How to Download: What if your file is a *.exe?

What if your file
is a *.exe?

1. Files of the *.exe variety belong to the Windows/DOS world. In the context of downloading, a *.exe may be one of two different type of files:

A directly executable DOS or Windows program (less likely).

A "self-extracting zip file", sometimes referred to as a "SEZF". These files will automatically unpack themselves when they are "RUN"; that is, they don't need an unzipping utility like WinZip or Stuffit Expander (most commonly encountered).

2. If the *.exe is an executable program you need only type its name in DOS, or, in Windows, select "FILE" and "RUN", then navigate your file system to the *.exe file and click on [OK]. The program will then begin executing.

3. Self-extracting archives (SEZF) can be unpacked by RUNNing them. In DOS, simply type the name of the file and it will unpack, or, in Windows, select "FILE" and "RUN", then navigate your file system to the *.exe SEZF and click on [OK]. The SEZF will automatically unpack itself.

Now, either your program has been run and you are completely done, or your archive is unzipped. Go "Back" to get to the next section, or click on Section D to continue.

A. Getting Files from the Internet / World Wide Web

B. What to do if the Downloaded File is a *.zip or *.hqx / *.sit

C. What to do if the Downloaded File is a *.exe

D. Moving the Downloaded File(s) to a Disk Directory of Your Choice

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