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Resolved Question

exe.exe

Nov 14, 2011 11:31AM PST

I have downloaded 7zip and pea zip from cnet .They both have "exe.exe" extension and I have heard that files or software with "exe.exe" extension could harm a computer .Is it true.If it so then are there any other free software that i can use to unzip files.I don't want to use winzip as i am looking for freeware.
Thanks in advance!

Discussion is locked

chitraroopa has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Sounds like the CNET Download wrapper.
Nov 14, 2011 1:23PM PST

Do you see a "direct download" under the big download button?

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exe.exe
Nov 14, 2011 6:16PM PST

Yes, I do...

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(NT) Then better click that.
Nov 14, 2011 6:29PM PST
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Thanks!
Nov 16, 2011 12:30PM PST

Thanks it worked. Happy

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Answer
Probably it is the CNET download wrapper
Nov 14, 2011 10:38PM PST

Hi, CNET wraps most of its listed software in its own download manager, that is basically a small executable that starts and manages the download from CNET servers.
I.e. the CNET's file for PeaZip should be named cnet2_peazip-4_1_WINDOWS_exe.exe, that does not have double .exe extension - there is .exe extension and the filename ends in _exe.
Double extension is usually considered a warning sign as some malware exploits the "hide extensions for known file types" Windows' function, naming i.e a file something.txt.exe: the system hides the .exe extension and the user is tricked to consider the executable as an harmless .txt file, as it reads the visible file name as something.txt.
It is an intrinsic social engineering vulnerability of the otherwise useful function of hiding filename extensions.

You could also avoid using CNET's wrapper clicking on "Direct Download Link" under the download button, that link downloads the installer as deployed by the developer of the application you are looking to.

In any case, both CNET's download wrapper and third parts installers are scanned for malware, as reported by CNET policy.