Copyright: Copyright © 1998 Xceed Software Inc.
Citation: Copyright © 1998 Xceed Software Inc.


Introduction

For years, zip files were the file-packaging method of choice for PC users that wanted to distribute their files online.  The benefits of putting a group of files into a zip file were obvious: a single file instead of many, quicker file transfers, less required storage space and the assumption that most users could get their hands on PKUnzip or WinZip to unzip the contents.  The assumption was correct, however many users either had difficulty using the unzipping applications or they didn’t know where to unzip the files to.  Some novice users didn’t even know what to do with zip files at all.  Even today, Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows NT cannot open zip files automatically unless an unzipping application has been installed.

To remedy this situation, many users have been using self-extracting zip files to make it easy for everyone to access their files.  Self-extracting zip files, commonly referred to as SFX zip files, offer all the benefits of a regular zip file, but also contain a compact built-in unzipping application.  So when an SFX zip file is opened, it unzips its contents automatically. Naturally, an SFX zip file is also a 100% zip-compatible file, and can be manipulated by zipping and unzipping applications as if it were a regular zip file.

Unfortunately, the applications available to create self-extracting zip files have been awkward and puzzling to use. They also required a separate step in order to zip the files, and produced unrefined self-extracting zip files.  Until now...

Welcome to the Xceed Absolute Packager!

The Xceed Absolute Packager is designed to let you create high-quality SFX zip files quickly and easily. Absolute Packager’s powerful SFX zip files were designed with your reputation in mind. Unlike most SFX zip files, which offer a cluttered, user-unfriendly look, Absolute Packager’s SFX zip files offer a polished, easy-to-use interface. Use Absolute Packager to create quality SFX zip files that inspire confidence and maximize end-user convenience.

Absolute Packager’s SFX zip files also pack plenty of flexibility.  They let you customize their title, introduction message, icon, and everything else the SFX zip file displays.  You can decide where files should be unzipped to, what happens when they are unzipped, and many other things normally beyond your control when you use regular zip files.  All this is done through Absolute Packager’s easy-to-use “wizard-style” interface, or by using Absolute Packager’s One-step creation window.  Creating an SFX zip file can be as easy as entering a title, introduction message, and selecting the files you want to zip up!

A free trial version of Absolute Packager can be downloaded at http://www.xceedsoft.com/absolute. It includes all the features and functionality of the registered version, so you can discover the convenience and power of SFX zip files for yourself. The free trial version is for evaluation purposes only, so you must register a copy in order to use it for any other purpose.

Absolute Packager includes comprehensive Windows help, free expert technical support, royalty-free SFX zip file distribution and a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Xceed is devoted to the development and support of Absolute Packager and is determined to pursue its evolution.  Visit our web site at http://www.xceedsoft.com/absolute for the most up-to-date news, update information and new product announcements from Xceed.


Free trial version

The Xceed Absolute Packager is not free software.

The free trial version of the Xceed Absolute Packager contains all the features and functionality that the registered version does, but is provided for evaluation purposes only. With the free trial version, you will be able to fully evaluate Absolute Packager, and to discover how easy it is to make SFX zip files with it. You’ll also be able to open any SFX zip files you create and see how they look and feel. You may even send them to a colleague in order to get their feedback for evaluation purposes.

The free trial version offers you with 30 days to perform your evaluation. The number of days remaining is displayed whenever you start the application. You must purchase a registered version if you wish to legally continue using the Absolute Packager software after your 30-day evaluation period has expired. See the License, copyright and disclaimer topic for detailed legal information.

You must purchase a registered version of Absolute Packager if you wish to create SFX zip files that you can freely distribute, or if you wish to create SFX zip files for any other purpose other than the evaluation of the Xceed Absolute Packager product.

See the Unlocking your copy of Absolute Packager topic if you have purchased Absolute Packager, otherwise, please see the How to order section for ordering information.


Unlocking your copy of Absolute Packager

When you purchase the Xceed Absolute Packager (see the  How to order section, if you haven’t purchased yet), you receive a Registration Number that you must use to unlock the copy of Absolute Packager that is installed on your machine. If you do not unlock your copy, you will not be able to use it. You are required to enter the registration number whenever you install your registered copy of Absolute Packager on a new machine.

Unlocking instructions

1.	Find your Registration Number. If you chose the Email shipping option when you purchased the Xceed Absolute Packager, your Registration Number was provided to you via email sent to you by Xceed Software. If you chose Mail or FedEx shipping, your Registration Number can be found on the Registration / Thank You card found in the package shipped to you, and also on your invoice. If you purchased from a reseller, they will have provided you with a registration number – contact them if you cannot find it.

2.	Run Absolute Packager. If your copy has not yet been unlocked, you will see the “Registration” window. If your copy has already been unlocked, Absolute Packager’s Welcome page will appear, and you do not need to unlock your copy.

3.	Enter your Registration Number in the Registration Number field.

4.	Click the Validate button to unlock your copy on this machine.


Installed files and folders

README.TXT: Text file containing key information you need to know about the Xceed Absolute Packager.

ABSOLUTE.EXE: This is the actual Absolute Packager executable program file. Double clicking this file will start Absolute Packager and present you with the step-by-step wizard so you can create SFX zip files.

DEFAULT.ABS: This is the default configuration file to use when creating SFX zip files for use with the One-step Windows Explorer mode instead of Absolute Packager’s step-by-step wizard.

ABSOLUTE.HLP: This is the Absolute Packager Windows help file.

ABSOLUTE.CNT: Support file for the Windows help file.

UNINSTALL.EXE: This is the uninstall program. This program will allow you to completely remove Absolute Packager and any related components that were installed onto your system by the Absolute Packager setup program.

XCDZIP32.DLL, XCDUNZ32.DLL, APSHELL.DLL: Utility DLLs required by the Absolute Packager application.

SFX zip files\ folder: Initially empty, here’s the location where the Xceed Absolute Packager create your SFX zip files by default.

Configuration files\ folder: Here’s where Absolute Packager saves your custom configuration files by default.

Icons\ folder: Contains sample icons you can use to customize your SFX zip files with.


