How to Create an .Exe File

To create an executable file, or .exe file, you need to have a script to be executed and a file that initiates the execution of the script. The script and initiator files can be processed using the IExpress software that comes with the Windows XP operating system. Execute the IExpress Wizard and it packages the script and the initiator file to create an .exe file. The package name specified is what the user clicks to execute your .exe file.

Instructions

1. Click "Start," and select "Run." Type iexpress in the "Open:" section of the "Run" dialog box.

2. Click "OK." The IExpress Wizard will open.

3. Click the radio button labeled "Create new Self Extraction Directive file," and then click "Next."

4. Click the radio button labeled "Extract files and run an installation command," and then then click "Next."

5. Type in a name for the "Package title" and then click "Next." The name you choose is the name that is used for your executable.

6. To use a "Confirmation prompt," click the "Prompt user with:" and type in the user prompt. If a prompt is not necessary, then make sure the default radio button, "No prompt," is clicked. After you have made your selection click "Next."

7. To display a "License agreement" click the radio button labeled "Display a license:" and "Browse" to the license agreement file location. If an agreement is not necessary, make sure the "Do not display a license" radio button is clicked, and then click "Next."

8. Click "Add," and browse to the script file and click "Open." Click "Add" again, browse to the initiator file and click "Open," and then click "Next."

9. Click the "Install Program" drop-down menu and select the initiator file and then click "Next."

10. Make sure the "Default (recommended)" radio button is clicked and click "Next."

11. Click the "Display message" radio button, and type a message, if needed, and click "Next."

12. Click "Browse" and specify the package path and file name. Click "Save" to return to "Package Name and Options" and click "Next."

13. Make sure the radio button "Only restart if needed" is clicked in the "Configure restart" section, and then click "Next."

14. Click "Next" to "Save Self Extraction Directive" using the defaults.

15. Click "Next" to "Create package." The .exe file will then be created.

References

• Petri: Create an .Exe File with Windows XP and Vista

Resources

• Microsoft: Create an .Exe File with IExpress