Hello Dear, I use 7-ZIP file opener on all my computers. It is free, works really fast and reliable and if a file is damaged, it unpacs everything and you can really see if the PES file is damaged. Every embroiderer shoud have it.
Merry Christmas
Kampfzwerg
If you are downloading a .pes -- you don't need any other software at all.
BTW -- Windows does not need winzip as it has an extractor built in and you would only use it for zipped files.
It seems an update (possibly from Adobe) may have changed your file association. Find a .pes file and right click it. Select "Open With" and then find your embroidery software or iconizer or embroidery viewer in the list. Select the one you want and all should be well with your .pes downloads.
As far as your Christmas mail, I find I can only view the cards using Internet Explorer.
I hope I have not muddied the water for you. I have sick children home from school today and I am not feeling well either -- so I will be here online... in and out -- mostly out.
Stella, this has also happened to me but only when I am using my iPad. Hopefully someone will be able to tell us what is wrong