How to Make an EXE File

Level of difficulty: Difficult

An EXE file is a container for an executable file. This container is a compressed fie, containing a program for use with various Operating Systems. Besides the program files, an .exe file may also contain icons and bitmap images, for use with the graphical user interface of the application. It may also contain other data for use with the program, as the EXE file is normally a compressed folder where the resources for the program are kept together.

Materials Needed:

- Computer
- Computer Programming Background
- Windows OS
- Programming applications

Step 1

Establish the application to be created. The formulation of applications begins with formulating the logic required to fulfill the purpose needed of the program.

Step 2

Select the language to be used in writing the script. Script used to make an EXE file ranges from a variety of programming languages. Examples of the programming languages that may be used are Notepad, Java, Virtual Basic, Windows Scripting Host, Windows Script Files, C++, and HTML Applications, among others. The final selection of the script to be used depends on what is required of the application.

Step 3

Select the program to be made into an EXE file. Programs are normally compiled into an EXE file so it may be used with Operating Systems, or platforms. The ReactOS, Open VMS, DOS, OS/2, and Windows platforms are some such platforms.

Step 4

Create the script and test accordingly until the glitches are written out. The writing of the script is a trial and error process, depending on the user’s level of expertise.

Step 5

Now that the program or files are selected for compression into an EXE file, the user must now decide on a method of compression. There are many compression applications that may be used. To keep things simple, we will assume that the user is working on a Windows platform. The bundled compression tool to be used in making an EXE file may be found on the drive housing the Windows OS. Open Windows Explorer by clicking on the My Computer icon. Select the Primary hard drive; normally drive C. Select the WINDOWS folder. Click on the system32 icon. Look for the iexpress.exe file and double-click on it.

Step 6

The IExpress Wizard will now open. Select the 'Create new Self Extraction Directive file' (SED) option. Click on 'Next' after each selection.

Step 7

You will then be shown a field asking for the EXE file or package’s purpose.

Step 8

Choose the option to extract the files and run an installation command, select ‘Next’.

Step 9

Give the package a title.

Step 10

Select the prompt to be shown and place a message that will be displayed.

Step 11

Select to place a license or not.