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Fix WinRAR Diagnostic Message Error

2025 ᐈ Fix WinRAR Diagnostic Message Error [Checksum Error During Extraction]

Get rid of WinRAR Diagnostic messages or Checksum errors.

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If you're trying to extract a RAR file and WinRAR is showing an error message like this:

WinRAR: Diagnostic messages

Checksum error in "[File Name]" The file is corrupt.

This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when dealing with large or important archives. Typically, this error indicates that the archive is corrupted, or that the data has been altered during transfer or storage.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the causes of this issue and guide you through multiple methods to fix it.

How to Fix WinRAR Diagnostic message Checksum error

How to Fix WinRAR Diagnostic message Checksum error

Re-download the Archive

If the error occurred while extracting a downloaded file, chances are the file got corrupted during the download process. Re-downloading the archive is often the easiest solution.

Steps:

  1. Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
  2. Use a download manager like IDM (Internet Download Manager) to help prevent incomplete downloads.

Deleting CrashRpt Folder

  1. Open the Run window on your PC,
  2. Type %localappdata% & hit OK,
  3. Now find the CrashRpt folder here and Delete this folder,
  4. Then try to extract the RAR file again,
  5. If the file is extracted successfully then stop here, but if not then try the other methods shared below.

Turn Off the Antivirus and Try to Extract

In some cases, antivirus software can interfere with the extraction process by quarantining or deleting files within the RAR archive. Temporarily disable your antivirus and try again.

  1. First of all, disable Windows Security or any other Antivirus you're using for the time being,
  2. Now extract the compressed file with WinRAR.
  3. Done!

Note: Remember to re-enable your antivirus after the extraction.

Repair the Corrupted RAR Archive Using WinRAR

WinRAR Diagnostic messages can appear because the rar file is damaged, so you need to repair it before you extract it.

WinRAR has a built-in repair tool that can sometimes fix corrupt archives. While it's not 100% effective, it’s worth a shot before trying more complicated solutions.

Steps to Repair a RAR File in WinRAR:

  1. Open WinRAR.
  2. Navigate to the folder containing the corrupted RAR file.
  3. Select the corrupted RAR file and click the "Repair" button (or use the shortcut Alt + R).
  4. In the Repair dialog, select Treat the corrupt archive as RAR (if your file is in RAR format).
  5. Click OK to start the repair process.
  6. WinRAR will create a new file with a prefix of "rebuilt." Open the rebuilt file and check if the checksum error has been resolved.

    Test with Another Extraction Tool

    Sometimes, using an alternative extraction tool can bypass the checksum error and extract your files without issue. Some tools are better equipped to handle corrupt archives.

    Popular alternatives to WinRAR include:

    • 7-Zip: Free and open-source, it often handles problematic archives better than WinRAR.
    • PeaZip: Another powerful archive manager that supports a wide range of formats.

    Simply download and install one of these tools, then try extracting the archive. These tools may not calculate the checksums in the same way as WinRAR, allowing you to bypass the error.

    What is a Checksum Error in WinRAR?

    WinRAR uses a checksum mechanism to verify the integrity of the files being extracted. When you compress files into an RAR archive, WinRAR calculates a checksum value based on the file's data. During extraction, it recalculates the checksum and compares it to the original value. If these two values don't match, you'll get a checksum error.

    The error could arise due to several reasons:

    • Corruption during download – The file might have been corrupted while being downloaded.
    • Incomplete transfer – Sometimes, interruptions during file transfers, especially with large files, can cause incomplete archives.
    • Bad sectors on storage media – Issues with your hard drive or storage device could cause data corruption.
    • Virus infections – Malware or viruses can infect files and alter their integrity, leading to checksum errors.

    Preventing Future Checksum Errors

    • Use a reliable download manager: Tools like IDM ensure that large downloads are complete without interruption.
    • Ensure a stable internet connection: Unstable connections can lead to incomplete downloads and file corruption.
    • Backup files: Regular backups of important data can save you from headaches in case of corruption.
    • Keep storage devices healthy: Periodically check your hard drives or storage devices for errors and run maintenance tasks.

    Feel free to share this post if you found it helpful or know someone who might need assistance with a checksum error!

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