Nintendo DS Compressed Archive Format files often have the CARC extension. You must use different applications to handle them. The CARC format was developed for the Tahaxan app by Nintendo. Reading or changing CARC files is often done in Tahaxan. Here are tools to work with CARC files: CARC File Opener and CARC File Converter. If NarcTool is installed but you still cannot access CARC files, update the software. By updating, software creators add compatibility with newer formats. Older versions of NarcTool may not support CARC format. The most recent version can handle older supported formats.
Tips to open CARC files and programs that support them:
CARC files can be extracted from NDS files using NarcTool, Taxahan or other Nintendo editors. They can be decompressed into NARC files to browse and edit. Although rarely in Wii games, CARC files are used in Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort.
You likely need to update the application you normally use to open CARC files. Only the latest versions support the current CARC format. You should also check CARC files for viruses by scanning with antivirus software.
Problems that block opening CARC files:
– Corruption of the CARC file being opened
– Incorrect registry entries linking to the CARC file
– Accidental CARC description deletion from the Windows registry
This explains formats to open and use CARC file extensions. Note multiple uses of the CARC extension will be addressed separately. In game development, CARC files refer to Nintendo’s archive format. CARC files are seen in games for Nintendo DS, Wii and Switch.
Be careful with CARC files from unknown sources. Harmful software or malware may create them. CARC extensions are often given incorrectly.
To associate an application with CARC files, manually edit Windows Registry HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT keys. An easier way is to right-click the CARC file, choose Open With, select an application, then make it the default.
We try to assist with handling CARC files. Many share them without explaining how to use them. This page offers guidance on editing, converting or printing CARC files.
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