Solved Why do I suddenly have to pay Winzip to extract files for me?

[strongedit]

Since I've had this computer, several years, when I receive a zipped file, all I have needed to do is click on it. A message says something like, "Extract all files"? I say yes, and done.

Now, suddenly, when I click on an extracted file, an obnoxious Winzip window tells me I'm using a trial version which will expire in a few days. No, wait, it now tells me it HAS expired and I need to purchase Winzip. What's going on here?

 

[Gator]

Since I've had this computer, several years, when I receive a zipped file, all I have needed to do is click on it. A message says something like, "Extract all files"? I say yes, and done.

Now, suddenly, when I click on an extracted file, an obnoxious Winzip window tells me I'm using a trial version which will expire in a few days. No, wait, it now tells me it HAS expired and I need to purchase Winzip. What's going on here?

Winzip wasn't given the memo that there are free programs in which to compress/decompress files.

7-Zip

 

[Phone Man]

Go to Control Panel/Program & Features and see if WinZip is listed. It will show the date installed and you can Right click on it and select uninstall.

Jim

 

[derekimo]

Welcome to the forum,

Sounds like you have unintentionally installed WinZip, probably got added into an installer for a different program.

Try right clicking on a zip file and choose open with, then select windows explorer.

This should help setting it as default as well.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/12196-open-change-default-program.html

 

[LMiller7]

Winzip has always been a commercial product. As the trial is not enforced people sometimes get the impression it is free. It is not. After expiration of the trial you are required to pay for the product or discontinue use.

OEM computers often include trial versions of commercial software such as Winzip.

There are numerous free alternatives, 7-Zip being a good one.

 

[strongedit]

Thanks-problem solved

As advised I uninstalled WinZip and a little file Winzip added in called "Associated File Helper." Now when I receive a compressed file, it looks the way it used to (doesn't show WinZip's 'vise' icon) and opens the way it used to--freely and without fanfare. Thanks everyone!

 

[AddRAM]

Winzip wasn't given the memo that there are free programs in which to compress/decompress files.


:roflmao:

 

[Berton]

For a long time WinZip didn't nag to purchase it but things seem to have changed after Corel bought it, at least that's when I noticed it.
WinZip - Select an About Option