HashTab

The best way to acquire a file's hash values is to use specialized software. There are numerous applications out there and you would be surprised how easy they make it to calculate file hashes. One of them is HashTab, which integrates with the Windows Shell, making it possible to view a file's hash values, just by accessing its Properties Window.

HashTab comes in a very small package and it takes a few seconds to install it, on Windows or Mac OS X platforms. Furthermore, you will not have to reboot your computer when the installation is complete, so you can use the application right away.

There is no need to look for an .exe file, once the application is installed. You just need to open a file's Properties window, where you will find a new tab, which contains the file's hash values. HashTab supports numerous hash algorithms, including CRC32, MD2, MD4, MD5 and others. By default, the application displays only a few hash functions, but you can add more, by accessing a settings panel and clicking a series of check boxes.

Additionally, HashTab allows you to perform a hash comparison. You just need to browse for a second file, on the same Properties window and the application will tell you if the hash values are identical or not. The application will compare a certain hash function (MD5, CRC32 and so on), according to which hash value you select on the Properties window.