How to Unzip a EXE File
Unzipping files is not limited to ZIP, RAR and other archiving formats. You can also unzip EXE files. Two types of EXE files exist: self-extracting archives and executable applications. Self-extracting archives are like zip files, but can be opened and decompressed without the need for a third-party program like WinZip or Compressed Folders. Executable applications are either programs or installers. You can unpack both EXE archives and installers to see what is in inside them.
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Instructions
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Self-Extracting Files
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Double-click "My Computer" on your Desktop. Navigate through your computer's folders until you locate the EXE file you want to open.
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Double-click the EXE file to launch the self-extraction dialog box. You will see a default folder to extract the file's contents to. Click "Browse" to designate another folder for this purpose. To create a new folder, click the text field and enter the new folder's name. For example, "C:\Temp." Click "Unzip" or "Extract" to unzip the file.
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Go back to "My Computer." Browse to the destination folder where the EXE file was unzipped to. You can now access all of the file's unpacked contents.
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Tips & Warnings
Windows or your anti-virus program may alert you of potential danger when you try to open an EXE file. If you are sure the file is safe to open, disregard the virus warning. You may need to temporarily disable your virus monitoring.
