Help with .rar files after 2006 please?

[gollumsfriend]

I searched the topic of .rar threads and (what I found) was posted back in 2006. So I wanted to see if there was any new info....

I'm new at this, and have only been downloading .zip files. But now there's a series that I want to read, but it's a .rar file. I don't understand how to open these files (obvious enough!). I use Windows XP if that helps.

I know there are supposed to be free programs out there to install and help with this.....right? Can someone recommend an **Easy-to-understand**, SAFE program to install for opening .rar files? THANKS!!!!!!!!

[Atenias]

First off: do you have Winrar on your pc? If not, install it.

[Isan]

Like Atenias mentioned, WinRAR is the way to go
It's safe, free and very easy~
You don't have to do anything else after installing it, it'll work just like it is for zip files.

[Lent]

Here's a link:
http://www.rarlab.com/download.htm
The program is free, you can buy a license to it but you don't have to.

[gollumsfriend]

Does it matter where I download it from? I searched a few minutes ago and was going to download it from a site called software.com. That would be ok too, right? It's still Winrar 3.8 version.

[Lent]

Yes, it's fine, but I would still do a quick virus scan on the file before installing it anyway, just to be perfectly safe.

[gollumsfriend]

I've installed WinRAR and already read a couple files using it, thanks everyone!

BUT......I have another question. ALL of my saved .zip files have been *automatically* changed (converted?) by the WinRAR program. My question is this: What will happen to these old ZIP files now converted once the 40 day free trial period of WinRAR ends? Am I not going to be able to open any of my files again, or will they automatically convert back to the original zip files they were when I downloaded them?

(I mean that all pervious ZIP files/folders are now listed with different icons and as "WinRAR zip archive"). I hope I make sense, I'm not very good at this, I'm sorry!

[Atenias]

I've installed WinRAR and already read a couple files using it, thanks everyone!

BUT......I have another question. ALL of my saved .zip files have been *automatically* changed (coverted?) by the WinRAR program. My question is this: What will happen to these old ZIP files now converted once the 40 day free trial period of WinRAR ends? Am I not going to be able to open any of my files again, or will they automatically convert back to the original zip files they were when I downloaded them?

(I mean that all pervious ZIP files/folders are now listed with different icons and as "WinRAR zip archive"). I hope I make sense, I'm not very good at this, I'm sorry!

With Winrar you can open zip as well, but if you want, then you can still use your old .zip-programm to open zip files. Right-click (with mouse) the folder and select 'Open with...'

I don't think the icons will be reverted back over 40 days, unless you remove winrar from your computer.

[gokunaruto]

Hello. Don't worry, the files aren't converted. Winrar applies this icon at all the files it can open without changing properties or formats.
Your files are still zip .

[Lent]

And to add, Winrar still works after 40 days, it just offers you a pop-up then, suggesting to buy a full version. You can still use Winrar though without buying one, you just have to click that pop-up window away.