How to Create a Self-Extracting Compressed File Using PKZip

Self-extracting compressed files decompress themselves when double-clicked; you can send these files to people who may not have a file compression program. The PKZip self-extracting utility is available in registered and shareware versions for DOS and Windows. This procedure explains this PKZip 2.7 procedure in Windows 95 and 98.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Service Providers
• PKZip Software

1. Start the PKZip program.

2. Click on File menu, point to New, and click Self-Extracting File.

3. Enter a file name and choose the directory in which it will be saved. Entering the file extension (.exe) is optional; the program will automatically append the extension.

4. Click on the down arrow in the Save as Type field to select the self-extracting format. (The shareware version of PKZip has a limited number of formats.)

5. Click Save to create the file.

6. Select the directory to be compressed or open the directory containing the files to be compressed.

7. Click Add Directory to compress an entire directory, or select files to be compressed and click Add Files. The directory and/or files appear in the Files and Directory to Zip window.

8. Click Preferences to change compression options.

9. Click OK to begin file compression.

10. A pop-up window appears. Confirm or change the save location shown.

11. Click Done and view file information - file list, date, time and percentage of compression.

Tips & Warnings

• Select consecutive files quickly by holding down the Shift key and clicking on the first and last file names. Select nonconsecutive files by holding down the Control key and clicking on the file names.
• Run the self-extracting file by double-clicking it. The files will automatically decompress.
• Clicking the sponsor ad or online button in PKZip automatically launches your Internet access software, which can cause additional charges to your ISP bill if you are billed by connect time.