Windows – simple, automated way to convert a large number of files between ZIP and RAR formats

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I have about 500 RAR archive files and 300 ZIP files that I want to burn to a DVD and give to someone else. I would like these 800 different archives to be in the same file format, so either 800 ZIP files or 800 RAR files. (Or better: have both!)

The simple solution would be to extract every archive and then compress them again in one of the new formats. Is there a better solution? Perhaps some tool that can convert the archives directly without having to extract to temporary files first?

(Side question: does it also support other archive formats?)

Best Answer

There are probably several ways to doing this, but I'm presuming you have WinRar installed on your computer so:

  • Start Winrar

  • Tools > Convert Archive (or Alt + Q)

  • Add the folder where the files you want to convert are (this will parse through and add all archives you have specified in the checkbox area)

  • Click Compression

  • Choose Archive Format: RAR or ZIP

  • OK

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