I’ve learned something important today, and that is never to trust the .zix file format. It is a fake format developed by a bunch of scammers under the name “WinZix”. It claims to be a super-efficient compression utility, but functions as nothing more than a file container – it doesn’t compress files one bit. It instead, loads a large party of spyware and malware on your system.
They often create garbage files (mostly AVIs) and upload them to torrent trackers, with the files neatly packed in a .zix file. First off, look for the .zix format in the files and comments for the file you are about to download. Abort immediately if a .zix file is present. While there is still a chance of the file inside being valid, you’ll do better without it.
I’ve found UnZixWin to be the most helpful so far. Its latest version, 0.0.9 also allows you to open up version 2 files, so it’s the most up-to-date, in a way. There’s also a chance that the AVI file will be “encoded” in a special video format that only a player named 3wplayer can read. That player is filled with as much crap as WinZix. UnZixWin seems to do a good job of clearing up the AVI file as well.
Most importantly, avoid the format from the start. If you see anyone using it, tell them to stop it (unless it’s perpetrated by WinZix themselves – in such cases, it should be fairly obvious. Do not seed torrents with .zix files in them. You will be doing more harm to the community than good.
the internet is full of greedy ****bags trying to steal our money in any way !!!! i understand if company’s that create software want to charge us , but if it’s stolen software of movies that’s just not right charging people !!!! **** YOU “DOMPLAYER”
the fix for ZIX http://www.kennethsorling.se/scams/zix_file_format.htm
cheers for the heads up Norton caught this shit b4 it could do anything harmful
Thanks, for the heads up, I was a bit suspicious when I downloaded a torrent and it had a few exe’s and a winzix file contained in the rar file, but you’ve confirmed it for me….Cheers!!
Eoin
Yup its all crap inside a zix file just wasted half a day downloading one stay away from zix file its all garbage.
I was just searching for WinZix today, when I ran into this. It did seem a little fishy, an obvious rip-off.
Thank god for Windows defender,NOD didnt give shit
Well I slightly have to agree Win-Def picked it up but only because of me installing it boy was i pretty pissed when i read this nowwww only how to get rid of it……wipe and reformat my HD……..or hey why not just “00″ it out sounds fun we will see!
thank you for the info
Really made me suspicious when a software I was gonna download notified me that I needed “WinZix” to open it. Luckily I searched the net for info bout WinZix before downloading it.
Gah I hate this program! Found some more info here 2 http://dotwhat.net/zix/8674/ . What do I do now, this zix program should be banned!
yup its fake ..i isntaled sooooooooooo many virusesss norton kikd asss that day….
Look:- http://forums.techarena.in/windows-update/1108316.htm
I was searching for the winzix when i found this article .
Thank you for ur info (about torrents too)
thankx dudes, i was just gng to download the winzix player until i came across here. many thankx.
i have downloaded 9 in one window torrent it says for winzix and had a web link i downloaded.
later on kaspersky starts shouting, winzix says its ok .i foolishly trust zix and pause protection like a dumb fool ,then i came to know that this is bomb planted in my pc. i think it gives all of my information to them all the time ,even my internet connection speed is halfed
really exactly halfed
BUT I SAVED MYSELF USING ACRONIS TO ALL PEOPLE I WANT TO SAY KIK ASSSS OF THIS ZIX CROWD
THESE ARE BUNCH OF THEIVES
thanks a lot …..
thanks alot for the info although mine avg has got that ball bstard on time cheers to avg
Thanks Dude,
I just completed a clean system install, d/l a crappy torrent, got a little suss with a *Zix.exe setup prog inside the rar.
My spidy senses went off, no one likes double dipping.
Thanks for setting it straight.
CHAMPION !!!
Well, there goes my chances of using YouTube Freezer. XD
thanks man .. it was really helpful
thaaanks dude