02-18-2017, 08:39 AM
This post is long-winded (my apologies) but I've read enough forum posts about people having trouble downloading from mirror sites that I needed to share this with the forum.
These are the steps I take to download from sites I usually trust that behave differently when on the Mirror Creator platform.
I understand the mirror site operators make money with ad revenue so we need to consider that it's free and convenient for us. What I find inconvenient is the strange browser behaviors (and associated risks) inherent in download links housed on their servers.
Zippyshare, for example, has always been very reliable. Either you get the download or you get the red bar across the top saying the link has expired. Yet, a Zippy link from Mirror Creator does strange things like this:
*** You are re-directed to unknown, unwanted (and sometimes potentially harmful) sites;
*** You get unfamiliar pop-ups and pop-unders you don't want;
*** You get the page you were formerly on (ex: this forum) replaced by another unfamiliar site. Pages on these sites could load adware, malware, etc.
*** You get a page that just loads. You watch that little spinning wheel turn and turn and turn ... not knowing why that is or what it's doing. In frustration, you simply close the window and fore-go the download.
Just because you're a Black Hatter you don't have to tolerate this crap! Below, I post the steps I use to get around these shenanigans so you can get the download without the blood, sweat and tears.
By the way, I wrote a post recently about this same topic and offered a PDF download. If you don't want to read the guide, here is basically the same information...
The best thing a forum sharer can do is NOT use Mirror Creator for their shares. But, to each his own ... so, here's what I do:
1. Click the download link from the original post (or re-post) in the forum thread.
2. Choose one of the download options on the Mirror Creator site (the Zippy link in this example). Now, be alert! You should be ready to read the browser's address bar.
Not always but most likely, you will be re-directed to another non-zippy related page. If the name in the address bar reads anything but "zippy" click the "X" at the right of the browser window to stop the page from loading and shut the window completely. This stops any further re-directs and minimizes any risks.
3. Repeat the step above (ex: click the Zippy download link). This time, you should get the real Zippyshare page. Let the page fully load.
4. Notice the message (in turquoise blue letters):
"Your preferred download link is ready! Click here to go to the page."
Well, you could click that link but chances are it will further re-direct you to another site. Don't do it! Instead, look directly under that message link and you'll see the actual download link shown in greyed-out text. That is the link you want.
5. Use your mouse to highlight the entire download link. Right-click on the mouse and copy it. Then (in the same opened window) position the cursor in the address bar and right-click and select PASTE to over-write the existing browser address with the download link address. Then hit return. You've just accessed the download page without clicking that blue "Click Here" message that could re-direct you to other sites that take up your time, delays your download and could be more trouble to you than it's worth! You've also found a way to get to the download page without the browser doing pop-ups, pop-unders, re-directs and all that crappy stuff!
6. Click the large orange-and-white download button on the upper right of the screen (Zippy) to download the share.
NOTE: If the download link has expired you will see a large red banner saying so. You will then need to return to the Mirror Creator page to try another download link. Then repeat the steps I share here with any of the other sites.
I always use mirror sites I'm most familiar with and (for me) those are: Zippy, Mediafire and Solidfiles.
NOTE: When you click the orange download button, again, be extremely alert. Read the browser address bar to see where you're being re-directed. If the site says anything strange (like the word "data" or a URL you don't recognize) use the "X" at the right of the browser window to close it immediately to keep from loading anything further.
Once you've closed the browser window, repeat the action (click the orange and white download button on the Zippyshare page) and you should get the download.
So, it's a process of being hyper-alert and knowing what is happening on and behind your browser windows.
ONE MORE NOTE: Have you ever landed on a page that warns you that you've been infected or something bad has happened
to your computer? You may see the warning to "Don't Re-boot the Computer" and to call a phone number instead to get the
problem taken care of. Well, that's one of the oldest computer scams going (next to some dufus calling your phone to
say they're with Microsoft and they need you to let them access your computer to get rid of a threat!).
Here's what you do:
1. Don't panic. These sites are designed to look scary to someone who doesn't know better (ex: grandparents, young
children or anyone who doesn't understand what's happening). The solution is simple.
2. Don't call the number on the screen. There are probably very bad people on the other end thrilled that you called
and anxious to get their grimy hands on your hard-earned money. Or some slouch who lives in the basement of their Mom's
home with nothing better to do.
3. Don't re-boot the computer. That's what they want you to do. It's a natural reaction in a situation like this. Who knows what nasty bug (malware, keyloggers, etc.) they could drop into your registry? Something that snakes its way into your computer and lays dormant ... until you re-boot! Don't risk it!
4. Press these 3 keys together (they are all on the lower rows of your computer's keyboard. Ctrl and Alt are on the
left side of your space bar and Del can be found in the numerical keypad section between Ins and Enter. Your keyboard
may be slightly different if you use a Mac.
Ctrl + Alt + Del ---- Press them at the same time. This brings up your Task Manager. Look in the Task Manager window to see which programs or processes are open on your computer. Find the open window where your Virus Scare Page is. Most likely, it will show the title of the page or the icon for your open browser (i.e., Opera, Internet Explorer, etc.). Use your mouse to highlight that row and click on the bottom "End Process." That will close the window and give you continued access to your computer.
Now, run your computer's anti-virus program (just to be sure). A quick scan is usually all you need but if you've got the time and are concerned about the threat, do a thorough scan.
Please pardon my long-winded post but I thought some forum members (who did not download my guide) could use this
information.
Layna61524
