How to Open Password Protected RAR File? Step-by-Step Guide

How RAR Password Protection Works?

When you set a password on a RAR file using WinRAR it encrypts the data inside the file. WinRAR 5.0 and above use AES-256 encryption standard for this purpose. Without the password you can’t view the data in the file. There is no alternative, no trick, no way around it. The only option available to open password protected RAR file is to find or recover the password using the methods in this article and then you can easily open it.

Manual Ways to Find a Forgotten RAR Password

There are two manual ways that could possibly help you recover the password to open password protected RAR file:

• Check where you received the file. If someone else created it they may have sent the password in an email, chat message or note. You can search your inbox and chats for the sender’s name and the word “password”.
• Check your saved notes. If you created the file yourself. Search for the password in your password manager and notes app. Users are likely to save a password there when they create the archive.

These quick checks help you open password protected RAR file only when the password exists somewhere you can access. If you made the file and did not share it with anyone these checks cannot help. In this case you can use a recovery tool.

Open Password Protected RAR File in 4 Steps

You can easily recover RAR file password using a recovery tool. You can use Revove’s RAR Password Recovery Tool. It is a secure recovery tool that runs locally on your computer. This tool works on both Windows and Mac. It supports WinRAR 5.0-made RAR files or higher and can recover passwords up to 15 characters. This Recovery tool works offline and does not change your original file.

Download the tool first and follow these four easy steps:

Step 1: Install the tool on your computer.

Step 2: Click Browse option and select the RAR file asking for password.

Step 3: Choose a recovery mode the Brute Force or Mask Attack according to your needs.

Step 4: Click the Recovery button and wait for the tool to finish the process.

The tool displays the password you can copy and use to open password protected RAR file.

Why a Recovery Tool Works Better Than Manual Methods

• This tool works when you have forgotten the password and it’s not saved anywhere.
• Your hints save time. When you remember even a part of the password the tool takes less time to display it.
• This tool runs offline so your files never leave your computer.
• It also handles strong protection easily. The tool supports AES-256 encryption and can recover passwords up to 15 characters in length.

Things to Avoid While You Recover RAR File Password

• Make a backup copy of the RAR file then proceed for any option.
• Keep your PC on while the tool is recovering the password. As soon as progress bar finishes open the password protected RAR file.
• Avoid using a corrupted RAR file for password recovery. You must repair it first.
• Do not try recovery using unknown online websites to recover RAR file password. They may contain harmful viruses and malware.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I open password protected RAR file without password?
Ans: No. There is no way to open it without the password. You must recover the password using the method described in this article.

Q2. Why is the RAR file showing a “wrong password” error even though I am entering the correct password?
Ans: If your RAR file still shows a “wrong password” and you think it’s the right one check for common mistakes like a turned-on Caps Lock, small typing errors, or copying extra spaces before or after the password.

Q3: How long can it take to recover a forgotten RAR file password?
Ans: It depends on the length of the password, character types and how many password hints you can provide to the recovery tool.

Q4: What should I do if my RAR file is damaged and password protected?
Ans: You must repair the damaged RAR file before trying any method. After repairing you can recover the password and open password protected RAR file.

Conclusion

There is no shortcut option to open password protected RAR file because the password completely locks the data. If you have forgotten it check if you saved it somewhere earlier. You can use a recovery tool when manual methods do not work and another important thing is always back up your files and save your passwords in a safe place for next time.