TAR.GZ File Extension

What is TAR.GZ file?

Files with the TAR.GZ extension contain data compressed using the gzip algorithm. These files can be managed with the built-in Unix system tool (gzip) or with external programs installed in Windows environments (e.g., WinZip). Files with the TAR.GZ extension contain data first packed into the TAR format and then compressed with the gzip algorithm. TAR.GZ files most commonly store programs and installation versions of Unix system software.

What are TAR.GZ files used for?

Files with the TAR.GZ extension are primarily used for organizing disk contents that have been designated for copying. By placing it in a file with the TAR.GZ extension, many individual documents and folders can be quickly and efficiently merged into a single cohesive archive.

Control over the packaging program can even be executed from the command line using a set of parameters. Files with the TAR.GZ extension also contain other user's private resources, such as photos, text documents, saved web pages, and even multimedia files. Although the latter will not be greatly compressed, text files will occupy significantly less space on the computer's hard drive in TAR.GZ archives than before packaging.

Programs which support TAR.GZ file extension

Files with TAR.GZ suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 03/18/2024

How to open file with TAR.GZ extension?

Problems with accessing TAR.GZ may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Compressed Tarball Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install WinZip

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports TAR.GZ files installed on the system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing WinZip or different compatible program, such as Apple Archive Utility, 7-Zip, WinRAR. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download WinZip installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit WinZip Computing, S.L. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of WinZip

If you already have WinZip installed on your systems and TAR.GZ files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why TAR.GZ files are not compatible with WinZip. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using WinZip.

Step 3. Assign WinZip to TAR.GZ files

If you have the latest version of WinZip installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage TAR.GZ on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the TAR.GZ file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where WinZip is installed, check the Always use this app to open TAR.GZ files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with TAR.GZ extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with TAR.GZ extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the TAR.GZ is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the TAR.GZ file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The TAR.GZ may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the TAR.GZ is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the TAR.GZ file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the TAR.GZ file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Verify that the TAR.GZ file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the TAR.GZ file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. It could happen the the download process of file with TAR.GZ extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Compressed Tarball Format file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run WinZip

If the systems has insufficient resources to open TAR.GZ files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Compressed Tarball Format file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with TAR.GZ files affecting older versions of given software.

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