Quick start: extracting files using WinRAR shell mode

In order to extract files using WinRAR shell mode you must first open the required archive in WinRAR. This may be achieved in one of several ways:

• double-click or press Enter on the archive name in Windows shell (Explorer or Desktop). If WinRAR was associated with archives during installation (the default installation option), an archive will be opened in WinRAR. You also may associate WinRAR with archives after installation using Integration settings dialog;
• double-click or press Enter on the archive name in WinRAR window;
• drag-and-drop an archive to the WinRAR icon or window. Before doing this ensure that WinRAR does not already display another archive, otherwise the dropped archive will be added to the currently displayed archive;
• run WinRAR from the command line with a single parameter - the archive name.

When an archive is opened in WinRAR, its contents are displayed. Select files and folders, which should be extracted. You may do this using Shift + arrow keys or Shift + left mouse button as in Windows Explorer and other Windows programs. Also in WinRAR it is possible to select files using Space or Ins keys. "Gray +" and "Gray -" keys on the numeric keypad allow the selection of groups of files using file masks.

Having selected one or more files, click the Extract To button at the top of the WinRAR window or press Alt+E , enter the destination folder in the dialog box and click on OK. This dialog box also offers a few advanced options (see Extraction path and options dialog for more information).

During the extraction process, a window will be displayed showing operation statistics. If you wish to break the extraction process, click on the Cancel button in the command window. You may press the "Background" button in this window to minimize WinRAR to the tray. If the extraction is completed without errors, WinRAR will return to the shell, in case of an error, a Diagnostic message window will be displayed.