How to unrar files in Ubuntu 19.04

Introduction to Unraring Files in Ubuntu 19.04

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions, loved for its user-friendliness and extensive support community. However, like any operating system, it comes with its own set of unique tasks. One such task often encountered by users is extracting files from archives, specifically RAR files. RAR files are a common format for compressed files, allowing users to bundle multiple files into a single, smaller file. This article will explore how to unrar files in Ubuntu 19.04, guiding you through various methods with detailed explanations.

Understanding RAR Files

Before diving into the extraction process, it’s essential to understand what RAR files are. RAR (Roshal Archive) is a proprietary archive file format that supports data compression, error recovery, and file spanning. It is often used to compress large files and is particularly popular among software developers and users who wish to send smaller files over the internet.

Unlike ZIP files, which are natively supported on many platforms, RAR files typically require specialized software for handling. Therefore, users need to install appropriate tools to manage these files effectively, especially on a Linux-based system like Ubuntu.

Preparing Your Ubuntu System

Updating Your Package Manager

Before installing any new software, it’s always a good practice to ensure your package manager is up to date. Open the terminal in Ubuntu by either searching for “Terminal” in the Activities menu or using the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T.

In the terminal, type the following command to update your package list:

bash
sudo apt update

Enter your password if prompted. This command ensures that your package manager is aware of the latest software versions available for installation.

Installing Unrar

To unrar files on Ubuntu, you have a couple of options. The most straightforward way is to install a program called unrar, which is a command-line tool specifically designed for handling RAR files.

To install unrar, you can execute the following command in your terminal:

bash
sudo apt install unrar

Once the installation completes, you can check if unrar is successfully installed by typing:

bash
unrar

If the installation was successful, you’ll see a list of commands and options provided by the unrar tool.

Extracting RAR Files Using Unrar

Now that you have unrar installed, you can start extracting RAR files. Below are detailed steps and examples of how to do this effectively using the terminal.

Basic Extraction

If you want to extract a RAR file into the current directory, you can use the following command:

bash
unrar x yourfile.rar

Replace yourfile.rar with the actual name of your RAR file. This command will extract all files contained in the RAR into the present working directory.

Specifying a Target Directory

If you wish to extract the files into a different directory, use:

bash
unrar x yourfile.rar /path/to/destination/

Again, replace /path/to/destination/ with the path where you want the files to be extracted. This way, you can keep your file system organized.

List the Contents of a RAR File

Before extracting, you might want to view the contents of the RAR file. This can be done using:

bash
unrar l yourfile.rar

This command won’t extract any files; it will only list them. It’s helpful for understanding what files are inside before proceeding with extraction.

Extracting Specific Files

Often, RAR files contain multiple files or folders. If you’re only interested in extracting specific files, you can do so by specifying their names:

bash
unrar e yourfile.rar specificfile.txt

This command will extract only specificfile.txt directly into your current directory, without recreating any folder structure.

Alternative GUI Tools for Unraring Files

For users who prefer a graphical user interface (GUI) over command-line tools, several GUI applications can help extract RAR files comfortably.

File Roller

File Roller is the default archive manager in many Ubuntu distributions. It can handle various archive formats, including RAR:

1. Install File Roller if it’s not already present:

   bash
   sudo apt install file-roller

2. Once installed, you can open the application either from the Activities menu or by typing file-roller in the terminal.

3. To extract a RAR file, simply open the application, locate your RAR file, and click the “Extract” button.

File Roller makes it easy for users who may not be comfortable using the terminal.

PeaZip

PeaZip is another powerful file extraction tool, supporting various formats alongside RAR:

1. Download PeaZip from its official website.
2. Follow the installation instructions provided on the site.

PeaZip offers a robust GUI that can handle more complex extraction options compared to basic tools.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Unable to Extract RAR Files

If you receive an error message stating that the RAR file cannot be extracted, there could be several reasons:

• Corrupted File: The RAR file might be corrupted. Consider redownloading it.
• Permissions Issues: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to read the file and write to the target directory.

Unsupported RAR Version

Sometimes, RAR files might be using a newer version that your unrar tool cannot handle. In such cases, updating unrar or using an alternative tool like PeaZip can be helpful.

Summary

Extracting RAR files in Ubuntu 19.04 doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether you prefer using the terminal with unrar or opting for a GUI tool like File Roller or PeaZip, the methods covered in this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to handle RAR files effectively. As you become more comfortable with these tools, you’ll find that managing compressed files in Ubuntu becomes a seamless part of your workflow.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between RAR and ZIP files?

RAR files typically offer better compression rates and features such as error recovery, whereas ZIP files are easier to create and extract on many platforms without additional tools.

2. Can I create RAR files in Ubuntu?

Yes, you can create RAR files using command-line tools such as rar or GUI tools like PeaZip, which support creating RAR archives.

3. Is it safe to extract RAR files from unknown sources?

As with any downloadable files, extracting RAR files from unknown sources can pose risks. Make sure to run scans with antivirus software, if applicable.

4. Can I extract RAR files on Ubuntu without installing anything?

By default, Ubuntu does not include native support for RAR files, so you will need to install a tool like unrar or use a file manager that supports RAR extraction.

5. Does unrar support password-protected RAR files?

Yes, unrar can handle password-protected RAR files. You will be prompted to enter the password during extraction.

6. What should I do if I encounter a corrupted RAR file?

If you suspect a RAR file is corrupted, try redownloading it or obtaining it from another source. You can also check for repair options if supported by your extraction tool.