How to Make Self-Extracting Zip Files
You can simplify the storage or transportation of large or multiple files by compressing the files into a self-extracting Zip file. A self-extracting Zip file is an executable file serving as a container for other files that you place within them. During the creation of the Zip file, the stored files compress in size, taking up less room on storage medium and making transportation easier. Once placed, there is no need to possess the WinZip utility to extract the files. The executable file itself contains everything necessary for the end user to extract the file in any location desired.
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Instructions
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Download and install WinZip, available from winzip.com. Select the option to associate compressed files with WinZip during the installation process in order to fully integrate WinZip into your computer's file system, making it accessible through the Windows File Manager.
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Navigate to the file you wish to compress into a self-extracting Zip file using the Windows File Manager. Change drives and directories by clicking on them in the left-hand window of the file manager until you display the file you need in the right-hand window.
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Right click on the desired file and the select the option "Create Self-Extractor (Exe)" from the pop-up menu. The WinZip Self-Extractor window will open.
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Place a name for the self-extracting archive into the space at the top of the window. Make sure you've selected the "No spanning" option to ensure the file will be contained in a single zip file, and then press the "OK" button. Wait for the program to compress the file into a self-extracting ZIP.
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Unzip the file by double clicking on it in any directory of a computer. Choose the uninstall path in the pop-up window to extract the file immediately in the chosen directory.
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