Can't extract to obtain the 3DS or CIA file in the first place.

[jellevandereerden]

When I download an encrypted rom, I obtain an .RAR or .7z file.
Normally I should feed the batch file with a .3DS or .CIA file, but I cannot even extract my downloaded file to receive such format.
When trying to extract the .RAR or .7z file, I have to submit the encryption key.
Trying to submit the .RAR or .7z file in the decryption tool, does not work... obviously.
Is there a way to bridge this step, so that I can get my .3DS or .CIA file?
Can I submit my .RAR or .7z file inanother way so that it can decrypt it?
Can I download .3DS or .CIA files immediate in another way?

[SwirlingCoffee]

1. Don't download ROMS unless there is no other option, not only for ethical reasons, but security reasons as well. I only trust 2-3 sites.
2. How are you trying to decrypt the .RAR and .7z files? If you aren't using 7zip, use 7zip. You can just right-click a file once installed, click extract file, and it will turn into a regular folder. The CIA, .3DS or .trim.3DS file will be in there. Follow the matifeder's steps from here.

[jellevandereerden]

I used winrar to extracting the .7z file. I know that it normally should pop up a folder with the exact same name etc. But the thing is that its asking for the encryption key in the extraction step, which is weird to me. Normally you should be able to extract like normal and then have to decrypt the extracted file. I encounter the problem a step earlier, not sure how to solve it.