While on the topic of zip files, another handy thing you can do with them is create self extracting zip files. If you deal in tech support or with family members who are not technically savvy, they may not know what to do with a zip file. For most computer users it is a no-brainer, but when you do come across someone like this, make the zip file you send them into an exe so they can extract it with a mere double-click.
Pretty much all major zip clients, such as WinZip, support this feature, but I am going to use my favorite, 7-Zip, for the purposes of this tip. To create a self extracting zip file, do the following:
- Select the files/folders to compress.
- Right click on one of the select object and select 7-Zip > Add to Archive.
- Enter the name of your new zip file.
- Change the Archive Format to 7Z.
- Check the Create SFX archive box. The archive name will now have .exe as the extension.
- Optionally assign a password for security.
- Click Ok to create.
Now when users want to extract the file, they just need to double-click. Easy enough.
Note, some email service providers and clients may block files with a .exe extension (as this is how a lot of viruses get passed around), so sometimes this may not be the solution…
Jason Faulkner is the man who brings you our daily tips. He is based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Have downloaded and installed 7-ZIP to try with a small file, and have found that the self extracting file is larger than the original file. (175KB from 47KB). Come to think of it, I suppose 7-ZIP adds itself to the compressed file!
There is about 100 KB overhead on the self extracting files. The real feature is convenience and typically your zip files will be large enough to where the extra 100 KB isn’t really noticeable.
To get around the restriction in .exe files and e-mail a self-extracting zip file, change the extension from .exe, and tell the recipient to change it back after saving the file.
The problem with doing this is:
1. Some email programs/spam filters detect the MIME type of the attachment, which enables them to look past the extension. I’ve run into this several times myself.
2. You are making the assumption users know how to do this. Considering the reason brought forth in this tip is due to a user not knowing how to extract a zip file, imagine trying to explain to this same user how change a file extension. Keep in mind, Windows XP (by default) hides the extension of known file types.