RAR Archive Is Either Unknown Format or Damaged - How to Fix?
Have you ever encountered a situation where you downloaded a large RAR file and come across RAR file unknown format or damaged error message while extracting the file? The WinRAR application fails to open such damaged WinRAR archives. Whilst extracting a highly compressed RAR file into a hard drive of low disk space the error “The archive is either in unknown format or damaged” might pop-up unexpectedly and leads to corruption of the RAR file. In such undesirable conditions, you can simply make use of the WinRAR Repair tool to fix unknown format or damaged error with RAR files.
Possible Reasons behind RAR unknown format error
- Improper RAR Archive Download: Whenever any interruptions occur during the RAR download process, there are high chances of archive corruption message
- Severe Virus Attacks: Due to severe virus or malware attacks can corrupt RAR files
- Damaged RAR Header: The changes or damages to the WinRAR file header will give rise to unknown format error when you attempt to extract it. Click over here- https://www.winrarrepair.net/corrupt-rar-file-header.html to repair corrupt RAR file header and restore its contents
Remember!!
One should maintain a proper backup of essential and very large-sized files on other storage devices. Besides, one can still re-download the entire RAR archive again if it is unavailable; there are chances of getting no errors.
Fixing WinRAR archive is either in unknown format or damaged error
The WinRAR Repair is the ultimate tool to fix RAR errors in simple clicks. It can fix RAR archives and restore its contents including documents, pictures, audio, video, etc. The intuitive UI offers secure and convenient steps to repair erroneous RAR files. The app performs RAR repair by applying a deep scan on the WinRAR file showing the archive is either unknown format or damaged error.
WinRAR Repair software can be readily installed on all editions of Windows OS 10, 8, Vista, XP, 2008, 2003, etc. Get detailed information about RAR repair on Windows 7 here- https://www.winrarrepair.net/windows-7.html. This award-winning software to fix the WinRAR archive with a size higher than 4GB. The WinRAR Repair utility also serves the best in resolving the CRC error with RAR, unexpected end of file error, filename too long error, no files to extract error, and all other RAR errors. It is also capable to efficiently repair RAR files that are encrypted.
Note: This tool also helps you to perform uncompressed AVI file repair which causes errors in playing videos.
Easy Steps to Fix RAR Files After WinRAR Says File Unknown Format or Damaged
Step 1: Install the software on your system and launch it to open its main screen as shown in Figure A.
Figure A: Main Screen
Step 2: Browse to select the RAR file showing the archive is either in an unknown format or damaged error.
Step 3: Press on the "Repair" button as shown in Figure B.
Figure B: Select the Damaged RAR Archive
Step 4: Select the location to save the fixed RAR archive and click on the "Save" option as shown in Figure C.
Figure C: Save the Fixed RAR File
