As with "ZIP" files, self-extracting executable files (or self-extracting "E-X-E" files, for short) are created using a data compression program. However, whereas zipped require a separate decompression program (such as PKUNZIP) in order to uncompress them, self-extracting EXEs uncompress themselves. This is made possible by the fact that the necessary decompression software is stored in the EXE file at compression time, right along with the compressed files. This way, all you need to do is run the EXE program itself in order to uncompress the stored components.

The easiest way to run the EXE and thereby uncompress the stored file is to simply double-click on it from within the File Manager of Windows. Alternatively, you can "shell" to a DOS prompt, and then run the EXE simply by typing its name. Depending on whether you are running Windows 3.1 or Windows 95, you may then need to do the following:

After the EXE has run, and all the stored files have been extracted, the Windows File Manager will not automatically list the newly created files. To see these new files listed, you will first have to temporarily display the contents of a different directory. Next, simply switch back to the temporary directory containing your EXE and the newly extracted files will now be listed.

Unlike with Windows 3.1, Windows 95 will automatically update its list of files in a given directory. However, Windows 95 does not automatically close your DOS Window after the self-extracting EXE has finished running. Therefore, you will have to do so manually, either by clicking on the "X" in the upper right, or by double-clicking on the DOS icon in the upper left.

There are several different ways to install a file using WinZip. In WinZip under Help see Tutorial. It is excellent and will guide you through a typical unzip and install.

If the software to install is sitting in a temporary directory on your harddrive, then perform the following task, depending on the version of Windows you are running:

Windows 3.1: Select File, Run, and then type C:\Temp\filename.zipor C:\Temp\filename.exe

Windows 95: Select Start, Run, and then type C:\Temp\filename.zipor C:\Temp\filename.exe

Regardless of which version of Windows you were running, you will next be guided through the very simple steps necessary to complete your installation.

please also see my Winzip Help Files