I am a webmaster. My hosting agency is HostGator.com. Everyday I am taking regular backup of my website using their backup facilities. I noticed for backup they generates a file with tar.gz extension. One day I suddenly found due to some accidental delete few records get deleted from my database. What to do next? Wop let me restore my previous backup.
I downloaded the backup file with extension tar.gz. Now to restore my database I need the sql file. Which locates inside the tar.gz file. I tried many methods using windows to unzip the backup tar.gz file but sorry to say windows can’t help me. I asked few of my friends “How to unzip tar.gz file in windows?”. Few of them suggest me that tar.gz is a linux format file system. To unzip this I need a linux machine.
Understanding TAR Files
TAR, which stands for Tape Archive, is a file format used to combine multiple files into a single archive file, typically for easier storage or transmission. It is commonly used in Unix and Linux environments but can also be encountered on Windows systems. While a TAR file compresses files, it does not necessarily compress them in the same way formats like ZIP do. Instead, it simply archives them, which means that the files inside remain in their original size unless further compressed.
Why use TAR Files?
TAR files are advantageous for several reasons:
File Organization: By combining multiple files into a single TAR file, users can manage large projects more easily.
Backup Solutions: TAR files are often used for backup purposes in Unix-like operating systems.
File Transfer: They simplify the process of transferring multiple files over the internet by reducing the number of files that need to be uploaded or downloaded.
Despite their benefits, users on Windows may face challenges when it comes to extracting TAR files, as native Windows tools do not support this format. However, there are various tools available that can help users unzip TAR files efficiently on a Windows platform.
Finally, I can’t satisfied with their answers. How can it possible? There must be some ways. Then I shared the same question in Yahoo Answer. Wop. My Good luck one of the technical member get back to me with the following answer.
“Windows itself not supports tar.gz file to unzip. You have to use one third party zip unzip tool. Please take a look into 7-zip (Open source Windows utility for manipulating archives).”
Tools to Unzip TAR Files on Windows
Several tools can be used to unzip TAR files on Windows. Each tool has its own set of features and functionalities, making it important to choose one that fits your needs.
## 7-Zip
7-Zip is a free and open-source file archiver that is widely used for extracting various archive formats, including TAR.
Features:
Supports Multiple Formats: In addition to TAR, 7-Zip can handle ZIP, RAR, and many more formats.
High Compression Ratio: It provides a high compression rate, making it efficient for archiving.
Integration with Windows Explorer: Users can easily access 7-Zip functions through the right-click context menu.
How to Use 7-Zip:
1. Download and install 7-Zip from the official website.
2. Right-click on the TAR file you want to unzip.
3. Navigate to the ‘7-Zip’ option in the context menu.
4. Select ‘Extract Here’ to unzip the files to the same directory or ‘Extract to [Folder Name]’ to create a new folder for the extracted files.
## WinRAR
WinRAR is another popular archiving tool that supports a wide range of formats, including TAR. While it is a paid software, it offers a trial version that can be used indefinitely with limited prompts.
Features:
User-Friendly Interface: WinRAR has a straightforward interface that makes it easy for users to navigate through its features.
File Repair: It includes a file repair feature that can be useful if the TAR file is corrupted.
Compression Options: Users can choose various compression settings based on their needs.
How to Use WinRAR:
1. Download and install WinRAR from the official site.
2. Right-click the TAR file and select ‘Extract Here’ or ‘Extract to [Folder Name]’.
3. The contents will be extracted to the specified location.
## PeaZip
PeaZip is a free archiving tool that supports over 180 archive formats, including TAR. It is an open-source application, which makes it a reliable choice for users looking for a free solution.
Features:
Portable Version Available: Users can opt for a portable version that does not require installation.
Advanced File Management: PeaZip includes features for file management and encryption.
Cross-Platform Support: It is available for Windows and Linux.
How to Use PeaZip:
1. Download PeaZip from the official website.
2. Open PeaZip and navigate to the location of the TAR file.
3. Select the TAR file and click on ‘Extract’.
4. Choose the destination folder and confirm the extraction.
## WinZip
WinZip is a well-known file compression and extraction tool that supports TAR files among other formats. It is a paid software, but it offers a trial version.
Features:
Cloud Integration: WinZip can integrate with various cloud services, making it easy to manage files stored online.
Image Resizing: It offers options to resize images before sharing them.
User-Friendly Interface: The interface is designed to be intuitive, catering to users of all skill levels.
How to Use WinZip:
1. Download and install WinZip from its official website.
2. Open WinZip and select ‘Open’ to locate the TAR file.
3. Click ‘Extract’ and choose the desired extraction path.
4. Confirm the extraction process to view the unzipped files.
## Command-Line Tools
For users who are comfortable with command-line interfaces, Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows running Linux utilities, including the `tar` command.
Features:
Direct Use of Linux Commands: Users can utilize standard Linux tools and commands.
Flexibility: Offers advanced options for file extraction and manipulation.
How to Use WSL:
1. Enable WSL on your Windows system through the Windows Features settings.
2. Install a Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store.
3. Open the Linux terminal and navigate to the directory containing the TAR file.
4. Use the command `tar -xvf filename.tar` to extract the contents.
Followed by the above answer I searched 7-zip in Google & found the link http://www.7-zip.org. Downloaded the 7-zip app. Installed it in my Windows machine. Then selected my tar.gz file, right click on it followed by the trick of other unzip tools. Great, I found an option 7-zip in my dialog. On mouse over it show me option to convert tar.gz to tar.
Keep remember during we apply multiple zip for any file we can unzip the file in reverse sequence. I mean tar & gz are two zip formats. To get the unzip version of tar.gz file we need to first convert tar.gz to tar file. Then tar file to normal.
So using 7-zip I able to convert my tar.gz file to tar file now I repeat the same procedure. Right click on the tar file & found the option to extract tar file to normal. Did this & thanks 7-zip I got my files. Selected the sql file & uploaded it to the backup management system of HostGator. Issue get fixed. Now my site is live again. You may face the same issue that’s why feel free to share this story.
Conclusion
Extracting TAR files on a Windows system is straightforward with the right tools. Whether you choose a graphical user interface application like 7-Zip or WinRAR, or prefer the command line with WSL, each option provides a reliable way to manage TAR files. Consider your specific needs, such as ease of use, additional features, and whether you prefer free or paid solutions, when selecting a tool. With the options available, unzipping TAR files on Windows can be a seamless task, allowing you to access your archived data without complications.