How to Create Self Extracting Zip Files

How to Create Self Extracting Zip Files
by Ed Zivkovic

What is a Self-Extracting Zip File?

A self-extracting zip file enables your computer to unzip
zipped files without installing any new software. The zip
file gets converted to an exe file which once opened,
unzips the contents to a predefined destination folder or a
destination of your choice.

Why Create a Self-Extractor?

The other day, a customer purchased a resale rights eBook
from my site then emailed me because she thought that I had
not included a special file which would enable her computer
to read files of the zip type.

Part of this is my fault because I had not clear
instructions on the download page. I had used a generic
“thank-you” page from the original author which did not
explain the need to unzip the product.

The Solution? There was two options.

Option 1 – I could instruct the customer to go to
winzip.com and download an evaluation version of WinZip.
The customer would then have to install the software which
in my opinion would be a bit time consuming and could cause
confusion, frustration and maybe even resentment. After
all, all the customer wants to do is access the product.
Right?

I have been in a similar situation before and I know from
experience that when I think I am getting “Instant Access”,
that is exactly what I want. I do not want to hear about
the shortcomings of my computer system. I want my product
and I want it now.

Option 2 – Create a self-extracting zip file. Because I own
a registered version of WinZip, I am permitted to create
zip files and self-extracting zip files and distribute
them. This is exactly what I did in about three seconds
flat. I then uploaded the file and emailed the customer
with the download link and explained the situation.

Later I received a thank you email which I think I would
not have received if I had chosen option number one.

How To Create a Self-Extracting Zip File

I myself only know how to do this with WinZip available
from winzip.com. You need not have a head like Einstein for
this.

1. Ensure you have WinZip Installed on your system.

2. Right mouse click on the zip file you would like to
create a self-extractor for.

3. From the WinZip Menu, select “Create Self-Extractor
(Exe)”.

4. A Window will appear. Click OK and WinZip will create a
self-extractor in a couple of seconds.

You can also select a default “unzip to” folder if you
wish. If you leave this option blank, the self-extractor
will unzip to a temp folder.

Notes

You will need to have a registered version of WinZip in
order to distribute any file you create with WinZip. Files
created with an unregistered version will display an
UNREGISTERED message once the file is unzipped.

The author, Ed Zivkovic owns his own website which contains
articles with all sorts of tips for work at home
webmasters. Here is the site: http://www.ezau.com .

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