Ever become rather frustrated knowing that though you had the archive, you had no real means to extract it? Are you tired of figuring out which utility will open what? Well then, Universal Extractor is for you…it can UniExtract anything, compress or archive nothing.
By using a variety of utilities at the backend, this 5.3MB download can decompress the following file formats of archives, packages, disc images, installers and documents:
| Archive Type | File Extension(s) |
| 7-zip archive | .7z, .exe |
| ACE archive | .ace, .exe |
| ARC archive | .arc |
| ARJ archive | .arj, .exe |
| ASpack compressed file | .exe |
| BIN/CUE CD-ROM image | .bin, .cue |
| bzip2 archive | .bz2, .tbz2, .tar.bz2 |
| CPIO compressed file | .cpio |
| Debian package | .deb |
| DiscJuggler CD-ROM image | .cdi |
| Encoded files | .b64, .uu, .uue, .xx, |
| .xxe, .yenc, .ntx | |
| Gentee package | .exe |
| gzip archive | .gz, .tgz, .tar.gz |
| IMG floppy disk image | .img |
| Inno Setup package | .exe |
| Installer VISE package | .exe |
| InstallShield Cabinet archive | .cab, .1, .lib |
| InstallShield package | .exe |
| ISO 9660 CD-ROM image | .iso |
| KGB archive | .kgb, kge, .exe |
| LZH compressed file | .lzh, .lha |
| LZMA compressed file | .lzma |
| LZO compressed file | .lzo |
| LZW compressed file | .Z, .tz, .tar.Z |
| LZX compressed file | .lzx |
| MHTML file | .mht |
| Microsoft Cabinet archive | .cab, .exe, .imf |
| Microsoft Compiled Help file | .chm |
| Microsoft compressed file | .??_ |
| Microsoft LIT e-book | .lit |
| Microsoft Windows Help file | .hlp |
| HTC NBH ROM image | .nbh |
| Nero CD-ROM images | .nrg |
| NSIS package | .exe |
| Oasis Document Format (ODF) document | .odt, .odp, .odg, .ods |
| Office Open XML (OOXML) document | .docx, .pptx, .xlsx |
| Outlook Express mail archive | .dbx |
| PEA archive | .pea |
| RAR archive | .rar, .001, .exe |
| Reflexive Arcade package | .exe |
| RoboForm package | .exe |
| RPM package | .rpm |
| SetupFactory package | .exe |
| SIS (SymbianOS) packages | .sis |
| StuffIt packages | .sit |
| TAR archive | .tar, .tbz2, .tgz, .txz, .tz, |
| .tar.bz2, .tar.gz, .tar.xz, .tar.Z | |
| UHARC archive | .uha |
| UPX compressed file | .exe, .dll |
| Windows Imaging Format image | .wim |
| Windows Installer merge module | .msm |
| Windows Installer package | .msi |
| Windows Installer patch | .msp |
| Windows Update Standalone patch | .msu |
| Wise Installer package | .exe |
| XZ compressed file | .xz, .txz, .tar.xz |
| ZIP archive | .zip, .jar, .xpi, .wz, .exe |
| Zoo archive | .zoo |
Not only is it near universal in compatibility, but the developer, found at LegRoom.net, thought it fit that it support 41 languages; calling it internationalization. Like any true open source classic, contributions run both ways, and here various translators have written language pack add-ons for it, and various source codes have been openly credited by the developer – with complete lists of both found here, as well as the program’s own source and dev diary.
Here’s a look at what went through his mind when creating it:
“The original motivation behind this project was to create an easy, convenient way to extract files from various types of installation packages without the need to remember arcane command line switches or track down separate utilities to handle the unpacking. Over time, and with the encouragement of its many users and the fine folks over on the MSFN forum, it has evolved into a mature and very capable unarchiving utility that many, including myself, find indispensable.”
Not much needs to be said about the utility. It does what it does, extracts, fast. It provides all the context menu options you’d ever require, and thereby is there when you need it. Quite simply put, it deserves a promotion (with screenshots in the hall of fame).
You can download Universal Extractor v1.6.1 from here, and check out our other lifesaving Download of the Day software here.
