CNET Editors' review
Much like ZIP files, RAR files are a type of compressed archive file that allows users to transmit large amounts of data in a more compact format. Also like ZIP files, RAR files need special software to be opened. RAR File Open Knife - Free Opener is a basic RAR utility that lets users open RAR files quickly and easily.
The program's interface is basic and a little goofy, featuring a large image of a knife with an ornately carved handle. To un-RAR a file, users simply drag and drop the file onto the program's interface, right-click the file to access RAR File Open Knife from the context menu, or double-click the file to start RAR File Open Knife automatically. The program worked just fine, quickly unpacking everything we threw at it. The built-in Help file is quite lengthy and is really just an unorganized FAQ, although it does provide plenty of information about RAR File Open Knife and RAR files in general. There's even a link to a video tutorial. Our only real complaint about the program was that it's being used as an advertising vehicle for its creator's other projects; three tabs in the interface labeled Gifts, Thanks, and Appreciation contain links to screensavers, e-books, and wallpaper. Although all of this is free, it takes up more space in the program's interface than the program's actual features do. A less cluttered and more professional interface would be an improvement.
RAR File Open Knife installs and uninstalls without issues. We recommend this program to all users.
Publisher's Description
From Philipp Winterberg:
RAR File Open Knife is not a Swiss Army Knife. It is rather like a precious steak knife: very specialised and efficient. The tool only opens RAR archives. As fast as possible. One can open a RAR file by drag'n'drop, double click or shell integrated context menu. To speed the process up, RAR File Open Knife has the option to define a default output folder and a default password. If selected, RAR File Open Knife automatically creates new subfolders for each RAR archive it opens. The new folders are named automatically after the archive being opened.
What's new in this version: Version 2.40 includes the following improvements:
- Improved wizard dialogs
- Improved online FAQ pages
- Improved password list feature
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 9 votes
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Current version:
3.6 starsout of 7 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-7 of 7
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"Product works fine, but IT CONTAINS MALWARE!!!"
Version: RAR File Open Knife - Free Opener 2.40
Pros
Unzipped RAR file just fine, put files where I wanted them.
Cons
The software installed a Babylon search bar in all my browsers and set Linkury to be the default search. Real pain to remove this malware.
Summary
DO NOT DOWNLOAD! Very disappointed in CNET for not policing this better.
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"In a blink..."
Version: RAR File Open Knife - Free Opener 2.40
Pros
Typical installation; performance/extraction is quick and easy.
Cons
Since this is the first time I have encountered .rar files, and a 14-page product manual wasn't a big challenge, I don't know what the real capability is of this program.
Summary
Per custom, I like to download User Guides prior to purchasing anything these days. So the guide for some gadget I'm looking at downloads in .rar, about which I know nothing. CNET to the rescue, and RAR Open Knife spits out a handy little .pdf for two seconds effort on my part. I wonder if I'll ever need it again?
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"great product.very easy to use.yes.recomend!!!"
Version: RAR File Open Knife - Free Opener 2.40
Pros
very easy to use.so simple its not funny.no complaint what so ever.love it.
Cons
i didnt find one thing wrong with it.its just so simple to use.
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"Great program that does what it claims."
Version: RAR File Open Knife - Free Opener 2.40
Pros
Everything from download to install to opening files is quick and easy.
Ease of use is A+. Also set up options are easy and clear.
It has opened everything I threw at it no problem.Cons
None so far.
Summary
If RAR has been any problem for you, this is what you need.
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"So good software"
Version: RAR File Open Knife - Free Opener 2.40
Pros
So easy for use.
Cons
It prevent from opening damaged rar files.
Summary
If you really open and use rar files than you have to use it...
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"OK when it works, bad when it doesn't."
Version: RAR File Open Knife - Free Opener 2.40
Pros
Quickly and easily extracted a couple of dozen folders.
Cons
Got itself in a lopp and couldn't even be Task Manager ended when it got an archive it couln't handle.
Summary
When it works it's good but when you give something it can't deal with it does not handle failure well at all. Very, very badly in fact.
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"Handy tool"
Version: RAR File Open Knife - Free Opener 2.40
Pros
Easy to use. Extracts RAR files easily.
Cons
Will not open damaged RAR
Summary
Handy free tool. If you need to open RAR's then download.
Works on Windows7 64bit
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