The file extension PAR2 is associated with QuickPar, which is an application used to recover data. QuickPar uses an algorithm known as Reed Solomon Code to create recovery volumes for large amounts of data. The QuickPar utility is designed to convert source files into archived split versions which are a designated size known as PAR2.
PAR2 files are a compressed file type which contains split volumes of data that are used for data recovery in the event one of the files is damaged or lost. The Reed Solomon algorithm is used to verify the data volumes and repair any files which have become corrupt. PAR2 stands for Parchive 2 and is used as a backup for files that are saved with the version one of Parchive.
How to Open PAR2 Files
If you are running the Windows operating system, you can open PAR2 files using the QuickPar utility which uses the PAR version 2.0 specifications. QuickPar is available as a free download on the QuickPar.org website and is offered in eight different languages.
You can also open PAR2 files in Windows using Parchive which is similar to QuickPar and uses the Reed Solomon Code that allows for recovery of data volumes and blocks. The Parchive utility is available as a free download on the SourceForge website and is also compatible with the Linux operating system in addition to Windows.
For Mac OS X version 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or 10.7 (Lion), you can use MacPAR deluxe which allows you to open PAR2 files along with other files that are in a binary format. MacPAR deluxe for Mac is available in a free trial version on the CNET website. You can also use Ez7z, which is a file archive utility for Mac available in a demo version on the Softonic website.
For the Linux operating system, you can use PyPar2 1.4 which is a graphical frontend for Linux par2 utility. The application is written in the Python programming language and uses GTK via the PyGTK library. PyPar2 1.4 is available as a free download on the Ice Walkers website.
You can also opt to convert PAR2 files to another compressed archive format such as file extension ZIP, RAR, or 7z using a file conversion application. This allows you to open PAR2 files using a broader range of applications. There are a number of file conversion programs available as a free download on websites such as CNET and Softpedia which will convert PAR2 files for you.
You can also use an online resource such as Zamzar which will perform free file conversion. Simply log onto the website, browse for the PAR2 file, choose a new format, enter your email address, and click on Convert. Within minutes you will receive the newly converted file in your email inbox.
