ZIX?

[LovePimple]

Does anyone have any information about this ZIX format?

http://www.winzix.com/


It seems quite fast, but compression is not very good.

A10.jpg > 841,862
AcroRd32.exe > 1,732,470
english.dic > 1,049,505
FlashMX.pdf > 3,832,502
FP.LOG > 1,449,512
MSO97.DLL > 2,189,594
ohs.doc > 1,009,204
rafale.bmp > 1,261,723
vcfiu.hlp > 847,645
world95.txt > 873,623

Total = 15,087,640 bytes

ENWIK8 > 36,548,978 bytes


Update: I strongly advise you not to use any executables from the WinZix site without first reading ALL posts in this thread.

BEWARE!!!

[Nania Francesco]

Good Speed! Compression normal!

[encode]

I think this is something Deflate-based, probably this is just even renamed ZIP archive. (like EAZ)

[Vacon]

Hello everyone,

there has been a feature-request in 7-zip's forum, in which the requester talked about that you have to install a program that contains adware to get hands on the content (not sure if it loads something from the internet).
Have a look here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winzix
I cannot see any benefit from Winzix for users compared to FreeArc, PIM, 7z, CCM, Turtle, or what ever innovative programs are introduced in this forum here, because the files he talks about are zix-archives in a rar-file...
Or does it pre-compress content-files?

Best regards!

[encode]

Very suspicious proggie, I highly recommend - do NOT install it on your PC!

[LovePimple]

The WinZix FAQ:

FAQ - Frequently asked questions
How can I extract files?
If you downloaded a .zix file and want to extract it. The easiest way is to first install WinZix, then double-click on the .zix file and let it open up WinZix. Then select the files you want to extract and press the "Extract" button in the toolbar on top.

How can I uninstall WinZix?
WinZix can be uninstalled like any other software on your computer. In Windows XP, click on "StartControl Panel" and select "Add/Remove Programs". In the list that will be displayed, select "WinZix", click on "Remove" and follow the instructions. WinZix will be completely uninstalled quickly from your system.

Does WinZix contain virus/spyware/trojans?
No!

WinZix is financed by advertising and will display 4-5 pop up ads on your computer every day while using the software. We do not collect any personal information from our users. The advertising can easily be stopped by uninstalling WinZix and the sponsor software. If you only uninstall the sponsor software you can continue to use WinZix without any ads.

How can I uninstall the sponsor program?
To uninstall the sponsor, simply go in the "Add/Remove Programs" window, select "Cidhelp" and follow the instructions.
If the sponsor was installed but damaged by a third party program, the uninstaller will inform you of the problem. In that case, the easiest procedure is generally to disable your anti-adware/spyware, reinstall WinZix with its sponsor and launch the uninstaller again, this will ensure that nothing interferes with the proper uninstallation of the program. When launched, the sponsor?s uninstaller will simply ask you to confirm the number displayed on screen and will then proceed with the uninstallation. You can then re-enable your anti-adware/spyware product and contact them about the problem you experienced because of their improper removal of Cidhelp files.

Will you support Mac?

[encode]

Too many claims that it's free and contains no spyware. What do you think?

[LovePimple]

What do you think?

It does seem more than a little suspicious!

There is also a console version available:

Zix > Expert users

[Vacon]

Hello everyone,

yup, commandline-version for compression!
err... and decompression...?
Should be easy to build one, but where to put additional-ware...?

Best regards!

[LovePimple]

I agree with Ilia on this one!

I would recommend using something like Sandboxie if anyone would like to try WinZix.

[Black_Fox1]

Several weeks ago a friend of mine tried this. He strongly disrecommends using it, as it installs trojan downloader, which is hard to remove. And for his files it even didn't compress, only added application header.

[LovePimple]

And for his files it even didnt compress, only added application header.

Clearly this has changed with the release of version 2.0.

[Black_Fox1]

Well, maybe I mixed wikipedia entry with his experience But I remember clearly he spent some hours cleaning his system of the very version 2.0

[LovePimple]

But I remember clearly he spent some hours cleaning his system of the very version 2.0

Thats why I always use Sandboxie to test ANY (even console) new programs. After you finished testing, just delete the sandbox and all traces are gone!

[LovePimple]

More information on Zix here:

http://andrewu.co.uk/tools/unzixhta/

and here.

http://www.ekriirke.com/Tools/UnZIX.htm

I have also read that WinZix (and possibly the latest console version) has Virtumonde embeded in the executable. VirtuMonde is an adware program that downloads and displays popup advertisements. It periodically makes an HTTP connection to virtumonde.com, on port 80 or 8081, to download commands and popup advertisements.

There are a great many variations of VirtuMonde which can make it quite difficult to detect and remove.

I would advise you to scan for VirtuMonde if you have tried any programs from the WinZix site without being protected by something like Sandboxie.

[Kane]

i didnt read any thread before getting this software...now i have installed it and but then unistalled it...how do i stop the ads popping up

[LovePimple]

Try this...

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4954.html