I downloaded a file which took days, started it and it was a completely different movie. Who would do this? Why would anyone do this?

Pranksters. They've been around for yrs. Get into the habit of using Bitzi Lookup to see if the file is listed in their database. If not, you can report as to whether this is a good or bad file. See How to use Bitzi Web Lookup ...

After a while you kinda get used to filtering out the krud, that is, you get to recognise which files are a bit (or alot) dodgy.
Learn to leave the 104 Kb files alone (The I-pod ads, thanX Apple) for one example.
That's not to say I don't get caught out now and again, thats what Bitzi is there for, select your file and check it out on the Bitzi web site.

Just Pee's me off that when a realy hot film comes out, you always get the jokers re-labeling utter rubbish and porn, and then sharing it on the net.
IN HEAVENS NAME, WHY?
Is it some sort of major laugh? (I'm splitting my sides from laughing!!! )
Do they get a perverse kick from conning honest users?
Or is it some sort of challenge to see how many hits they can generate from Mis-titled C&@p.

So you end up with a mile long list of files and the secure knowledge that 75%+ of these file are going to be:

1) Mis-titled
2) corrupted
3) utter rubbish

and not all these files are going to be listed in Bitzi's database.

If it was'nt the fact that it's an open system and you can't say where these file originated from, I'd say hunt the jokers down and kick them off the network till they grow up.

It the few spoiling it for the rest. as usuall!

I've heard a few rumours of big companies loading the system with spam to deter piracy and slow the network down...
Don't know about that one, sounds to much like a conspiracy to me, but then it's quite feasable (Most conspiracies are)
& I would'nt put this past the likes of Sony.

It's the only time I would condone the use of "Friendly fire", give these companies something to worry about other than what we little P2P networks are doing.

Sorry about the long rant, but it's a problem that really gets on my nerves.

Okay! Rant over.

If these files come with an IP Address, which they do, what about the name and shame game? One thread with a naughty boy list. If that don't work - NUKE 'EM.

Or, after you've dled about 10-15% of the file, play it to see if it's good. This helps when Bitzi doesn't have the file in it's database.

The file I dl'd was a very popular one...in its place was another popular file from last year - so at least it was another 'good' one.

There's another file floating around with the same name but I cannot open it with any video player. The player launches but it won't play. I've even tried opening it with VLC. It took a LONG time to dl - so I must've dl'd SOMETHING - what can I do???

I have a question re: Bitzi:

Thank you for that tip, I think it was LOTR who told me about Bitzi. I've searched several files and usually, it says 'no info'...so does that mean it's ok or just that no one has reported a problem 'yet'. Thanks!

check my thread "some advice for movie downloaders"