Fix: “Checksum Error: When Extracting with WinRAR” issue

Fix “Checksum Error: When Extracting with WinRAR” issue: When the checksum value of your archive file doesn’t match the expected value, WinRAR gives you a checksum error. WinRAR figures out the checksum value based on the contents of your archive file. This helps make sure that your file doesn’t have any broken or corrupted segments. There is nothing more frustrating than downloading a zipped folder and trying to extract the files with WinRAR, only to get a Checksum error that says you can’t extract the files.

This error usually happens when something goes wrong during the downloading process and the file loses or gains bytes. When this error comes up, you won’t be able to extract the files to your Windows or Mac device. So, what can you do to make this problem go away? Checksum error in RAR files is one of the most frustrating errors because it stops the unzipping of the folder’s contents. Don’t worry about your files that are stuck! This article shows you Fix “Checksum Error: When Extracting with WinRAR” issue.

What is a checksum error?

Checksum error in WinRAR is a RAR file error that happens when RAR files lose a few bytes or get extra bits. You can’t open RAR files in this kind of situation. But if you get a WinRAR checksum error, you don’t need to worry. You can easily fix this RAR checksum error with Remo Repair RAR software in just a few clicks. The Remo Repair RAR tool is made with powerful RAR file repair algorithms that can scan and fix checksum error, unexpected end of archive error, WinRAR Read Error, and other types of RAR file corruption easily.

Why does a checksum error occur when extracting with WinRAR?

1. Corrupted Archive: The archive itself might be corrupted due to incomplete downloads, storage errors, or transmission issues. If the archive is corrupted, the data within it may not match the original checksum values.
2. Incomplete Download: If the archive wasn’t downloaded completely, it might lead to errors during extraction. Make sure the download process finishes without interruptions.
3. Storage Issues: Problems with the storage medium (hard drive, SSD, USB drive, etc.) where the archive is stored can cause data corruption. Bad sectors or faulty storage hardware can result in checksum errors.
4. Virus or Malware: Sometimes, malicious software can modify archive files, causing checksum errors during extraction.
5. Software or Version Incompatibility: Using an outdated version of WinRAR or third-party software can lead to compatibility issues, resulting in checksum errors.
6. Memory Issues: RAM or system memory problems can cause data corruption during the extraction process.
7. Password Issues: If the archive is password protected and you’re using the wrong password, it can result in extraction errors.

Fix: “Checksum Error: When Extracting with WinRAR” issue

Re-download the Zip File

1. Right-click on the file you want to open.
2. Select “Delete.”
3. Go back to your browser and download the file again.
4. Once you’re done, extract it again and look for the checksum error.

Repair Archive in WinRAR

1. Right-click on the file you want to open.
2. Select WinRAR Archiver from the Open With menu.
3. Press (Alt + R) and click on your file to fix it. You can also go to the Tools tab and choose Repair Archive from there.
4. When the process is done, extract your file once more.

Use 7-Zip

1. Go to the site for 7-Zip.
2. Download the 32-bit or 64-bit version.
3. Install the software after downloading.
4. Right-click on your ZIP or RAR file.
5. Choose 7-zip > Extract file / Extract here / Extract to.
6. Select the destination for extraction.
7. Your file will be moved to the chosen location.

Enable the ‘Keep Broken Files’ Option

1. Right-click on the file you want to open.
2. Select Extract Files.
3. Check the box next to “Keep broken files” under “Other” on the General tab.
4. Click OK, and then extract your file once more.

How to prevent checksum errors in the future

1. Use Reliable Sources: Always use official and reliable sources to download files, especially software. There are less likely to be corrupted files on trusted websites and in official software repositories.
2. Verify Download Sources: Checksum values are given by many websites for the files they host. Compare the checksum given to you with the one you make after downloading the file to make sure it is complete.
3. Checksum Tools: To make and check checksums, use dedicated checksum tools. md5sum, sha256sum, and other similar command-line utilities are common tools. Checksum calculations are also built into some file management software.
4. Use Protocols That Check for Errors: When transferring files over a network, use protocols that check for errors, like TCP/IP. During data transmission, these protocols look for and fix errors on their own.
5. Error-Correcting File Formats for Archiving: When archiving files, use error-correcting formats like RAR or 7-Zip. These formats can fix data that has been damaged inside an archive.

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