A self-extracting Zip file is an executable file (.exe) that contains a Zip file and a small program to extract (unzip) the contents of the Zip file. Users can run (execute) a self-extracting Zip file just as they run any other program: just double click on the .exe file.
WinZip offers two versions of our Self-Extractor program. WinZip Self-Extractor Personal Edition, which is included within WinZip, and WinZip Self-Extractor which is sold separately. For information on the differences between WinZip Self-Extractor Personal Edition and the full WinZip Self-Extractor please click here.
What are the Advantages to Self-Extracting Zip Files?
- Self-extracting Zip files are ideal for electronic file distribution because they:
- Optionally run a "setup" or "installation" program, which may be included by the developer when the files are decompressed. (Note: Available in WinZip Self-Extractor 2.2 or later)
- Provide easy distribution of one or more compressed files.
- Include sensitive information protected with 128- and 256-bit AES encryption. (Note: Available in WinZip Self-Extractor 3 or later)
- Create smaller files with LZMA, JPEG, PPMd, WavPack and Enhanced Deflate compressed Zip files (.zip or .zipx). (Note: LZMA, Jpeg, WavPack and .zipx support available in WinZip Self-Extractor 4.0 only)
- Designate custom high resolution icons for your Zip file (Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7). (Note: Windows Vista and Windows 7 icon support available in WinZip 3.1 or later)
- Can contain multiple compressed files, minimizing download time and ensuring that important files do not become separated from the rest of the package.
- Allow the receiver to use a familiar Windows interface to extract (unzip) files, without owning or knowing how to use a separate unzip utility, making them ideal for inexperienced users.
- Any folder information in the Zip file is automatically restored, including empty folders.
- When a self-extracting Zip file created by WinZip Self-Extractor is run, a dialog box is displayed. This dialog box makes it easy for the user to change the "Unzip To" folder and other options before extracting the files.
