Overview

PeaExtractor is a free file archive extraction utility that can handle over 150 different file archive extensions including 7Z, ACE, CAB, BZ2, ISO, GZ, PAQ, PEA, RAR, TAR, ZIP, and ZIPX. The software is open-source, so there are no nag screens and no payment expected after a 30 day trial period.

The idea behind the software is that it can replace a reliance on other software like WinZip, WinRar, PeaZip and 7-Zip each of which have their list of loyal followers.

The application window may surprise many because it invites the user to simply drag and drop a suitable archive over to the PeaExtractor application and it will immediately set about unpacking the file archive. No muss, no fuss essentially.

Because of the simplicity of the model for this open-source software, there is no in-archive browsing of unpacked file archives, searching through archives for files, adding files to existing file archives or creating entirely new ones. This pony only has the one trick (unpacking) but it aims to do that very quickly, simply and with support for as many different file archive formats as possible.

With that said, there are a few options which can be quietly configured like the output directory for unzipped archives, a prompt for a password on password protected file archives, support for custom filters on select archive types, etc.

The software has also been translated into 29 different languages to make it as internationally focused as possible.

Installation

The installation of the software went off without a hitch.

There was no adware, toolbars, malware or spyware included with the setup package.

PeaExtractor requires Windows 98, 2000, Vista, XP, 7 or Windows Server (32-bit and 64-bit versions supported).

Interface

The interface comprises a space to drag and drop file archives on to. The software then sets about unpacking the file archive.

There are a few selectable options like what the output folder should be. When a password is needed to decrypt and unpack a file archive then this will also be prompted also.

Pros

• File archiver that only deals with unpacking
• Handles password protected file archives
• Unpacks more than 150+ file archive types including 7Z, ACE, CAB, BZ2, ISO, GZ, PAQ, PEA, RAR, TAR, ZIP, and ZIPX
• Open-source
• Free

Cons

• Cannot add files to an existing archive
• Cannot create new file archives

Alternatives

For extended functionality, you can use software like PeaZip, Bandizip, and 7-Zip.

Conclusion

PeaExtractor is a useful little file archive unpacking tool for people who do not like having to use a full blown tool like 7-Zip or WinZIP to accomplish their unpacking tasks on downloads or backup archives.