Downloading files from the internet carries risks. This guide teaches you how to verify that your downloads are safe, complete, and uncorrupted.

Why Verification Matters

Common Download Issues

  • Incomplete downloads: Connection interruptions
  • Corrupted files: Data transmission errors
  • Malware: Infected or fake files
  • Modified files: Tampered content

Step 1: Check File Size

Why It Works

If the downloaded file size doesn't match the expected size, the download is incomplete or corrupted.

How to Check

  1. Right-click the downloaded file
  2. Select "Properties"
  3. Check the "Size" field
  4. Compare with the size shown on the download page

Anolig Downloader Advantage: The software shows expected file size before downloading and verifies it automatically upon completion.

Step 2: Verify Checksums

What is a Checksum?

A checksum is a unique fingerprint of a file. If even one byte changes, the checksum changes completely. This makes it perfect for verifying file integrity.

Common Checksum Types

  • MD5: Fast but less secure (128-bit)
  • SHA-1: More secure than MD5 (160-bit)
  • SHA-256: Most secure, industry standard (256-bit)

How to Verify (Windows)

Open Command Prompt and use:

certutil -hashfile "C:\path\to\file.exe" SHA256

Compare the output with the checksum provided by the file source.

Step 3: Scan for Malware

Windows Defender (Built-in)

  1. Right-click the file
  2. Select "Scan with Microsoft Defender"
  3. Wait for scan to complete

Additional Scanning

For extra security, upload suspicious files to VirusTotal (virustotal.com), which scans with 70+ antivirus engines.

Step 4: Check File Extension

Enable File Extensions

Windows hides file extensions by default. Enable them:

  1. Open File Explorer
  2. Click "View" tab
  3. Check "File name extensions"

Suspicious Extensions

Be wary of:

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  • .exe.exe: Double extension (malware trick)
  • .scr: Screen saver files (often malware)
  • .bat, .cmd: Batch files (can be dangerous)
  • .js, .vbs: Script files (high risk)

Expected Extensions

  • Videos: .mp4, .mkv, .avi, .mov
  • Audio: .mp3, .m4a, .flac, .wav
  • Documents: .pdf, .docx, .xlsx
  • Images: .jpg, .png, .gif
  • Archives: .zip, .rar, .7z

Step 5: Source Verification

Trusted Sources

Only download from:

  • Official software websites
  • Verified app stores
  • Reputable file hosting services
  • Known content creators

Red Flags

  • Suspicious URLs (typos in domain names)
  • No HTTPS (padlock icon missing)
  • Pop-up download prompts
  • Requests for personal information

Step 6: Test Before Full Use

For Software

  1. Install in a test environment if possible
  2. Run without admin rights first
  3. Monitor system behavior

For Media Files

  1. Open with default player first
  2. Check if file plays correctly
  3. Verify audio and video quality

Anolig Downloader Safety Features

Anolig Downloader helps ensure safe downloads:

  • Automatic size verification: Confirms file completeness
  • Resume capability: Prevents corrupted partial downloads
  • HTTPS support: Encrypted connections when available
  • Download history: Track file sources

What to Do If a File is Unsafe

  1. Don't open it: Resist curiosity
  2. Delete immediately: Don't keep "just in case"
  3. Empty Recycle Bin: Permanently remove
  4. Run full system scan: Check for any infection
  5. Report the source: Help protect others

Conclusion

File verification takes only a few minutes but can save you from malware infections, data loss, and security breaches. Make it a habit to verify important downloads, especially executable files and software installers.