How to Open 001 Files

How to open 001 files or extract them with 7-zip. The following simple solution covers opening or extracting split files that use numbered extensions like .001, .002, .003, .004 etc. These archived files have been "split" by number into separate parts using a "file splitter". Each numbered file contains only a part or piece of the whole program. In order for the application or program to work, the pieces or parts will need to be "joined" back together and then extracted using a "file joiner" tool.

In some cases, joining the parts will end up extracting an ISO or Bin file. In other cases, the pieces might end up making a directory of installation files for a program. Sometimes even containing the entire program in ready to run .exe "executable" form.

The main reason for splitting files is to conserve storage space. It is also worth mentioning that you cannot store a file larger than 4GB on a Fat32 filesystem. Making it necessary to split files that are beyond 4GB if they are to be stored on Fat 32.

Pro Tip: The file ending with the .001 extension contains all of the information that will open and "join" the rest of the .002, .003, .003, .004 files together, allowing its extraction.

How to open 001 files with 7-zip

You can use 7 Zip, a well known free archiver tool to open 001 files, so that the contents can be extracted. Here's how;

Download 7 Zip and then launch 7z####.exe to start the program.

  1. Browse to your file ending with the .001 extension.
  2. Right click on the file and choose 7-Zip > Extract Here
    Open 001 files - Extract 001 files with 7 Zip
  3. The contents will be extracted to the same directory that contains the .001 - .009 parts.
    All of the files from that archive should now be joined, merged, or combined to form the original program.

If the program was originally an ISO, you may end up with a .bin and a .cue file, you can then create a CD/DVD from the .bin file using your favorite CD/DVD creation software.

Note: 7z can be used to both join files (extract 001 files) or split files.