Making an archive - commonly used options

The first thing you will want to do having downloaded and installed WINRAR will be to create an archive. Here is a quick "how to " explaining the most commonly used options on the "general" tab.

Firstly select the files you want archiving. Either click on a folder or one or more files.

You select several files at once by holding down the Ctrl key and clicking on each file required.

Click the button and the general dialog TAB will appear.

The General dialog TAB

Archive name

Enter the name or browse the required path:

Profiles:

The profile button allows you to create a profile name to save your settings for another session.

Archive Format:

Chose the format you want. If ZIP format selected, some advanced options, not supported by this archive format will be disabled.

Compression method:

Compression methods:

Normal: recommended

Fastest: poorest compression
Store: archive files without compression.

Best: slowest

The features below are supported only by RAR archives.

Split to volume:

A convenient way of breaking large archives into handy media size chunks eg CD, DVD and for those living in the last Century floppy.

Update mode:

Add and replace files (default) :
Always replace archived files, which have same name as files to be added. Always add those files, which are not present in the archive.

Add and update files :
Replace archived files only if added files are newer. Always add those files, which are not present in the archive.

Freshen existing files only :
Replace archived files only if added files are newer. Do not add those files, which are not present in the archive.

Synchronize archive contents :
Replace archived files only if added files are newer. Always add those files, which are not present in the archive. Delete those archived files, which are not present in the added files.

Archiving options:

Delete files after compression : The original files will only be deleted after a successful compression.

Create SFX archive:

Creates a self-extracting archive (exe file), which can be unpacked without using any other programs. You may select the type of SFX module and set a few other SFX parameters like a destination folder in the Advanced options of this dialog.

Create solid archive

Creates a solid archive. Usually gives higher compression ratios, but applies some restrictions.

Put Authenticity verification

Put, in the archive, information concerning the creator, last update time and archive name. In archive management mode it is possible to read the authenticity information using the Show archive information.

Put recovery record

Adds the recovery record, which may help to restore an archive in case of damage. You may specify a size of the recovery record in the Advanced options of this dialog. But the default value is about 1 % of the total archive size.

Lock archive

A locked archive cannot be modified by WinRAR. You may lock important archives to prevent accidental modification.

Having chosen your options, simply hit ok, and away you go.

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