Features

Key Absolute Packager operations

•	Create SFX zip files directly from Windows Explorer in one easy step, or by using Absolute Packager’s step-by-step “wizard-style” interface.

•	Create SFX zip files from any group of files without having to zip up the files first, or transform already existing zip files into SFX zip files.

•	Create either 16-bit SFX zip files that work on all Windows 3.x, Windows 95 and Windows NT operating systems, or 32-bit SFX zip files that support long filenames and work on Windows 95 and Windows NT.

•	Automatically creates SFX zip files that span multiple disks.

Features of Absolute Packager SFX zip files

•	Introduction message and dialog box titles are customizable.

•	Display a custom license agreement with configurable accept and refuse buttons.

•	Customize all other messages, prompts and button labels too.

•	Customize the SFX zip file’s icon.

•	Customizable default unzipping location with optional confirmation window that allows users to select an alternate unzipping location.

•	Encrypt files and display a password window whenever an encrypted file is encountered. The user can enter the decryption password or skip the file if they don't have the password for the file.

•	Create SFX zip files with a built-in decryption password. This prevents users from using unzipping programs to unzip the SFX zip file’s contents - users are thus forced to view your custom introduction, license agreement or warning messages.

•	Create program-groups and insert items into program groups.

•	Associate filename extensions with applications.

•	Customizable overwrite behavior. When a file being unzipped already exists, the SFX zip file can: prompt the user whether to overwrite or not, always overwrite, never overwrite or overwrite older files only.

•	Display a text file after successfully unzipping files.

•	Execute an application, or open a document associated with an application after successfully unzipping files. Optional command-line parameters can also be specified.

•	Delete files feature: allows 3rd party install or setup programs (and their data files) to be extracted into a temporary directory, executed, and then deleted upon completion.

•	Display a detailed status dialog while unzipping files.

•	Shut off any or all of the SFX zip file’s on-screen messages and windows, allowing completely windowless operation if desired.

•	Many of the SFX zip file’s customized paths, filenames, strings and prompts are parsed, allowing you to insert strings such as the current directory, Windows and Windows System directories, the temporary directory, and more.


Distribution

Registered users of the Xceed Absolute Packager may create as many SFX zip files as they want, and send them to as many users as desired. There are no royalties to pay or limits on where the SFX zip files may be sent to.

The decryption algorithm built into Absolute Packager’s SFX zip files is the same one used by PKUnzip and WinZip, and is not restricted for export from North America.

The registered Xceed Absolute Packager application itself may not be distributed. It is for use only by registered users. Only the SFX zip files it creates are distributable.

See the License, copyright and disclaimer topic for detailed legal information.


Xceed's address, phones and email
Xceed’s address, phones and email

You can contact us through any of the following:

	Address:	Xceed Software Inc. 1555 Jean-Paul Vincent, suite 180 Longueuil, Québec Canada, J4N 1L6
	Telephone: Fax:	(800) 865-2626 (Orders only) (450) 442-2626 (Technical support) (450) 442-4604
	Email: Web:	info@xceedsoft.com (General inquiries) absolute-support@xceedsoft.com (Technical support)  http://www.xceedsoft.com/absolute


License, copyright and disclaimer
License, copyright, and disclaimer

The use of this package indicates your understanding and acceptance of the following terms and conditions. This license shall supersede any verbal, or prior verbal or written, statement or agreement to the contrary. If you do not understand or accept these terms, or your local regulations prohibit "after sale" license agreements or limited disclaimers, you must cease and desist using this product immediately.

Copyright: This product is © Copyright 1998 Xceed Software Inc., all rights reserved. This product is protected by Canadian and United States copyright laws, international treaties and all other applicable national or international laws. This software product and documentation may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine readable form, without prior consent in writing, from Xceed Software Inc. and according to all applicable laws. The sole owner of this product is Xceed Software Inc.

Liability disclaimer: This product and/or license is provided as is, without any representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including without limitation any representations or endorsements regarding the use of, the results of, or performance of the product, its appropriateness, accuracy, reliability, or correctness. The entire risk as to the use of this product is assumed by the user and/or licensee. Xceed Software Inc. does not assume liability for the use of this program beyond the original purchase price of the software. In no event will Xceed Software Inc. be liable for additional direct or indirect damages including any lost profits, lost savings, or other incidental or consequential damages arising from any defects, or the use or inability to use these programs, even if Xceed Software Inc. has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

Restrictions: You may not use, copy, modify, translate, or transfer the programs, documentation, or any copy except as expressly defined in this agreement. You may not attempt to unlock or bypass any "copy-protection" or authentication algorithm utilized by the program. You may not remove or modify any copyright notice, nor the About dialog or the method by which it may be invoked.

Operating license: You have the non-exclusive right to use any enclosed program only by a single person, on a single computer at a time. You may physically transfer the program from one computer to another, provided that the program is used only by a single person, on a single computer at a time. In group projects where multiple persons will use the program, you must purchase an individual license for each member of the group. Use over a "local area network" (within the same locale) is permitted provided that the program is used only by a single person, on a single computer at a time. Use over a "wide area network" (outside the same locale) is strictly prohibited under any and all circumstances.

Distribution license: In order to distribute self-extracting (SFX) zip files created by the Xceed Absolute Packager, in accordance to this license, you must be registered with Xceed Software Inc. as an authorized licensee. You may not reproduce or distribute copies of the complete package, the application itself, any of the configuration files, binary files, library (.DLL) files, any of the documentation, nor may you supply any means by which your users could create, modify or incorporate the Xceed Absolute Packager in their own products. Violations will be prosecuted to the maximum extent possible under the law.

Back-up and transfer: You may make one copy of the program solely for "back-up" purposes, as prescribed by Canadian, United States, and international copyright laws. You must reproduce and include the copyright notice on the back-up copy. You may transfer the product to another party only if the other party agrees to the terms and conditions of this agreement, and completes and returns registration information (name, address, etc.) to Xceed Software Inc. within 30 days of the transfer. If you transfer the program you must at the same time transfer the documentation and back-up copy, or transfer the documentation and destroy the back-up copy. You may not retain any portion of the program, in any form, under any circumstance.

