When I reinstalled my XP OS, I lost my Winrar application that was free. I did a search here and found links for Stuffit, 7-zip, and The Unarchiver, but would really like a free application of Winrar or something similar. I don’t really want one that is free only for a trial period. Does anyone have any good suggestions.
Thanks in advance.
RoRo
I use 7Zip. Popular. No problems. There are a few others, that I’ve seen other users recommend, they are probably very good, too.
One thing you may find is that whatever you replace Winrar (or Winzip) with will be a lot less of a resource hog.
Thanks Tarq56,
I found my old Winrar file and will probably install it for now since I was used to it, but am still interested in other opinions.
RoRo
Most geeks use 7-zip. Supports plenty of formats and has it’s own format(.7z) that is just darn good. 
Yes myself also use 7-zip and found it really good.
7-zip +1 so that must make me a geek
Beware of geeks bearing gifs:
http://www.thecampuscomic.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/trojanhorse.gif
The last thing I am is a geek. I wish I felt more confident about doing computer stuff. I have had computers since Windows 95 and feel fairly comfortable, but need a lot of backup for doing things new. That is why I ask questions on this forum. Everyone is so helpful.
I thank you all for being so kind.
RoRo
7-zip is a good free option. but, in my opinion, nothing beats Winrar.
I alway used Winrar and had no problem with it. Its got a lot compatibility with some differents files.
IZArc is another option. Better in my opinion. Why should we consider WinRar better?
I too give my vote for 7zip, I have tried winrar and didn’t like the interface, especially the number of entries it creates on the right click menu, but it has been some time since I had it installed. 7zip is just really easy to use.
the rar-archive has a better compression than zip-archives. it makes no difference that some other archive type is, on some file types, slightly better than rar. because, let’s face it, if you want compatibility with the rest of the world, you can only use zip or rar.
PS: and likeing/dislikeing of the interface is a matter of taste or habit. you can also choose which options you get on the right-click menu. and i can’t imagine that other archivators are easyer to use. but maybe it’s just me :).
Other programs allow configuration (of the context menu and default extensions).
Compatibility is easy if you convert to exe file. Compatibility is easy if you just install a free program on the other side.
IZarc works perfectly with zip.
when I mean compatibility I’m reffering to all the users who would be interested in your (generally speaking) files, not just a few friends.
how many out there would download an exe-file? how many would even know that it’s an archive? that’s one reason we don’t see exe-archives, but rar or zip-archives.
and here you have the compatibility issue.
IZarc is also a great option for a free archivator. but every established archivator is working perfectly with the zip-format.
I guess one of the main reasons most of us are on 7-Zip is not just because it’s a good program but it’s also free. WinRar is not. And since almost all other compression utils(winrar included) support the 7z format we are not worried about compatibility one tiny bit. At least not me…
I should also mention that windows doesn’t support the rar format natively so you have to install some sort of utility that supports it just like you do with 7z. So your argument about compatibility really holds no water does it ? You have to install additional software to support both formats …
the rar-archive has a better compression than zip-archives.You're right on the compression part but, a .zip file doesn't need a special program installed to be decompressed. It's already built into the operating system. :)
Most geeks use 7-zip. Supports plenty of formats and has it's own format(.7z) that is just darn good. :)
Then I am not a geek. Used Winzip only for 10 years.
The word Geek gave me assosiactions to another thread…
Say no more, as he said. 
Regards
HL
Dansorin, I think the others have already gave enough arguments about compatibility