How to Properly Order RAR Files

Just like any other file type, RAR files should be ordered properly to ensure you can access them quickly and easily. With the amount of time it takes to unzip some of the larger RAR files, making sure you are unpacking the correct one is vital if time is against you. Most of the methods for arranging files are relevant for any file type, but some are useful for RARs in particular.

Instructions

1. Rename any files that have obscure or unknown names. RAR files are usually packed and zipped-up by other users who can call the file whatever they want. An obscure and abbreviated name such as "AF10" may seem relevant to them but not to you. Your own saved RARs may also be irrelevant a few months down the line if you abbreviate or shorten their full names. Rename any file by right-clicking on its icon and selecting the "Rename" option from the formatting menu.

2. Name any series of RAR files in an ordered and appropriate way. A set of financial documents for the year should not be called "Jan," "Feb," "March" and "April" because ordering them alphabetically will divide and separate them. Instead, name them numerically to guarantee they stay together and in order. For example, name a financial RAR for January 2010 as 10-01 (year-month) and one for February as 10-02 -- your PC will list them together and in order.

3. Create directory folders and divide your RARs into manageable and relevant groups. Having an explorer screen of hundreds of files can be a nightmare to navigate -- instead, create new folder directories such as "Financial," "Media" and "Work." Click and drag any relevant RAR files into their respective folders. You can also divide these folders into sub-folders such as "Video," "Music" and "Picture" inside the "Media" folder. Adding sub-folders should make your RARs easier to find.

4. Order your RARs in each folder alphabetically. Click on the "View" button in "Windows Explorer." Click the "Arrange Icons by" and "Name" options. Alphabetical order is convenient when you have a lot of financial files that are listed by date as it will ensure they are all grouped together and in order of date. It is also ideal for people who are looking for specific RAR files -- the name of what the file contains is often what you think to look for first.

Tips & Warnings

• Get into the habit of naming new RAR files with something relevant and detailed. This saves you the time you would use unzipping it later on because you will know to what the file name refers.

• You can order your RAR files in other ways, e.g., by the date modified or the size of the RAR file. The date-modified order can be useful for companies that use RARs to store customer orders.

• Avoid making any folder structures that are too complex -- keep folder categories simple and straightforward.

References

• Computer Hope: How do I Change the Name of a File or Folder?
• Microsoft: File Organization Tips - 9 Ideas for Managing Files and Folders