You better run a Virus Protection program while downloading and and stay away from files that dont look right to you before you pickup a virus. I have not come across any corrupted files but, then again, I only download music. There is a worm that is spreading across the Gnutella network, avoid it at all costs.

Here s tip: depending on what you are searching for: avi, movie files are very large. Software is even larger and is usually corrupt or pirated. Always play it safe while using P2P. Think big when downloading certain files. If its really small, chances are its corrupt or a virus.

Scan files first before downloading to make sure they are not infested.

edited to add: there is no way to uncorrupt a file. the only way to tell is by the size of the file and how many reliable sources there are. If its corrupt and they usually are, then delete it straight away before it infests your machine. 90 percent of the files are pirated or bogus, do not trust what you download off the network.

Read the sticky notes for other tips on downloading.