Hello all:

I'm sure it's been asked several times before, but what is a safe, reliable source for opening .rar files? The majority of shows I want to download online are compressed in this format and I would appreciate any info. on where to go to get the tools to do so without putting my computer at risk. And yes, if its safe and FREE, that would be a bonus.

Thanks in advance for any input.

The tool doesn't matter, it's what's in the archives that could harm your PC. Anyway, did you try Winrar?

Koen, thanks for the prompt response. When possible, could you please elaborate on how this could harm my PC? I looked at Winrar - Is that the way to go? Is it safe? Forgive my ignorance, I am not the most tech-savvy guy out there!!

I cannot comment on Winrar since I have a Mac and use another utility.

Anything you download from the internets could potentially contain something that could be bad for your PC. But with music it's not very likely that this will happen, I've never heard of such a thing.

Free RAR Extract Frog works very well for me and you get a drawing of a frog while it's working. But I haven't tried any others to compare them.

7-zip, it's free, clean, and easy to use.

Thank you for the suggestions. I'll check these out and see what happens. Having the ability to open .rar files will enhance my already considerable bootleg collection nicely!!

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oldbarbarian78
Thank you for the suggestions. I'll check these out and see what happens. Having the ability to open .rar files will enhance my already considerable bootleg collection nicely!!

You bet it will. So many treasures in the Buy/Sell/Trade section. I love it there. It's a very good place to be. Fine people there too. Enjoy!

Another vote for 7-zip: [www.7-zip.org]. Install it then right click the .rar to extract files (then delete the .rar).

I use Win-zip and never had a problem. I also have Norton Security and it has been pretty dependable about flaging any software or download that is suspicious.