Terms: This license is effective until terminated. You may terminate it by destroying the program, the documentation and copies thereof. This license will also terminate if you fail to comply with any terms or conditions of this agreement. You agree upon such termination to destroy all copies of the program and of the documentation, or return them to Xceed Software Inc. for disposal.

Other rights and restrictions: All other rights and restrictions not specifically granted in this license are reserved by Xceed Software Inc.


Note to software developers

Create Zip files and SFX Zip Files from within your applications!

The Xceed Absolute Packager uses compression, decompression and self-extracting zip file creation routines provided by the Xceed Zip Compression Library and the Xceed Zip Self-Extractor Module developer products from Xceed Software. You can add these capabilities to your own 16 or 32-bit Windows applications, too! Click on the above links for more information.


About the Xceed Zip Compression Library

For Windows developers

The Xceed Zip Compression Library is a judiciously designed data compression library from Xceed that gives your applications the capability to create and manipulate the latest industry standard PKZip 2.04g Zip files. The Xceed Zip Compression Library steps beyond providing the features and functionality you need and expect from a compression toolkit. Not only does it add to, extract from, list, fix and test the contents of a Zip archive, it gives your Windows applications the real-time knowledge and control they need to be truly interactive. Your application receives detailed information about the current compression activity, and can be consulted by the library when choices need to be made. With the Xceed Zip Compression Library, you can easily integrate data-compression technology into today's Windows applications in no time.

The Xceed Zip Compression Library also supports compressing strings and buffers directly in memory. This allows Windows applications to compress data without writing to Zip files, and is perfect for compressing database blobs or compressing large internal application data.

The library comes with full support for a variety of languages, including Visual Basic, Delphi, C++Builder and Access 97. Xceed Zip also supports any development language that can use VBX or OCX controls such as Visual C++, Visual FoxPro, Office 97 and PowerBuilder. The VBX, OCX and VCL controls that come with Xceed Zip provide you with all the properties, methods and events you'll need in order to easily accomplish your data-compression tasks. The VBX and VCL controls make use of our fast and compact DLLs that perform the compression and the decompression. The OCX has the compression and decompression routines built-in.

The Xceed Zip Compression Library is feature-packed, easy to use, and best of all, you have a fully functional free trial version that includes everything you need to get started right away. It comes with the Xceed Zip VBX, OCX and VCL controls and the complete online documentation that is packed with examples for Visual Basic, Delphi and C++Builder. You also get complete sample applications for these languages as well as for Access 97.

We invite you to download the free trial version at http://www.xceedsoft.com and start integrating Xceed Zip into one of your existing programs right away. All you really have to do is add the control to a form, set one or two properties, and off you go!

All Xceed developer products include comprehensive online documentation, free expert technical support, royalty-free distribution and a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied for any reason, return the product for a full refund of the purchase price.

Xceed is devoted to the development and support of the Xceed Zip Compression Library and is determined to pursue its evolution. Visit our web site at http://www.xceedsoft.com for the most up-to-date information on upgrades, add-on modules for Xceed Zip and other new Xceed developer tools or software products.


About the Xceed Zip Self-Extractor Module

Add-on for the Xceed Zip Compression Library

The Xceed Zip Self-Extractor Module is an optional module that can be purchased for use with the Xceed Zip Compression Library v3.x. The Xceed Zip Self-Extractor Module provides support for creating fully customizable 16 and 32-bit self-extracting Windows Zip files. These self-extracting Zip files allow a user to simply "run" the Zip file to extract its contents. The self-extracting Zip files contain all the code necessary to unzip their contents, so no unzipping programs, DLLs or other components are required on the user's machine in order to extract the contents of the Zip file.

How does it work?

The new Xceed Zip Compression Library v3.x lets your Windows applications transform an already existing Zip file into a self-extracting Zip file, or create new self-extracting Zip files. Combine these capabilities with the self-extractor provided by the Xceed Zip Self-Extractor Module, and your Windows applications will be able to fully configure the self-extracting Zip files they create. Your applications can customize the self-extractors title, introduction message, icon, default extract path, text and button captions, and more. You can make it display a readme file and license agreement, run a program after extraction, and even prompt the user for passwords to decrypt files. See the Features topic for a complete list of the capabilities the Self-Extractor Module provides.

The Xceed Zip Self-Extractor Module lets you make 16-bit self-extracting Zip files that will work on all Windows 3.x, Windows 95 and Windows NT operating systems, or you can make 32-bit self-extracting Zip files that support long filenames and will work on Windows 95 and Windows NT operating systems.

The properties used to configure the self-extractor are built-into the Xceed Zip Compression Library components. Users who have purchased a copy of the Xceed Zip Self-Extractor Module are able to set these extra properties and start making self-extracting Zip files as easily as they create regular Zip files. Users who don’t own a copy of the Xceed Zip Self-Extractor module can still use the Free trial version. It is automatically included with all registered or free trial versions of the Xceed Zip Compression Library and allows you to use the extra properties to create self-extracting Zip files, but they will be considered trial versions and will inform you of this when they are executed. Go ahead and experiment!

A free trial version is available at http://www.xceedsoft.com, it’s included in the same package as the free trial version of the Xceed Zip Compression Library.


How to order
How to order the Xceed Absolute Packager

To place an order

Contact Xceed Software directly using the (800) 865-2626 order line, fax/mail an Order Form, or use the secure online ordering system at http://www.xceedsoft.com. See the order form for pricing information.

If you are an established distributor or reseller and you wish to carry Xceed products, please contact us directly.

When ordering, please follow these simple guidelines

•	Print or type clearly. Do not assume we will know what city, state/province, or country you are in. This is especially important for foreign orders, where it is more difficult for us to guess what a city or state might be. For telephone or fax numbers, please include your country code, and/or make sure that the country is spelled out completely. Do not use abbreviations such as UK, DN, FR, etc. It will avoid confusion and greatly accelerate processing your order.

•	We can only accept credit cards, US or Canadian checks, and international bank drafts or money orders. Please do not send EuroChecks or request bank transfers. All checks must be drawn on a US or Canadian bank.

