TAR.Z File Extension

What is TAR.Z file?

TAR.Z filename suffix is mostly used for Tar.Z Compressed Archive files. Files with TAR.Z extension may be used by programs distributed for Mac OS, Windows platform. TAR.Z file format, along with 619 other file formats, belongs to the Archive Files category. The most popular program for handling TAR.Z files is ZipZag, but users can choose among 1 different programs that support this file format. Software named ZipZag was created by Gabriel Valentin Cristescu. In order to find more detailed information on the software and TAR.Z files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support TAR.Z file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with TAR.Z files, divided into 2 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with TAR.Z 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.

How to open file with TAR.Z extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening TAR.Z files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with TAR.Z files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Download and install ZipZag

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening TAR.Z files is that no program that can handle TAR.Z files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing ZipZag or different compatible program, such as The Unarchiver. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support TAR.Z files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading ZipZag installed is by going to developer’s website (Gabriel Valentin Cristescu) and downloading the software using provided links.

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

If the problems with opening TAR.Z files still occur even after installing ZipZag, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of ZipZag is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of ZipZag installed, it may not support TAR.Z format. The most recent version of ZipZag is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open TAR.Z files to ZipZag

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate TAR.Z files with latest version of ZipZag you have installed on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the TAR.Z with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• 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 ZipZag installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open TAR.Z files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected TAR.Z file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select ZipZag and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with TAR.Z extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

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

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

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

Should it happed that the TAR.Z is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the TAR.Z file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the TAR.Z file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the TAR.Z file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Tar.Z Compressed Archive file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle ZipZag

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support TAR.Z files. Close all running programs and try opening the TAR.Z file.

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 Tar.Z Compressed Archive files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle TAR.Z files.

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