.TAR File Type
File extension: TAR or .tar
Description: Tape Archive Files
Author of the .tar file extension: Unix
Category: Archive
Programs that use the .tar file type: Linux Tar, WinZip, Stuffit Expander, PicoZip, WinACE, and AL Tools ALZip. Most programs that can open .zip files are capable of opening .tar files.
Explanation of .tar file extensions:
The .tar file extension is a type of archive that is not compressed like other archive files such as ZIP files. Multiple files are stored as one single archive using the Unix tar program. Because .tar files are not compressed automatically, they are sometimes compressed using Gnu Zip which appends the file extension with the .gz file extension. If you see a file with the extension .tar.gz, then you know it is a .tar file that has been compressed using Gnu Zip.
Typical problems associated with the .tar file extension:
One of the most common problems with .tar files is when you do not have a utility installed that is capable of unzipping the file. Most programs that can handle .zip files are capable of opening .tar files.
Another problem includes file corruption and infection.
Solutions/Recommendations:
If you receive a .tar file from a trusted source and need to open it, you must have a program such as WinZip installed on your computer. If you have an appropriate program but double clicking the .tar file leads to nowhere, you may have a broken or unknown file association. A registry cleaner can resolve many common .tar errors including file association errors as well as file corruption. If you want to create your own, manual file association, all you need to do is choose “Open with” when Windows alerts you to the problem of not knowing which program to use (or go into Windows Explorer and find the .tar file and right-click it before choosing “Open with”). Once you’ve found this option, browse the list for a program that is capable of opening .zip files such as WinZip. If desired, check the box that makes this the default program for opening .tar files.
Associated links:
WinZip
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