•	If you are sending a check or a bank draft, and this file is more than 6 months old (past May 1998), please make sure that the price has not changed before you order.

•	If you send a bank draft, please do not have the bank send it automatically. You must include an order form with the bank draft.

•	If you order by credit card, please make sure you include all the details, including the card number, the expiration date, and the complete name on the card. Do not send a fax/letter asking us to call you for the card number. Call us directly if you do not want to include the card number on your fax.

•	Although we will always do our utmost to process your order as quickly as possible, it can sometimes take up to 48 hours. Please consider this when you place a rush order.

•	Finally, please note the time before you call and check the time difference between your time zone and ours. We are located in the Eastern standard time zone.

These few guidelines will help assure that everyone will get their order processed quickly and correctly.


Upgrades

We periodically provide bug fixes and upgrades for Absolute Packager. Always check our Web site at http://www.xceedsoft.com/absolute for the latest information on the Xceed Absolute Packager.

Upgrade policy

Minor changes and bug fixes are free; major revisions carry an upgrade fee. If we release a major revision within 60 days of your purchase, and it is identically priced, we will provide the upgrade free of charge. Shipping and handling are always extra. We do not automatically inform you of minor fixes, only major revisions.

Upgrade pricing and purchasing

All upgrades and discounts must be obtained directly from Xceed Software Inc. See the How to Order topic.


Technical support

Before you contact us

In order to save everyone some time, we'd like you to do a few things before you contact us. We know the urge to call is great, but we'd appreciate it if you double check this list:

•	Have you consulted the Windows Help manual?

•	Have you used the search feature of the manual?

If you got this far, it must be a tough one. Maybe it's time to tell us about your problem.

How to contact us

The preferred method of contacting us for technical support is by Email on the Internet. You can send any questions or problems to our Internet Email address: absolute-support@xceedsoft.com. Do not leave questions in newsgroups or on CompuServe forums as they probably won't be answered.

We also offer free telephone support on an "as available" basis, Monday through Friday usually from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern standard time. Please note the time before you call and check the time difference between your time zone and ours. Sorry, we cannot return international calls.

If you prefer, you can fax us any questions or problems you have. Please allow sufficient time for us to reply, and please do not repeatedly send the same fax. Under no circumstance should you email a copy of your SFX zip file(s). We'll ask for them if we need them.

Although there is currently no expiration date on free support, we reserve the right to restrict it to the first 90 days from the time of purchase, without any prior notice.


Absolute Packager Fax Back Order Form
	XCEED SOFTWARE INC. 1555 Jean-Paul Vincent Suite 180 Longueuil, Québec Canada  J4N 1L6 Tel: (800) 865-2626 (Orders) Tel: (450) 442-2626 (Tech) Fax: (450) 442-4604	Fax Back Order Form (450) 442-4604
Please fill in the form below and send back for immediate service. Please print clearly.

•	Please note that your order will be charged in Canadian dollars at the current US dollar exchange rate.

•	Site licenses are available. Contact Xceed Software for details.

Revision 6110


Xceed Zip Compression Library Documentation Revision
Xceed Absolute Packager

Help file revision 1.1.0 (Dec. 7, 1998)

Copyright © 1998 Xceed Software Inc.

All rights reserved.


One-step Windows Explorer mode

Description

You can create SFX zip files either by using Absolute Packager’s step-by-step “wizard-style” interface, or by using “One-step” mode. The wizard-style interface, which is presented to you whenever you manually start Absolute Packager, provides you with all the available SFX zip file customization options, but requires at least 3 steps even in Basic mode. One-step mode is designed to let you quickly create SFX zip files right from Windows Explorer or the desktop environment in a single-step without having to customize a lot of options.

To access One-step mode, just select a group of files in Windows Explorer or your desktop, right-click on the selected group, and select the “Create SFX zip file (One-step)“ option from the pop-up menu that appears. The other SFX creation option, “Create SFX zip file “, starts Absolute Packager in step-by-step wizard mode.

How to use One-step mode

When you select the “Create SFX zip file (One-step)“ option, Absolute Packager is started in “One-step” mode, and will create an SFX zip file that contains the files you selected and right-clicked on. The “One-step SFX zip file creation” window will then appear, allowing you to enter a custom title and introduction message, as well as the default directory you want your SFX zip file to unzip its files to. Once you have entered this information, click the Create button. A filename selection window will appear to allow you to specify the location and filename of the SFX zip file to create. As the SFX file is being created, a progress window will display the current status of the operation. Dismiss the progress window by clicking the Close button after the SFX zip file creation process is over.

Apart from the title, introduction message and default unzipping directory of your SFX zip file, all other Absolute Packager option and feature settings are loaded from the default.abs file found in the directory where you installed Absolute Packager. To customize these other option and feature settings, start Absolute Packager and go to Step 1. Use the Do you want to re-use a previously saved SFX zip file configuration? option to load the default.abs file. Go through all the questions and steps to customize the option and feature settings you want to use when using the One-step Windows Explorer mode, then save the configuration file in the Ready to create your SFX zip file step (the last step) by clicking on the save now [image] button. When customizing options for the default.abs configuration file, some questions such as the “Enter the complete filename of the SFX zip file you want to create:” question become optional. You are not required to provide the answer to this question while defining the settings for the default.abs file - instead, the “One-step SFX zip file creation” window will ask the question at the appropriate time.


Overview of step 1 - General configuration

Description

The first step requires you to make some general decisions on how you will create your SFX zip file.

Prompts

Do you want to re-use a previously saved SFX zip file configuration?

How would you like to use this wizard?

Enter the complete filename of the SFX zip file you want to create:

Which Windows operating system must your SFX zip file work in?

 Tips for step 1


Overview of step 2 - Contents

Description

This step allows you to specify the files and folders you want your SFX zip file to contain.  Absolute Packager does not require an already existing zip file in order to make a SFX zip file, but you can include an existing zip file if you want to.

Prompts

Add the files or folders you want in your SFX zip file to the list below.

Recreate folders when unzipping these files.

Include the contents of an already existing zip file.

