The Extractor

CNET Editors' note: The Extractor includes optional bundled software that may trigger alerts from security software. The Extractor has been tested for malware by the CNET Download.com team and meets our security requirements.

CNET Editors' review

Thanks to its easy-to-use interface, this free file compression tool makes it a snap to unzip files.

The Extractor opens with a panel-style interface that is clear-cut enough for all users to understand. We especially liked the drag-and-drop functionality that let us quickly add ZIP and RAR files. We also like that the user specifies the output file. Once we clicked Go, the program instantly unzipped our file and placed the contents into our designated output folder. Our favorite feature was the Preset option that let us assign a preset task for each output folder after unzipping the file. The preset tasks included keeping folders, subfolders, and covers. If you don't want to assign presets, you can manually apply the same folder options. The Help feature is pretty simplistic and doesn't have search capabilities, but it does walk you through the program.

The fact that this functional file compression program is freeware makes it all the more appealing. We recommend it for all user levels. It cleanly uninstalled from our PC.

Publisher's Description

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All User Reviews
  • All versions:

    3.9 stars

    out of 96 votes

    • 5 star: 41
    • 4 star: 29
    • 3 star: 9
    • 2 star: 6
    • 1 star: 11
  • Current version:

    3.8 stars

    out of 25 votes

    • 5 star: 12
    • 4 star: 6
    • 3 star: 0
    • 2 star: 3
    • 1 star: 4
  • My rating:

    0 stars

    Write review

Results 1-10 of 25

  • 5.0 stars

    "East and smart"

    March 23, 2013  |   By celticscorpio

    Version: The Extractor 1.4.3.2

    Pros

    Efficient, without excess apps.

    Cons

    Have only had for a short time, nothing major yet

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  • 2.0 stars

    "Seems to crash Windows 8 Explorer"

    March 6, 2013  |   By Uniquorama

    Version: The Extractor 1.4.3.2

    Pros

    Unzips files

    Cons

    I had random freezes while browsing folders in Windows. After uninstalling The Extractor it never happened again.

    Only does a limited range of file types. No use for tgz.

    Summary

    Not worth trying. There are plenty of higher quality unzippers around.

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Saved me 45 minutes by auto-extracting 50 .rar files"

    March 2, 2013  |   By El-Flippo

    Version: The Extractor 1.4.3.2

    Pros

    *Unbelievable time-saver!
    *Intuitive, simple interface.
    *Context Menu (right-click) option to add archived file(s) to The Extractor without dragging & dropping.
    *Auto-deletes .rar file after extraction (Optional): No need to empty Recycle Bin.
    *Will output to multiple source directories.

    Cons

    As Mileunder previously stated, one has to both uncheck AND decline nagware options during Installation. I viewed my startup programs for Firefox, I.E., & Chrome (using CCleaner) after my first use. No uwanted add-ons or plug-ins were installed. Take your Time to actually READ each installation step!

    Summary

    Unconditionally recommended for power download freaks. Too bad it doesn't monitor directories for new .rar/.zip files. If it did, I would have left it in the Windows Start Menu.

    Updated on Apr 1, 2013

    Nix the Control Panel cursor tip: Single-Click Option is found by clicking the Tools dropdown list in any Windows folder > Folder Options > General Tab.

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  • 2.0 stars

    "Good ... BUT.."

    January 21, 2013  |   By mrtechfreak

    Version: The Extractor 1.4.3.2

    Pros

    Beware of Spyware with this program. I have this installed, or shall I say "HAD"... because I did use it for a while... then one day I ran my "SpyBot" (excellent program) and it removed a pile of spyware from my computer... fine... BUT , then "the extractor" did not work correctly any longer..see, the spyware is hooked into the extractor, and so it behaves strange when you remove the spyware associated with it.. shame on the developer, the prick comes in through the backdoor!

    Cons

    Use it but beware

    Summary

    ok but could use something with out spyware...

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Tricky "Extra software" but excellent extractor"

    July 27, 2012  |   By Mileunder

    Version: The Extractor 1.4.3.2

    Pros

    The extractor is the best extractor I have found, and I have used quiet a few. Its relatively quick, free, and is resource friendly.

    Cons

    When installing this software beware of the tricky add ons. There sometimes check boxes to not install "program X", but you must also click the "decline" button on bottom to not install the "program X". This is the only real fault i can find with The extractor

    Summary

    To the person who says you cannot get rid of the toolbar it is most likely installed through the browser. So uninstalling it from the program list alone wont get rid of it.

    This is the best extractor I have found, just be cautious during install. It tries to install extra programs.

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  • 1.0 stars

    "ADD SPYWARE w/o permission"

    July 27, 2012  |   By LA_Trixie

    Version: The Extractor 1.4.3.2

    Pros

    love the software

    Cons

    added spyware, adware even when I said NO...

    Summary

    make sure you go into your programs and DELETE the addition.. avoid at ALL costs

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  • 4.0 stars

    "as easy to use as falling down"

    May 27, 2012  |   By agenor12001

    Version: The Extractor 1.4.3.2

    Pros

    install and use, I've had for a month and its as smooth as silk

    Cons

    have not found any so far

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  • 1.0 stars

    "WARNING! DO NOT DOWNLOAD THIS! CAN'T UNINSTALL"

    May 20, 2012  |   By jennibrakus

    Version: The Extractor 1.4.3.2

    Pros

    THIS SOFTWARE IS GARBAGE

    Cons

    THIS COMPANY IS A LOW-LIFE C**********ING dkxoensdoo!!!!

    WHEN I STARTED THE INSTALL, I SAW THAT IT GAVE ME NO CHOICE BUT
    TO ACCEPT 'BABYLON TOOLBAR' -- I CANCELED THE INSTALL

    BUT IT 'STILL' INSTALLED THE F*****ING TOOLBAR!

    I UNINSTALLED FROM CONTROL PANEL... AND I STILL CANNOT GET RID OF THAT G** D**** TOOL BAR!!

    Summary

    THIS WEBSITE I USED TO TRUST FOR DOWNLOADS.

    CNET.COM -- ARE YOU LISTENING?

    REMOVE THIS SOFTWARE FROM YOUR DOWNLOADS PAGE!!!

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  • 5.0 stars

    "This was a keeper! This one is very good and small!"

    March 27, 2012  |   By Gonzola

    Version: The Extractor 1.4.3.2

    Pros

    I like the fact that it was small (MB) and it extracted all of the file that I had. I put it on my "thumb drive" to install on other computers later

    Cons

    None, I think it will do just fine.

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  • 4.0 stars

    "Blah interface."

    March 17, 2012  |   By RELDDAP

    Version: The Extractor 1.4.3.2

    Pros

    Actually works well but I have recently switched to Hamster because of the much neater interface.

    Cons

    Unappealing interface.

    Summary

    Works well but Hamster has a way cooler interface.

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Results 1-10 of 25

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