Try WinRAR. It's safe and I think it's still free. Try searching here.

http://www.download.com/2001-20-0.html

The full version with GUI isn't free, but it's only $29. There is a free 40 day trial, though. The command line interface edition of UnRAR is free and can be downloded [[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.rarlab.c…"]here[/]="http://www.rarlab.c…"]here[/]. As to the original question... no idea. All I can say is that I have been using WinRAR for five or six years and it has never failed me.

OK thanks guys-

I ended up using this thing called Comprexx

it seemed OK, easy to use, and nothing got damaged :? 8)