 Tips for step 2


Overview of step 3 - Presentation

Description

This step lets you decide how your files will be presented by letting you customize the title and introduction message displayed by the SFX zip file.  You also get to decide where the files will be unzipped to by default.

Prompts

What do you want your SFX zip file’s title to be?

What introduction message do you want your SFX zip file to display?

Where should your SFX zip file unzip its files to?

 Tips for step 3


Overview of step 4 - Behavior

Description

This step allows you to control what kind of feedback and control you want to give to the users of your SFX zip file.

Prompts

What should your SFX zip file do?

Allow the user to change the default unzipping destination folder

Ask the user to confirm the creation of a new destination folder

Display a progress window

What should be done when a file being unzipped already exists?

When the SFX zip file is unzipping files to the destination location, it is possible that some or all of the files being unzipped already exist there.  When that happens, you can instruct your SFX zip file what to do.  The possible choices are:

Ask the user what to do

Always overwrite files that already exist

Never overwrite files that already exist

Overwrite older files only

 Tips for step 4


Overview of step 5 - Security

Description

SFX zip files can contain files that are encrypted with passwords, and can prompt for these passwords before unzipping encrypted files.  This step allows you to control which files, if any, are encrypted.  The encryption used by SFX zip files is the encryption standard  implemented for the PKZip 2.04g zip file format.

Prompts

How would you like the SFX zip file’s contents to be protected?

One of the following options must be selected in order to determine how your SFX zip file’s contents will be encrypted.  Files that originate from an included Zip file (see the Include the contents of an already existing zip file? question in step 2) keep their current encryption password and are not affected by the following options.

Do not encrypt any files

Encrypt files with this password

Encrypt all files so they can only be unzipped by the SFX zip file

 Tips for step 5


Overview of step 6 - Customize text

Description

This step lets you review and customize all the messages, prompts, strings and button captions that can be displayed by your SFX zip file.

Prompts

The list below contains all the messages, prompts, strings and button captions that can be displayed by the SFX zip file. To view or change an item's text, select the item:

Selected item’s text:

 Tips for step 6


Overview of step 7 - Desktop registration

Description

This step lets you instruct the SFX zip file to create a program group and to associate filename extensions with applications.  This is done after the files have been successfully unzipped.  If the unzipping operation was not successful, the program group creation and extension associations will not occur.

Prompts

Create a program group after unzipping the files

Associate file extensions with applications

 Tips for step 7


Overview of step 8 - After successfully unzipping the files

Description

This step lets you instruct the SFX zip file to display a text file and/or to run another application or open a document with its associated application after files are unzipped.  You can also change your SFX zip file’s icon here, too.

Prompts

Do you want to display a text file after the files are unzipped?

Do you want to run an application or open a document with its associated application after the files are unzipped?

Which icon do you want your SFX zip file to use?

 Tips for step 8


Ready to create your SFX zip file
Ready to create your SFX zip file!

Description

This step lets you confirm the settings for your SFX zip file before creating it, and also lets you save these settings into a configuration file.  When you have reviewed the settings and everything is to your satisfaction, click the “Finish” button to create the SFX zip file.  Once you have successfully created your SFX zip file, the "Finish" button changes to "Rebuild". If you want to change settings, you can click on the “Rebuild” button to recreate a SFX zip file with the changes.

Prompts

Here is a summary of how your SFX zip file will be created.  You can double-click on any item you want to modify before proceeding.

Do you want to save this SFX zip file’s configuration for later re-use?

Click 'Finish' to create the SFX zip file!

 Tips for the final step


Using a previously saved SFX zip file configuration
Do you want to re-use a previously saved SFX zip file configuration?

Whenever you create a SFX zip file with Absolute Packager, you are given the chance to save your settings in a configuration file.  If you want to load a configuration file that you have already saved, select “Yes” and enter the location and filename of the configuration file.  Absolute Packager will immediately load the file and make all your current settings the same as they were when you last saved the configuration file.

Absolute Packager Configuration files have the filename extension “.abs”.  If you open a configuration file from your desktop or from Windows Explorer, your system will run Absolute Packager and load the configuration’s settings automatically.

You can find this prompt in step 1.


Choosing between basic and advanced mode
How would you like to use this wizard?

Absolute Packager can be used in either basic or advanced mode.  Basic mode lets you quickly create general purpose SFX zip files in 3 easy steps.  Advanced mode offers more features and customizable options with its 8-step process.

Use advanced mode if you need the extra features it provides, or if you simply want to review the default settings available in Advanced mode.  The extra steps in Advanced mode do not require any input, so you can quickly skip over any steps that aren’t currently of interest to you.

You can find this prompt in step 1.


Entering the complete filename of the SFX zip file to create
Enter the complete filename of the SFX zip file you want to create:

Your SFX zip file will be created with the filename and location you enter here.

If you enter the name of an existing SFX zip file, you will be asked to confirm if you want to overwrite it.  If you want to convert an existing zip file into a SFX zip file, or update the contents of an existing SFX zip file, choose the Include the contents of an already existing zip file? question in step 2.

If you enter a filename located on a removable disk, Absolute Packager will automatically support multi-disk SFX zip files.  If the contents don't fit on one disk, you will be asked to insert another disk.  Before starting the SFX zip file creation, Absolute Packager will ask you if you would like to erase each disk before zipping on it.

You can find this prompt in step 1.


Supporting specific Windows Operating Systems
Which Windows operating system must your SFX zip file work in?

Absolute Packager gives you the choice of creating a 16-bit SFX zip file or a 32-bit SFX zip file.

Select “32-bit” if the contents of your SFX zip file are intended for Windows 95/98 or Windows NT, but not for Windows 3.x.  32-bit SFX zip files can unzip themselves about 20% faster than 16-bit SFX zip files, offer a Windows 95-style folder browser and support long filenames.

Select “16-bit” if you need your SFX zip files to work on Windows 3.x operating systems too.  16-bit SFX zip files are about 25k more compact than 32-bit SFX zip files.  16-bit SFX zip files do not support long filenames. Furthermore, the <Program Files Folder> macro will be mapped to <System Drive>\PROGRA~1.

You can find this prompt in step 1.


