TAR File Extension

What is TAR file?

TAR is a file extension associated with standard Unix data archive format. TAR files are supported on most modern operating systems. TAR doesn’t use any compression, which results in significantly faster packing and unpacking times. TAR is a rudimentary container that stores multiple file in a single archive. Most e-mail scanners have no trouble with scanning TAR archives.

TAR and compression

TAR are commonly compressed using additional archiving tools. The most popular such tool is GNU ZIP. TAR files compressed with GNU ZIP use TAR.GZ extension (file_name.TAR.GZ). TGZ files are very similar to TAR.GZ. Most archiving tools automatically extract TAR when they are compressed.

Programs which support TAR file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with TAR files, divided into 3 categories based on operating system on which they are available. TAR files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 02/02/2024

How to open file with TAR extension?

Being unable to open files with TAR extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Consolidated Unix Format Archive files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with TAR files.

Step 1. Get the WinZip

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening TAR files is that no program that can handle TAR files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing WinZip or different compatible program, such as ALZip, WinAce, PeaZip. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support TAR files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download WinZip installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit WinZip Computing, S.L. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of WinZip and update if needed

You still cannot access TAR files although WinZip is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of WinZip installed, it may not support TAR format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using WinZip.

Step 3. Associate Consolidated Unix Format Archive files with WinZip

If you have the latest version of WinZip installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage TAR 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 TAR file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where WinZip is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open TAR files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected TAR file open the file menu and choose Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select WinZip and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with TAR extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

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

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the TAR file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The TAR 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 TAR file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. TAR file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic TAR file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with TAR extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Check whether your system can handle WinZip

If the systems has insufficient resources to open TAR 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 Consolidated Unix Format Archive files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with TAR files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the TAR file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on TAR file.