How to create a self-extracting zip file using PKZIP

How to create a self-extracting zip file using PKZIP

Document number: 15097

A self-extracting zip file is useful if the recipient of the file does not have access to software that can unzip compressed files. The file that is created is an *.exe file that is larger than a regular zip file. To create a self-extracting zip file in PKZIP, follow these steps:

Launch PKZIP by clicking Start, then P rograms, then Utilities, and finally PKZIP for Windows.
When the PKZIP application opens, click on the Tools menu, then on Wizard.
From the Wizard Welcome screen, click on the button next to Compress files into a new self-extracting .EXE file.
Click Next.
Choose a location for the file by clicking the B rowse... button.

If you do not choose a location, you may not know where you are creating this file.

On the next screen, navigate to a drive and directory for the file.
Enter a name for the file in the File name field. Try to customize it to the intended user.
- It is not advisable to use a common software application name like "word.exe" so that the file will not get mixed up with the real application. Also, an *.exe file by the same name you choose cannot exist on the computer you are using.
Click the Save button.
You will be taken back to the Compress Wizard screen. Click Next.
Choose the file(s) you wish to include in the compressed file. Navigate to the desired drive and directory and click on the file(s). If you wish to include more than one file, hold down the { Ctrl} key as you click on the filename.
If you are finished adding files from a particular directory, click on the Add to List button.
You can add more files by navigating to the desired drive and directory and clicking on those filenames as well. Then click on the Add to List button.
Once you have chosen all the files to include in the self-extracting executable file, click Finis h.

You cannot add files to an self-extracting zip executable once it is created.

When the process is complete, the Done button will activate. Click on Done.
You will see a message about the file creation. If you are finished, click Close.

The self-extracting zip file will be created in the location you chose.

When you give the file to the person, tell them to double-click on it. They will see an EasySFX(tm) screen upon which they may designate an extraction location.