I am being asked to buy WinZip in order to update my maps
 

I have had the maps on my computer for years and whenever I updater (automatically) I got the new POI's and other map location updates. Now when I try to update my maps it is asking for me to renew my subscription (never knew I had one) for WinZip for $29.95...anyone know why I would need this as Windows Vista has a resident zip program included.

You or some one that uses your computer installed or it was possibly bundled with another program you installed (not eq2map) WinZip. Uninstall it and windows will use its built in system for zips.

If you want to be able to use .rar and other compressed files 7zip is free and open source.