Make an Exe File
An Exe file, a file with the ".exe" extension, is a type of executable file commonly used with Windows operating systems. The Exe file is one of the most useful files in Windows, as it is commonly used to install or run programs. Nearly all installers will be packaged as executables, and many small software programs (such as the games included with Windows) run entirely out of Exe files. If you need to package a program or a script for distribution or installation, you will need to learn how to make an Exe file yourself. Fortunately, Windows comes with a built-in utility for packaging executables, and using it is fairly simple.
Contents
Steps
- Run the IExpress application in Windows. IExpress is a utility that is included with Windows, and it provides an easy way to package your program as an executable. It can also make Windows MSDOS into an .exe file.To run the program, press the "Start" button and then click "Run." In the dialog box, type "Iexpress.exe" and press the Enter key. If you use Windows Vista, you can just press the "Start" button and begin typing "Iexpress," and the program's icon will appear in the search results.
- Specify that you want to create a new executable. When the iExpress program launches, you will be asked to choose between opening an existing executable or creating a new one. Choose to create a new one by selecting the radio button that reads, "Create new self extraction directive file."
- Specify the type of executable package you want to create. The next screen will ask you to choose between 3 options for the action that should be taken when a user opens your Exe file. The first is to extract the files and then run an additional command (for instance, to make changes to the registry). The second is to extract the files only (this is the recommended option). The third option is only applicable for distributing Active-X controls.
- Give your installer package a title. The next screen will ask you to specify the title for your executable package. This is not the filename for the Exe file; this is the title that will appear across the top of all windows opened by the installer.
- Choose a confirmation prompt for your Exe file if desired. The next screen in iExpress will allow you to specify a text prompt given to the user upon opening the executable. If you don't wish to provide a prompt, check the radio button that reads "No prompt."
- Specify the license agreement governing the use of your executable. The next screen will allow you to choose a license agreement for your software. The installer will inform the user that the agreement you pick governs the use of the software. To display a license agreement, type the agreement into a plain text file (using the ".txt" extension) and attach it after selecting the radio button reading, "Display a license."
- Select the files that your Exe file will install on the user's computer. The next screen will allow you to choose the files that your executable should install; you can select as many or as few as needed. Add a file by clicking the "Add" button and then navigating to the file's location on your hard drive. You will be able to see the files you've added in the iExpress window.
- Specify the executable's filename. The next screen will ask you to specify the filename for the Exe file; remember it must end with the ".exe" extension. This screen also includes a check box for either hiding or showing the full extraction process to the user.
- Create the executable.
- Click Next to create the package.
- Click the Finish button on the final iExpress screen to compile the Exe file and save it in the location you specified. You can test the executable by double-clicking on it to extract the files.
- Another way to create EXE is ExeScript utility. Just make a simple BAT or VBS script and convert to EXE.
Tips
- Exe files can contain viruses or malicious code, so scanning them with virus protection software before opening them is recommended.
- Learn how to program. It gives you a lot more control over what you want to make.
Warnings
- If you try to do it in a .BAT file using iExpress,do it in caution. That can harm your computer.
