How to Make a Zip File Self-Executing
Zip files are a widely-used compression format. Zip files contain one or more other files, compressed to a smaller file size. This makes them ideal for distributing over the Internet. While most operating systems included software for decompressing zip files, you may want to make a zip file self-extracting. Self-extracting zip files are slightly larger .exe files which include a program that automatically decompresses the zip file when it's opened. Users don't need to have their own compressing program. Self-extracting zip files can also be opened with standard decompression software if the recipient isn't running Windows on their computer.
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Instructions
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WinZip
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1
Download and install WinZip if you don't already have it installed (see Resources).
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2
Open your zip file in WinZip by double-clicking the zip file.
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3
Click "Actions" on the WinZip menu, then click "Make .Exe File."
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4
Click "OK" in the "WinZip Self Extractor" window. The new self-extracting zip exe file appears in the same directory as your original zip file.
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5
Test your self-extracting Zip file by clicking "Yes" to the "Do You Want to Test it Now?" prompt.
WinRAR
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6
Download and install WinRAR you don't already have it installed (see Resources).
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7
Open your zip file in WinRAR by right-clicking it and clicking "Open with WinRAR."
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Click "Tools" on the WinRAR menu, then click "Convert Archive to SFX."
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Click "OK" in the "SFX" window. The new self-extracting zip exe file appears in the same directory next to the original zip file.
KGB Archiver
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10
Download and install KGB Archiver if you don't already have it installed (see Resources).
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Extract the contents of your zip file with the Windows Compressed Folders Extraction Wizard by right-clicking it and clicking "Extract All."
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Right-click the folder created by the Windows Compressed Folders Extraction Wizard and click "Compress to KGB."
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Select the zip format by clicking "ZIP" under "Archive Format" in the "KGB Archiver" window.
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Select a self-extracting archive by clicking "Create SFX Module (Windows Only)" in the "KGB Archiver" window.
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Create a self-extracting zip file by clicking "Next."
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