ARJ File Extension

What is ARJ file?

ARJ is a compressed archive format. It is rarely used these days as there are many better and more popular formats available. ARJ is an acronym for Archived by Robert Jung and is the name of the tool that used ARJ compression.

History of ARJ format

ARJ format was developed in 1991 for DOS and was later ported to Windows systems up to Windows XP. ARJ32 format for Windows supported long filenames (DOS used the 9.3 convention, where the filenames were limited to 9 characters for base name and 3 characters for extension).

Programs which support ARJ file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 4 operating systems that support ARJ files. Files with ARJ extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 02/06/2024

How to open file with ARJ extension?

Being unable to open files with ARJ extension can be have various origins. Fortunately, most common problems with ARJ files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with ARJ files.

Step 1. Download and install StuffIt Deluxe

Problems with opening and working with ARJ files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with ARJ files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select StuffIt Deluxe or one of the recommended programs (for example, 7-Zip, Zipeg, ARJ32) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download StuffIt Deluxe installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Smith Micro Software, Inc. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update StuffIt Deluxe to the latest version

You still cannot access ARJ files although StuffIt Deluxe is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. This can be one of the causes why ARJ files are not compatible with StuffIt Deluxe. The latest version of StuffIt Deluxe should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open ARJ files to StuffIt Deluxe

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate ARJ files with latest version of StuffIt Deluxe you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the ARJ file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the StuffIt Deluxe installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open ARJ files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected ARJ file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with ARJ extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the ARJ is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper ARJ file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Verify that the ARJ in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the ARJ file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the ARJ file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. ARJ file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the ARJ file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with ARJ extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the ARJ Compressed Format Archive file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run StuffIt Deluxe

If the systems has insufficient resources to open ARJ files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with ARJ Compressed Format Archive files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with ARJ files affecting older versions of given software.

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