Adding files or folders to your SFX zip file
Add the files or folders you want in your SFX zip file to the list below.

Here’s where you specify which files will be zipped up and put into your SFX zip file, and what their filenames and locations will be when they are unzipped.

The list of files to put into the SFX zip file has two columns.  The “Unzip filename” column indicates the filename that the SFX zip file will give to the files or folders when they are unzipped.  The “Source” column indicates the corresponding filename and location of the files or folders that will be zipped up and put into the SFX zip file.

You can change a file’s unzip filename by right-clicking on it and selecting the “Rename” item from the pop-up menu.  If you chose to Recreate folders when unzipping these files, you'll also be able to change the file’s location when unzipping.  You'll also be able to Expand and Collapse the locations to keep only the portion you need.

To specify files or folders to put into your SFX zip file, you can use any of the following methods interchangeably as desired:

•	Add individual files: ( [image] button)

You can do this by clicking the button, by right-clicking on the list and selecting the "Add files" menu item, or by pressing the Insert key when the focus is on the list.  A file browser will appear and you will be able to go into the folder of your choice and select any number of files to add to the list.

•	Add files using wildcards: ( [image] button)

You can do this by clicking the button, by right-clicking on the list and selecting the "Add files using wildcards" menu item, or by pressing the Ctrl and Insert keys when the focus is on the list.  A file browser (same as above) will appear and you will be able to go into the folder of your choice and enter a filename mask.  Use the asterisk (*) and/or question mark (?) to specify files with similar filenames.  For example, "*.txt" would include all files ending with the "txt" extension to your SFX zip file.

•	Add all of a folder's content: ( [image] button)

You can do this by clicking the button, by right-clicking on the list and selecting the "Add folder" menu item, or by pressing the Ctrl and F keys when the focus is on the list.  A folder browser will appear, and you can use it to browse for the desired folder to include in your SFX zip file.  All the files and subfolders located in this folder will be included in your SFX zip file.

•	Drag and drop the files or folders from your desktop, Windows Explorer or from other applications directly to the list.

•	Add the contents of an existing zip file:

See the Include the contents of an already existing zip file? question.

You can find this prompt in step 2.


Expanding and collapsing file and folder locations

When you set the Recreate folders when unzipping these files option, the original locations of the files and folders will stored in the SFX zip file.  You can use the Expand [image] and Collapse [image] buttons to remove or add portions of the stored entry locations.

For example, if you added the file "C:\Data\BusinessDeals\National\Xceed.xls" to the list, and you only want the “National” portion of the location stored in the SFX zip file, select the entry and collapse the folder twice.  The first collapse will remove "Data" portion, and the second one will remove the "BusinessDeals" portion.  If the user unzips this SFX zip file in "D:\Documents", it will be unzipped as "D:\Documents\National\Xceed.xls".

You can find this prompt in step 2.


Recreating folders when unzipping files
Recreate folders when unzipping these files.

If you would like the SFX zip file to store part/all of the original locations of the files, or if you would like to control which subfolders the files will be unzipped into, you need to check the "Recreate folders when unzipping these files" box.

When this option is enabled, the “Unzip filename” column in the file list changes to “Unzip location and filename”.  Now you can also alter the location where files will be unzipped to, as opposed to just being able to alter their unzipping filename.  Do this by right-clicking on the item to rename and selecting the “Rename” item from the pop-up menu.

When this option is enabled, you can use the Expand [image] and Collapse [image] buttons.  These buttons let you quickly add or remove portions of the location where the files will be unzipped to.

You can find this prompt in step 2.


Including the contents of an existing zip file
Include the contents of an already existing zip file

If you have an existing Zip file whose contents you want to convert into a SFX zip file, or whose contents you want to add to the list, use the “Include the contents of an already existing zip file” option.

When you select this option, you must enter the filename and location of an already existing zip file into the “Zip File:” field.  You can use the browse [image] button to quickly find an existing zip file.

Any Zip compatible file can be included with this option, including SFX zip files.

You can find this prompt in step 2.


Entering the SFX zip file's title
What do you want your SFX zip file’s title to be?

Here’s where you enter your SFX zip file’s title.  The title appears at the top of all of your SFX zip file’s windows.  Typically, the title is either a product name or a name indicating the nature of the contents of the SFX zip file.

If you are using Absolute Packager in Advanced mode, you'll also be able to browse and modify all SFX zip file's messages and strings in step 6, including the title and the introduction.

You can find this prompt in step 3 or in the One-step window.

 Sample title.


Entering an introduction message
What introduction message do you want your SFX zip file to display?

The introduction message appears in the “Introduction” window displayed by the SFX zip file as soon as it is opened.  Use the introduction message to describe the contents of your SFX zip file and to let the user know that they will be unzipped automatically.  The default introduction message can be used as a starting point if you desire.

The introduction message can contain up to 2000 characters. You can use any characters including the Return character to insert blank lines.

If you leave the introduction message empty, no introduction window will be displayed by the SFX zip file at all.

If you are using Absolute Packager in Advanced mode, you'll also be able to browse and modify all SFX zip file's messages and strings in step 6, including the title and the introduction.

You can find this prompt in step 3 or in the One-step window.

 Sample introduction message.


Specifying the default unzipping location
Where should your SFX zip file unzip its files to?

Here’s where you decide the default location where files will be unzipped to.  If you chose the Recreate folders when unzipping these files option in step 2, the subfolders will be recreated inside this default unzip location.

Leaving the default unzip location blank will cause the SFX zip file to unzip files into the same folder that it is located in, except if you are creating a setup SFX zip file and have checked the "Delete unzipped files and folders after other application terminates" in step 8.  In this case, an empty unzipping location will be replaced by "<Temp Folder>\<Random Subfolder>".

Macros

Some standard folders, such as the Windows, Windows System and the Program Files folder, vary in name and location on different systems.

For example, if you enter “C:\Windows” as the default unzip location, and you send your SFX zip file to someone whose Windows folder is “D:\Windows” or “C:\Win95”, then your SFX zip file will unzip files into the wrong folder.

To remedy this situation, Absolute Packager lets you use macros that represent various common folders.  To use a macro, click on the macro [image] button.  When you select an item from the pop-up menu, the appropriate macro will be inserted.

