Rapidshare, MegaUpload and YouSendit - Unlimited File Hosting

Q: What is Rapidshare, Megaupload or YouSendIt ?

A: These are free and unlimited file hosting services where anyone can upload and download large files including MP3 songs, videos, games, software, ebooks, etc.

While Rapidshare and Megaupload are available only in the browser, alternative YouSendIt also has a desktop client that can resume uploads.

Problem: Since services like Rapidshare or Megaupload make file sharing so simple, they are often used for sharing illegal content like warez, adult movies and software cracks. Rapidshare URLs are not protected by passwords so anyone can download that content.

Q: What is a Rapidshare Premium account ?

A: When you download files from Rapidshare (or Megaupload), there are certain download limits per IP address. You have to wait for some time and type a certain CAPTCHA before downloading Rapidshare files. No FTP support and it is not possible to leech Rapidshare files as the service permits one download thread per IP. You can bypass all these restrictions by purchasing a Premium Account for unlimited downloads.

Q: How to get free Rapidshare accounts?

A: Rapidshare in the past has offered free premium accounts on their website but they are extremely rare. Most of the username and passwords for Rapidshare premium accounts that you would find on the web are either expired or just an hoax like the rapidshare golden pack. You just need Paypal for becoming a premium Rapidshare user. The same is true for Megaupload premium accounts.

Q: Is there an Rapidshare File Search Engine ?

There's no official Rapidshare search engine but you can use Google to search files on Rapidshare and Megaupload. Here are some search tips:

Search Videos on rapidshare.de avi|mpg|mpeg|wmv|rmvb|3gp site:rapidshare.de
Search Audio MP3 files on Rapidshare: mp3|ogg|wma site:rapidshare.com
Search archives or programs on Rapidshare zip|rar|exe site:rapidshare.de
Search pdf files, documents, ebooks, magazines: pdf|doc|lit|rar|zip site:rapidshare.de

Other Google search operator that will help search files are intitle: and inurl:

Q: Do you know of any working Rapidshare Tricks?

A: You can bypass the download limit on Rapidshare with an IP address change - turn off and on your modem if you have a dynamic IP - the tip will not work for static addresses. Also remember than Rapidshare will delete files that have not been accessed for 30 days or longer.

Q: How to Download Files from Rapidshare and Megaupload?

A: If you have a web browser that accept Javascript, you can download files easily. Wait for some time and let the download begin. There are some Rapidshare hacks to beat the download timer by reducing the wait time but they are too complex for the average Joe and not recommended.

Incase of free Megaupload accounts, the limit is on the country. You can access Megaupload files via proxy (like anonym) or Google Translate to download without wait.

There are some Rapidshare clones that provide FTP access, no download limit and can resumes broken downloads but not sure how they will survive in the near future.

Q: How to Upload files to Rapidshare ?

A: Incase of Rapidshare and Megaupload, you need the browser but for uploading files to YouSendIt, you can use Microsoft Outlook.

Q: Is there any Rapidshare Downloader ?

A: If you have free Rapidshare account, you can only download files via the browser. However, Premium Rapidshare account owners get direct file URLs that they can paste inside any download accelerator software like RapidGet, FlashGet, GetRight or Orbit Grabber.

Q: Rapidshare.de and Rapidshare.com - how are they different ?

A: Rapidshare recently moved from the .de to .com domain though its the same service.

Q: An email contains links to download Playboy magazine and Paris Hilton video. What should I do ?

A: When you upload files on Rapidshare or Megaupload or YouSendIt or SendSpace, they are are not checked for the presence of any virus or trojans. Therefore always stay away for such luring offers as executables are often dangerous for the health of your computer.

Q: Do I need a file hosting service when I can send them as email attachments ?

A: If a file is large enough to send as an email attachment, just upload it to rapidshare and email the file link to the recipient. Rapidshare also provides a delete link so that you can remove the file from Rapidshare servers once the recipient has download the file to his own computer.