Using WinRAR - Archive & Extract Files
Files can be archived for backup or portability. WinRAR is an archive utility that is also capable of compressing files, saving precious space. This page gives a step-by-step process for archiving files and extracting them from archives.
Installing WinRAR
http://www4.ncsu.edu/~zjmarlow/misc/WinRAR/install1.png
The installer for WinRAR can be found at http://www.download.com/WinRAR/3000-2250-10007677.html (last verified 2006/11/23). The downloaded file, "wrar36b2.exe", will be the installer and so it will need to be run to set up WinRAR on the computer.
WinRAR can handle several file types. Select all if no other preferred compression or archiving programs are installed.
Interface options determine where shortcut icons will be placed. Choose which shortcuts you would like.
Shell integration options affect how Windows will respond when an associated file is right-clicked. At the very least, check "Integrate WinRAR into shell" and "Icons in context menus".
After configuring the options and clicking "OK", the final install screen will present itself. Finish the installer; WinRAR is now ready to use.
Creating an Archive
Archiving files with WinRAR serves two purposes: compression and portability. Steps for creating a compressed archive follow, as well as tips for error checking and creating archives of a portable size.
http://www4.ncsu.edu/~zjmarlow/misc/WinRAR/archive1.png
Right-click a file or directory and select "Add to Archive". Multiple files or directories can be selected and added at once.
Choose a meaningful archive name.
http://www4.ncsu.edu/~zjmarlow/misc/WinRAR/archive3.png
In the drop-down menu labeled "Compression method", choose "Best".
http://www4.ncsu.edu/~zjmarlow/misc/WinRAR/archive2.png
If the archive must be stored on a medium of limited size, use the "Split into volumes" option. Standard CDs are 700 MB, so use "CD700: 700mb" when using a CD-R or CD-RW.
Under "Archiving options" check "Put recovery record" and "Test archive". A recovery record will allow some data to be recovered even if the archive (or its storage medium) become damaged or if there is an error during transfer. Testing the archive will make sure that errors do not go unnoticed. If testing fails, the files can be rearchived, ensuring that the archive itself is accurate.
http://www4.ncsu.edu/~zjmarlow/misc/WinRAR/archive4.png
If there are more files to be added beyond what was initially selected, or if there are files to be excluded that are in the added directories, chose the "File" tab to add more.
Extracting Files from an Archive
To extract files from an archive, transfer the archive to the target computer. Then, right click the archive file (the stack of books) to bring up a menu of options. The option "Extract Here" will extract all files to the current location so that they reside in the same directory as the archive. This option is useful
http://www4.ncsu.edu/~zjmarlow/misc/WinRAR/extract1.png
NOTE: If you created an archive that was split into volumes, you will need to have all the pieces (volumes) together and then perform the step explained above on any ONE of the pieces. WinRAR will automatically reassemble everything.
SakuraGuy
Zerotohundred.Com
Files can be archived for backup or portability. WinRAR is an archive utility that is also capable of compressing files, saving precious space. This page gives a step-by-step process for archiving files and extracting them from archives.
Installing WinRAR
http://www4.ncsu.edu/~zjmarlow/misc/WinRAR/install1.png
The installer for WinRAR can be found at http://www.download.com/WinRAR/3000-2250-10007677.html (last verified 2006/11/23). The downloaded file, "wrar36b2.exe", will be the installer and so it will need to be run to set up WinRAR on the computer.
WinRAR can handle several file types. Select all if no other preferred compression or archiving programs are installed.
Interface options determine where shortcut icons will be placed. Choose which shortcuts you would like.
Shell integration options affect how Windows will respond when an associated file is right-clicked. At the very least, check "Integrate WinRAR into shell" and "Icons in context menus".
After configuring the options and clicking "OK", the final install screen will present itself. Finish the installer; WinRAR is now ready to use.
Creating an Archive
Archiving files with WinRAR serves two purposes: compression and portability. Steps for creating a compressed archive follow, as well as tips for error checking and creating archives of a portable size.
http://www4.ncsu.edu/~zjmarlow/misc/WinRAR/archive1.png
Right-click a file or directory and select "Add to Archive". Multiple files or directories can be selected and added at once.
Choose a meaningful archive name.
http://www4.ncsu.edu/~zjmarlow/misc/WinRAR/archive3.png
In the drop-down menu labeled "Compression method", choose "Best".
http://www4.ncsu.edu/~zjmarlow/misc/WinRAR/archive2.png
If the archive must be stored on a medium of limited size, use the "Split into volumes" option. Standard CDs are 700 MB, so use "CD700: 700mb" when using a CD-R or CD-RW.
Under "Archiving options" check "Put recovery record" and "Test archive". A recovery record will allow some data to be recovered even if the archive (or its storage medium) become damaged or if there is an error during transfer. Testing the archive will make sure that errors do not go unnoticed. If testing fails, the files can be rearchived, ensuring that the archive itself is accurate.
http://www4.ncsu.edu/~zjmarlow/misc/WinRAR/archive4.png
If there are more files to be added beyond what was initially selected, or if there are files to be excluded that are in the added directories, chose the "File" tab to add more.
Extracting Files from an Archive
To extract files from an archive, transfer the archive to the target computer. Then, right click the archive file (the stack of books) to bring up a menu of options. The option "Extract Here" will extract all files to the current location so that they reside in the same directory as the archive. This option is useful
http://www4.ncsu.edu/~zjmarlow/misc/WinRAR/extract1.png
NOTE: If you created an archive that was split into volumes, you will need to have all the pieces (volumes) together and then perform the step explained above on any ONE of the pieces. WinRAR will automatically reassemble everything.
SakuraGuy
Zerotohundred.Com
