FIRST - Set Your Options Correctly
Open WinRar
OPTIONS --> SETTINGS --> COMPRESSSION --> CREATE DEFAULT --> GENERAL
(Ok now that we're there, here's what you do next)
But 1st --> Realize that everything you set on the default profile will occur everytime you rar files. So if you only need a password occasionally, or other special settings, then create another profile for those purposes. You can change which profile you need to use when WinRar is open. The Default profile is used otherwise, such as when using WinRar from the context menus in explorer.
General tab:
Archive format RAR
Compression method BEST
Size (enter in BYTES the size you want as the max single Rar file). I use 51,200,000 (50,000 KB x 1024). But chose your max size as you wish.
Update method ADD AND REPLACE FILES
Archiving options: check > PUT RECOVERY RECORD
Archiving options: check > TEST ARCHIVED FILES.
Archiving options: check > DELETE FILES AFTER ARCHIVING ( unless you want your HDD to fill up with the rars & the original files for some reason)
Archiving options: do NOT check > Put authenticy verification, as this can be a source of Error Messages being generated upon extraction.
Archiving options: check > Create SFX ONLY if you don't expect the person getting the files to have WinRar. Otherwise leave it UNCHECKED.
Archiving options: do NOT check > Create Solid Archive. This can cause problems in certain cases.
Archiving options: do NOT check > Lock Arhive. This has NOTHING to do with a password.
Advanced tab:
Recovery Record --> You can leave it at 1%. Only set it higher if you expect the rar files to have a high risk of corruption. (Very bad internet connections, or use on floppy disks, etc)
All else can be left alone. Don't bother with the Compression button.
Files Tab
File Paths --> STORE RELATIVE PATHS. (Unless you have a specific folder you want the files to be extracted to. Such as c:\program files\No Name Appz\link catcher).
The rest leave alone
Backup Tab
No need to change anything.
Time Tab
Files to Process -> OF ANY TIME
Comment Tab
Whatever comment you enter there will be shown on the right hand pane when WinRar opens yer Rar files. Think of something fun, catchy, interesting. I always mention that the files have recovery record set, so if they are corrupted in transfer, the person knows to use REPAIR function.
Click OK, You have now created your default profile.
==========================================================================================================
HOW TO CREATE A PASSWORDED PROFILE, which will NOT be the default:
Open WInRar
Click the ADD Icon
ADVANCED --> Push the SET PASSWORD Button
Check the SHOW PASSWORD box, so you can see what you have typed and also copy/paste it to wherever you need it, such as on your post.
Now only one box will be open to enter the password. COPY/PASTE it to a txt file. I call mine WinRAR_Password.txt. Do this IMMEDIATELY afer entering it, before closing that window, or you may be very sorry later.
Enter the password. It is CASE SENSITIVE. If the password is 8 or more alpha-numeric characters, no one will be able to hack it. Unless they own a super-computer. Avoid using words that are found in dictionaries.
Check the encrypt file names box. That way, even if some nasty person obtains your Rar file, they won't know what is in it, especially if the name you give the rar file is "Grandma_pix.rar" or whatever.
Back to GENERAL tab --> PROFILES button --> Save Current Settings to a New Profile
Enter the name of this profile. For example if the passwd is ONLY IT WORMS, You might name the profile ONLYITWORMS. Only you will see this profile name. It does not go into the rar files made from it.
Do NOTHING more, do NOT set this as default profile.
Click OK --> Click OK again.
Now You have a Passworded Profile.
==========================================================================================================
HOW TO USE the PASSWORD PROFILE
Note --> Everything you set on the default profile will occur everytime you rar files. So when U need the password profile, follow these instructions. The Default profile is used otherwise, such as when using WinRar from the contest menus in explorer.
Open WinRar
Browse to the files/folders you want to Rar with Password.
Highlight all files/folders to be included.
Press the ADD button.
GENERAL tab --> PROFILES button
Scoll down to the profile whcih has the password set. In my example ONLYITWORMS
Click OK
The files are Rar'd. You can check if you did all correctly by opening the rar files, and seeing if a password is required.
Until you change back to DEFAULT profile in this same method, or close WinRar, all Rar'z you create after this will have a password.
==========================================================================================================
HOW TO REPAIR A CORRUPTED RAR FILE:
With Win Explorer create a sub folder REPAIRED
Open WinRar, browse to the folder with the damaged Rar file(s). You can find which one is bad by selecting the 1st RAR file and using TEST button.
Select the damaged file, press REPAIR button.
In dialogue box, enter the path to the REPAIR subfolder, or browse to it.
As long as there is a RECOVERY record in that Rar, it will be repaired.
Copy all the NON-DAMAGED rars to your repair folder and rename the REPAIRED file back to it's original name.
Proceed with extraction in the REPAIR folder as normal.
==========================================================================================================
MISC TIPS:
If you select a folder to Rar, later when you extract it inside that folder, You will end up with nested folders of same name. (We've all seen this often when extracting rars).
So Instead, go inside the folder, select all the filezs & sub-folderzs. Now you have a rar inside just one folder.