I've seen this one once or twice, but thought it was worth mentioning.
If you have a need to create a self-extracting archive of compressed files and can't get your hands on IZArc or another similar tool - (like in those rare cases you can't get to the Internet) - - or perhaps you can't install a third-party tool on your servers...then you can use the built-in Windows command - 'IExpress.exe'.
IExpress is touted as a setup-builder, but it seems more "Zip" than "InstallShield". You can archive files and folders and optionally give it a command to run after the extraction is complete. Also, IExpress prompts you to enter messages to your users, and you can even import a license file for your end users to agree to before extracting.
You can also optionally save the .SED file for editing later if you wish to add or remove files from the package.
Finally, when the user goes through the steps of extracting the files, they will be prompted to enter/browse for a path to extract to. Simple!
All in all - I can't believe I hadn't heard about this until a week ago...
One limitation, though - you can't archive subfolders. Just the files contained within them. (pointed out by a commenter on Lifehacker and verified by me)
Read more about the IExpress tool here: http://snurl.com/2653r
6 comments:
Cool stuff, Maximillian. Thanks for sharing.
Just want to point out one thing, in case others make the same mistake I did: it starts with I, not L. You used lowercase in the title, and I just didn't notice later references where you did show it as IExpress, when I was finally ready to test it.
Nope - I actually used capital 'I', which actually I'm surprised at. Having re-read it, I usually use lower-case...
Heh - thanks for the comment though!
Would you like to exchange links with me?
You can contact me by going to my site and at the top right you will see a button, which say "kontactr me".
Your link is found here:
http://widgetsforfree.blogspot.com/2007/11/stockalicious-track-your-portfolio-with.html
You can also click "partners" on our top menu, which will lead you to your link.
My Title: Widgets For Free
My URL: http://widgetsforfree.blogspot.com
The things you find out hidden away! I've been looking for an easier way to get files to my mother other than leading her through the unzip process. Great tip!
Gmail (and others) will not allow you to send the self-extracting archive file created with iexpress. The problem is the .exe extension. Mailing executable files is a serious security risk, so gmail just won't do it.