Packing files for distribution on disc or across the Internet isn’t always easy. Will the end-user know how to extract files from a ZIP archive? If so, will they know how to process the files when extracted? What happens if they have an old Mac that doesn’t support ZIP, but they still want to see the latest holiday photos you’ve zipped for download?

There are many dilemmas faced when getting files across to other users. Instead of worrying about whether to archive, the archive structure and if the end user will be able to process the archive contents, why don’t you simply create a self-extracting executable?

A self-extracting executable file will appear to be an installer, yet it really is an archive in the same way that a ZIP file will hold archived files. Double-click on the exe and the end user will be prompted for a destination. You can even make the self-extractor run a file after extraction.

CreateInstall is a tool that will, at a basic level, enable you to package files within a self-extracting archive. You can do a lot more than that though. It’s also a fully-fledged installation creation tool, which will enable you to produce an installer for your archived contents, if you require. If you’re an advanced user, you can add your own VB scripts and much more.

The download here is for CreateInstall Free Edition. There is a Lite and Professional version available, with additional functionality.