MakeSFX is designed to simplify the creation of self-extracting WinRAR-based archives. These are archives created by WinRAR that can be extracted without using WinRAR.
WinRAR has a good self-extraction engine, however it's a pain to configure the options with a text file each time. MakeSFX overcomes this by letting you enter the self-extraction parameters into a dialog box, creating the file for you, and calling WinRAR to create the SFX.
Note: as of versions 2.8, WinRAR has a nicer interface for SFX generation. However, MakeSFX can be called from a script or another program, so I'm maintaining it. MakeSFX works fine with WinRAR 2.90.
MakeSFX allows you to set the titlebar, text, default extraction path, and programname to run after extraction is complete. The text can either be a small text file, or left blank.
MakeSFX does not require an INI file; all options can be redefined at runtime. However, it does have an 'automode' which, using an INI file, can compress a directory with no user intervention.
- requires Windows 9x or higher
- requires WinRAR 2.71 or higher installed (earlier versions may work - not tested)
- if running under Windows NT, requires a copy of START.EXE (comes with Windows 9x) in the PATH
- the following points are this program's terms and conditions of use:
- this program is hereinafter known as "the Software"
- the Software comes with no warranty and is used at your own risk
- the Software is not (and will never be) complete and as such may behave strangely
- the Software is the copyrighted property of the author
- the Software is freely distributable
- there is a feedback form here
- the Software is shareware - if you like it, please register by sending a cheque or money order for 10 pounds sterling to the following address:
Stuart Udall
PO Box 2855
London
United Kingdom W1A 6LW
Registering does two things:
- encourages me, and helps me buy bread, water etc
- lets me email you when I make a new version
The software provided is fully functional however and nothing will happen if you never register. Except I may die, and you may miss out on an important bugfix. :)
Thankyou in advance. If you want me to email you with updates etc., don't forget to include your email address!
A printable form is here.
- run the self-extracting distribution archive
- none - MakeSFX does not require configuration prior to use
Note: MakeSFX autodetects the location of your WinRAR
- type MAKESFX from the command line
This will cause the program to start. You can then customise the parameters of the SFX to be generated:
- archivename is the name of the SFX to create
- title is a text message displayed in the titlebar during extraction
- default path is the default directory in which extracted files will be placed
- text is the name of a file which contains text to be displayed before extraction. Leave this line blank to skip using a file - the default text 'Click install to proceed.' will be used instead.
- execute is the name of the file or program to execute once extraction is complete
- type MAKESFX from the command line with INI file present
This causes MAKESFX to enter automode, and automatically compress the existing directory into a self-extracting archive. A number of issues must be considered:
- the file must be called MAKESFX.INI
- it must be in the current directory
- it must contain a line which reads archivename=targetSFX
- change the name of the archive (to the right of the = sign) to suit your needs
- if the target EXE already exists, MAKESFX will exit without an error message and without generating and SFX.
- archivename= is the only parameter the INI file may contain; other parameters are set to defaults
- if a file named FILE_ID.DIZ exists, it will be used as the descriptive text
- if a file ending in .HTM exists in the directory, with the same name as the directory (eg. if the directory is called NETSCAN, then the file must be called NETSCAN.HTM) then it will be displayed when a file packed in automode is extracted
- in order to avoid including MAKESFX.INI in the generated archive, it is deleted prior to compression
- cannot create archives with long filenames (will compress files and directories with long filenames, however)
- logging
- improved control over automode (eg. if target exists, etc)
| January 11, 2001 | 0.01 | initial development
| | January 17, 2001 | 0.02 | converted to work with WinRAR
| | January 31, 2002 | 0.03 | added support for external descriptive textfiles (eg. FILE_ID.DIZ), and automode
| | September 8, 2002 | 0.04 | improved documentation
| | January 2, 2003 | 0.05 | added support for Windows NT4 and Windows 2000
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makesfx.exe library
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