You can find this prompt in step 3 or in the One-step window.

 Sample destination folder prompt.


Allowing the user to change the unzipping destination folder
Allow the user to change the default unzipping destination folder

Check this option to have the SFX zip file display a “Confirm unzip directory” window.  This allows the user to know where files will be unzipped to, and to change the unzipping location if desired.  If you do not check this option, the files will be unzipped into the default unzipping directory without prompting the user.

You can set the default unzipping location using the Where should your SFX zip file unzip its files to? field in step 3.

You can find this prompt in step 4.

 Sample destination folder prompt.


Asking the user to confirm the creation of a new destination folder
Ask the user to confirm the creation of a new destination folder

When the unzipping destination folder does not exist, the SFX zip file can ask the user to confirm that the folder should created.  Check this option to enable this confirmation.  If you do not check this option, the folder will be created without prompting the user.

You can find this prompt in step 4.

 Sample folder creation query.


Displaying a progress window while unzipping
Display a progress window

Check this option to have the SFX zip file display a progress window while it is unzipping files.  The progress window shows the overall progress of the unzipping operation, as well as the filename and location of the current file being unzipped, and the percentage of completion of the current file.

You can find this prompt in step 4.

 Sample progress window.


Overwrite files - Ask the user what to do
What should be done when a file being unzipped already exists?
Ask the user what to do

Selecting this option will cause the SFX zip file to display an “Overwrite” window, which will show the user the filename and location of the file that already exists, and ask if the file should be overwritten.  The user will be able to answer: Yes, No, All or None. Yes will cause that particular file to be overwritten, No will cause it to be skipped and left intact, All will cause all files that already exist to be overwritten, and None will cause all files that already exist to be skipped and left intact.

You can change the message and all buttons' captions in step 6.

You can find this prompt in step 4.

 Sample overwrite query.


Overwrite files - Replace all existing files
What should be done when a file being unzipped already exists?
Always overwrite files that already exist

Selecting this option will cause the SFX zip file to automatically overwrite all files that already exist.  The user will not be prompted to confirm any overwrites.

You can find this prompt in step 4.


Overwrite files - Never overwrite existing files
What should be done when a file being unzipped already exists?
Never overwrite files that already exist

Selecting this option will cause the SFX zip file to automatically skip all files that already exist, without prompting the user.  Files that are skipped are left intact.

You can find this prompt in step 4.


Overwrite files - Replace older existing files only
What should be done when a file being unzipped already exists?
Overwrite older files only

Selecting this option will cause the SFX zip file to automatically overwrite all files that already exist, only if the existing file is older than the one in the SFX zip file.  If this is not the case, the file is skipped.

You can find this prompt in step 4.


Protection - Do not encrypt any files
How would you like the SFX zip file's contents to be protected?
Do not encrypt any files

Select this option when you don’t want any of the files inside the SFX zip file to be encrypted.  In this case, the SFX zip file’s “Password” window will never be displayed (except if you included a zip file that is encrypted), and all the files can be unzipped by any unzipping application without having to provide a password.

You can find this prompt in step 5.


Protection - Encrypt files with a password
How would you like the SFX zip file's contents to be protected?
Encrypt files with this password:

Select this option when you want some or all of the files in your SFX zip file to be encrypted with a password.  The password must be entered in the password field, and the files that the password should be applied to must be checked in the list of files for this option.

Files that do not have a check mark will not be encrypted with a password.

If you require multiple different passwords for different files, you can accomplish this by creating a regular zip file with each file encrypted with the appropriate password.  Use any regular zipping application to do this. Once you have made your zip file, include it as part of your SFX zip file with the Include the contents of an already existing zip file question in step 2.  The SFX zip file will take care of prompting for all the required passwords so that all files can be unzipped.

You can find this prompt in step 5.

 Sample password query.


Protection - Encrypt all files with an automatic password
How would you like the SFX zip file's contents to be protected?
Encrypt all files so they can only be unzipped by the SFX zip file

Selecting this option will cause the SFX zip file to encrypt all the files in the SFX zip file with an extra long random password (for maximum protection).  The password itself is then encrypted and saved within the SFX zip file.

A SFX zip file created with this option will automatically decrypt its contents and will not prompt the user for a password.  However, the contents can only be unzipped by the SFX zip file because the password is known only to the SFX zip file.  Therefore, the files inside the SFX zip file cannot be unzipped using an unzipping application such as PKUnzip or WinZip.

You can find this prompt in step 5.


Changing the SFX zip file's messages and strings
The list below contains all the messages, prompts, strings and button captions that can be displayed by the SFX zip file. To view or change an item's text, select the item.

Here is the list that contains the items you can review and customize.  The items are grouped into four categories: Messages, Prompts, Strings and Buttons.  You can open and close a group to reveal its contents by clicking on the “+” and “-“ symbols to the left of each group name.  To view the text for a group's item, click on it.  The currently selected item’s text appears in the Selected item’s text field, where you can change it if desired.

All fields have default values.  The license message is the only one left empty by default.

See the macros topic for information on inserting folder names into your message which may depend on where the user has selected to unzip the files to.

The maximum length of a message is 2000 characters, except for the license agreement message which is limited to 8000. The maximum length of a prompt or string is 255 characters, except for the Title string, which is limited to 100. The maximum length of a button caption is 30 characters.

You can find this prompt in step 6.

 Sample license agreement.

 Sample success message.

 Sample error message.


Selected item's text (prompt)
Selected item’s text:

Here is where you see the actual text for the item currently selected in the list.  You can change the item’s text in this field.  Make sure that the text you enter is not too long, especially in button captions.

In some fields, you can enter special macros that represent entities linked with the event generating those messages.  For example, the "Create folder confirmation" prompt implies that a specific folder should be created.  The <Unzip Folder> macro represents this folder.  In this case, the default message is "Folder '<Unzip Folder>' does not exist. Should I create it?", and the <Unzip Folder> macro will be replaced with the folder's name.

Whenever a field accepts a macro, it is indicated just under the text field.

You can find this prompt in step 6.


