RA File Extension

What is RA file?

.RA file is an audio file format created by RealNetworks. This format is used to store audio data and these files are used by Real Player media files for playback. The RA file format is capable of storing audio data having low bitrate to high quality soundtracks.
One feature of RA format is that it is streaming media format which means that Real Media can play this file while downloading. The RA file is capable of storing only audio data and is famous for its low size and in early times it was the most widely used audio file format.

Programs which support RA file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support RA files. Files with RA suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 06/14/2020

How to open file with RA extension?

Problems with accessing RA may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Real Audio Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install RealPlayer software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening RA files is that no program that can handle RA files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select RealPlayer or one of the recommended programs (for example, VLC media player, J. River Media Center, KMPlayer) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support RA files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading RealPlayer installed is by going to developer’s website (RealNetworks, Inc.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update RealPlayer to the latest version

If you already have RealPlayer installed on your systems and RA files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that RealPlayer cannot handle files with RA may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of RealPlayer should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open RA files to RealPlayer

After installing RealPlayer (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open RA files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

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

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the RA file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with RA extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Ensure that the RA file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the RA file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The RA may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the RA file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the RA file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the RA file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with RA extension is complete and error-free

If the RA file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. If the RA file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Real Audio Format file.

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

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

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Real Audio Format files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle RA files.

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