WinZip no longer free?

[sidmel]

Just got a new computer and was going to download and install the latest version of WinZip and it told me I only had a 21 day trial period at which time I would have to purchase it. When did this happen and does anyone know were I can still get the older 8.1 version? I always remember being able to use WinZip to unpack files and you had the option to purchase if you wanted the full version.

I've tried some searches and all the download links to the old 8.1 are no longer valid.

Argh...you'd think we were in a capitalistic country or something.

[Nicolas]

Don't panic.

Even without cracking or altering your clock, it just sais "this is a 21 day evaluation version. You have been Using winzip for [counts up] 217 days"

Depending on how long you've been using it. Sometimes it says "You've used WInzip to view 2133 archives"

But it keeps on working for me. At least, the last time I installed it (some months ago). As long as I know it, it has the 21 day remark in it.

[teddyv]

I have been using Winzip 7.1 (free) for years now.

[Nicolas]

Indeed, I used to have 7.1 for "always" too.

Besides, can't winXP handle ZIP in itself? I had to download it for a Win98 PC, and I like to keep it separate on an XP pc too. I don't know which version I have now, but they are all free here.

[sidmel]

I bought a refurbished Dell GX150 and installed Win2000 on it, not a big fan of XP until they do a bit more work on making it secure and a little less buggy. I think I may have an old 7.x or 6.x version of WinZip on a CD somewhere, I was just hoping I wouldn't have to go through boxes of stuff trying to track it down and hoping it's not damaged.

[Nicolas]

I think you can keep using the new internet version jsut fine.

[Tranquility]

If you have WinXP, zipping files is built into the OS. To unzip files you just right-click, and choose Extract. To zip files, you just right click on the folder or the files you want to zip, and choose Send To, and in the list choose Compressed Folder.

[Ut]

Umm... since when has WinZip been free? It's always been a commercial product with a non-time limited, nag screen implimented shareware version.

[Nicolas]

Yes, but it has exaclty the same functionality right? I can zip and unzip in all kinds of "strengths" and I thought I could make auto extracters as well, and make presized cabs.

[Ut]

Having not used Winzip since, like, Winzip 5, I've no idea.
/me pets his copy of WinRAR.

[Tranquility]

Having not used Winzip since, like, Winzip 5, I've no idea.
/me pets his copy of WinRAR.

WinRAR isn't free either :D

[Ut]

WinRAR isn't free either :D

No, but it's better ;)

[Avatar28]

There are free unzipping programs that you can get, many of which I believe are supposed to be even better than Winzip. Don't sweat it.

Sidmel, at this point I'd say that WinXP is probably as secure as Win2K. Especially since XP is modified from 2K. In someways it's probably more secure. SP2 went a LONG way towards what you're wanting I think. Most of the exploits are either in OLEXP or IE or tend to affect both o/ses, sometimes in slightly different ways, but the same basic holes.

[sarongsong]

...it told me I only had a 21 day trial period at which time I would have to purchase it...
In my 6.3 Version, I hit the "I Agree" button ASAP after the opening screen appears, stopping the "days used" counter in its tracks, then continue on.
If I let the "days used" counter run to its conclusion, I just shut it down and re-open it to hit the "I agree" button quicker.

[tmosher]

I'm running 9.0 SR-1 and it doesn't have a counter on it - just an annoying purchase option which I ignore.

Tom

[frogesque]

Uses Power Archiver 2004, similar nag about registration but just click on 'I agree' and it goes away

[Padawan]

The only annoying thing I experiance after the trial period has expired is that when I wanna zip/open a file, it asks me to buy it. However I can still use it, as I imagine others can

[Maksutov]

WinZip has never been free; it's just been treated as if it were. Most (if not all) of its versions don't disable after a period of time; they just nag and nag. The end result is software that appears to be free but really isn't. It's actually non-crippled (but time-nagged) shareware.

For zip/unzip software that's completely free, contains no nags or any other irritations/limitations, and does everything WinZip does and more, go here and take your pick (more duckies means better ratings) (http://www.nonags.com/nonags/ziputil.html).

I use ZipGenius. It's absolutely free and incredibly versatile.

[mike alexander]

Hey, cool! I'll have to try this, it looks like it even makes sense. Thanks, Maksutov.

[Tranquility]

I use a program called 7-Zip. It's freeware, and when you install it, it doesn't actually put a shortcut in the start menu. It adds options to test an archive, create an archive, or add to an archive. And it can create and unzip .rar, .ace, or .zip files (and a slew of others).

[Nicolas]

[double posting]

[Nicolas]

WinRAR comes with a message after 21 or 30 days, but keeps on working here. Winzip always worked, always had the splash screen. I could use it even after the counter had gone all the way to day 7 zillion :). The only thing was that the "buy now" and "start using winzip" buttons would swap from time to time, so you actually had to look for a second before you started. I have used no cracks or clock tricks for theses programs.

[Maksutov]

You're welcome, mike!

No Nags is a great site. Lots of stuff in there, all of which has been evaluated and certified virus (and nag) free. Have fun.

[frogesque]

You're welcome, mike!

No Nags is a great site. Lots of stuff in there, all of which has been evaluated and certified virus (and nag) free. Have fun.

Haven't time for a proper rummage but that looks to be a brilliant site. Thanks from me also.

[sidmel]

Thanks for the site! I like duckies...and good free ware.

And yes, I realize WinZip has never been really free and has the annoying nag screen. It was just the first time I've every went to their site to download the program and they came up with the you have 21 days to evaluate the program before it will be disabled. I just 'assumed' they had finally decided to force purchase, you know what they say about assuming.