted" error doesn"t have to be daunting. Whether you opt for the built-in WinRAR repair tool, an online service, or the highly efficient 4DDiG File Repair, there are multiple solutions available. For the most reliable and user-friendly experience, we recommend trying 4DDiG File Repair for all your RAR file repair needs.