NZB File Extension

What is NZB file?

Files with .NZB filename extension store indexing data for NewzBin Usenet (NNTP) searches. NZB files save data in XML-based text format. NZB files share some similarities with torrent files as they also contain information about the location of binary resources on the Usenet network.

What data do NZB files hold?

NZB files are generated by NewzBin indexing services and allow browsing files divided into categories such as applications, movies, music, or books. NZB files contain:

• Message ID – an unique message identifier (can be divided into multiple messages),
• Poster – information about the author of given message,
• Date – message creation date,
• Subject – the subject of given message,
• Group – list of groups to which given message is posted,
• Segment – information about given message segments into which is divided.

NZB is a text file and thus it is possible to open it using any text editor or a web browser.

Uses of NZB files

NZB files were created by NewzBiz service as index files and allowed users to download files using a dedicated program. NewzBiz was shut down in 2012 due to copyright infringement. Usenet network was created in the 1980s and is getting less popular each year.

Programs which support NZB file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support NZB files. NZB files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 09/10/2022

How to open file with NZB extension?

Problems with accessing NZB may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to NewzBin Usenet Index Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with NZB files.

Step 1. Get the NewsLeecher

Problems with opening and working with NZB files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with NZB files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select NewsLeecher or one of the recommended programs (for example, Newsman Pro, SuperNZB, News Rover) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit NewsLeecher website and download the installer.

Step 2. Update NewsLeecher to the latest version

You still cannot access NZB files although NewsLeecher is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that NewsLeecher cannot handle files with NZB may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of NewsLeecher should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open NZB files to NewsLeecher

If you have the latest version of NewsLeecher installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage NZB on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the NZB with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the NewsLeecher installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open NZB files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected NZB file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with NZB extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the NZB for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the NZB file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The NZB may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the NZB is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the NZB file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the NZB file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the NZB file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the NewzBin Usenet Index Format file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open NewsLeecher

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with NZB extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with NewzBin Usenet Index Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with NZB files affecting older versions of given software.

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