Creating a program group
Create a program group after unzipping the files

Select this option if you want the SFX zip file to create a program group after the files have been successfully unzipped.  When this option is selected, you must fill in the following field and list:

Title:

Enter the title for the program group here.

Contents:

Specify the contents of the program group here.  The “Full filename” column must contain the filename and location of each file to put into the program group.  Use the dropdown list if you want quick access to the list of files the SFX zip file will unzip.  Usually, the items in the program group are files/applications unzipped by the SFX zip file onto the user’s machine.

The “Description” column must contain a short description or name for each file you enter in the “Full filename” column.  This name appears next to the file’s icon when you look at the items in the program group (or the start menu).

You can find this prompt in step 7.


Associating extensions with applications
Associate file extensions with applications

Select this option if you want the SFX zip file to associate filename extensions to applications.  An example of this type of association are “.txt” files.  The “.txt” filename extension is ordinarily associated to the “Notepad” application, so when “.txt” files are opened, Windows automatically runs Notepad and has it open the text file.

If you select this option, you must provide one or more filename extensions in the “Extension” column.  For each filename extension, you must provide a very short text description for files that have this extension.  These descriptions appear in the “Type” column of Windows Explorer, or the properties window for a file.

You must also provide the filename and location of the application that will be executed when files of this type are opened (in the “Associated application” column).  Use the dropdown list if you want quick access to the list of files the SFX zip file will unzip.  Usually, the application you will associate to the extension will be an application that your SFX zip file is unzipping onto the user’s machine. Note: You can also include command line options that can be passed to the associated application when it is run. To do this, place the path and filename of the associated application in quotes, followed by the parameters.

Examples of new and existing extension associations:

Extension	Description	Associated application

.me	Read me file	<Windows Folder>\notepad.exe

.abs	Absolute Packager Configuration	“<Unzip Folder>\absolute.exe” /abs

.doc	Microsoft Word Document	<Program Files Folder>\MSOffice\Bin\winword.exe

.txt	Text file	<Windows Folder>\notepad.exe

You can find this prompt in step 7.


Displaying a text file after successfully unzipping
Do you want to display a text file after the files are unzipped?

After all the files have succesfully been unzipped, you are given the opportunity to communicate to the user by having the SFX zip file display a text file using the notepad application. The text file, usually one of the files that was unzipped by the SFX zip file, can contain any text message you want. You could, for example, provide instructions on what to do next.

Select “Yes” if you want to use this feature. The text file will be displayed after the files have been successfully unzipped, but before another application is executed (see next option).  The file can be any type/size regular text file that the notepad application can open.

Use the dropdown list [image] button to quickly select any file that’s part of the SFX zip file’s contents.  Each filename is already formatted based on its unzip name.

Use the macro [image] button to insert a frequently used folder macro.

Use the browse [image] button to browse for a text file.

You can find this prompt in step 8.


Executing an application after successfully unzipping
Do you want to run another application or open a document with its associated application after the files are unzipped?

Select this option if you want the SFX zip file to run another application once the files have been successfully unzipped.

You can specify any type of file the system can open, instead of only executable files.  For example, you can specify a web address like “http://www.yourdomain.com” to make the system open the default web browser to that address.  But if you decide to delete the unzipped files after the given application ends (see below), you must enter an executable filename, because the SFX zip file must know when the application has finished.

If you need to add extra parameters, just enter them in the "Optional parameters for the application" field.

If you want to run a setup program after unzipping is done, and would like the unzipped files to be deleted after this setup program ends, you can check the "Delete all unzipped files when this application terminates" box.  All the unzipped files and created folders will be deleted.

You can find this prompt in step 8.


Assigning an icon to your SFX zip file
Which icon do you want your SFX zip file to use?

You can change your SFX zip file’s default Icon here.  The “Use this Icon:” image is the icon that will be used by your SFX zip file.  To use a different Icon, click the browse button.  To reset the icon to the default SFX zip file icon [image], click the reset button.

You can find this prompt in step 8.


Revising your settings
Here is a summary of how your SFX zip file will be created.  You can double-click on any item you want to modify before proceeding.

This list contains the details about how your SFX zip file will be created, according to the settings you have selected in steps 1-3 (or 1-8 in advanced mode).

The [image] icon represents the step in which the setting can be changed.  If any of these settings are not to your satisfaction, double click on the item to bring you back to the corresponding step and field.  Make changes and click on the “Last” button to go back to the “Ready to create your SFX zip file!” step.

You can find this prompt in the final step.


Saving your configuration for later re-use
Do you want to save this SFX zip file’s configuration for later re-use?

Select “Yes” for this option if you want your current SFX zip file settings to be saved as soon as you click the Finish or Rebuild button. If you do this, next time you use Absolute Packager you will be able to load your settings, make changes if desired, and build a new SFX zip file.

There is also the save now [image] button - clicking this will save the current SFX zip file settings immediately into the configuration filename you have entered. This is useful when you are setting the default.abs configuration file for Absolute Packager’s One-step Windows Explorer mode.

Absolute Packager Configuration files have the filename extension “.abs”.  You can change the default filename given to your configuration file as desired.

You can find this prompt in the final step.


Building your SFX zip file

When you click on the Finish (or Rebuild) button, Absolute Packager will immediately begin creating your SFX zip file. The "SFX zip file creation process" window will appear, providing you with information on the activity and progress of building your SFX zip file. If an error occurs, a message window will be displayed with details. Otherwise, you will get the "Your SFX zip file was succesfully created" message, which will allow you to perform a test run of your SFX zip file. Click the "Yes" button to run the SFX zip file you just created, or the "No" button to go back to the progress window.

You can review the steps taken to create your SFX zip file in the progress window, then dismiss it by clicking the "Close" button. If you are satisfied with your SFX zip file, click Absolute Packager's "Quit" button to exit the program, or go back and modify any unsatisfactory settings and use the "Rebuild" button to create a new SFX zip file.


Tips for step 1

•	You can create a SFX zip file that spans multiple disks by entering a SFX zip filename that’s located on removable media, like "A:\SFXZIP.EXE". When creating the SFX zip file, if the current disk gets full, you will be prompted to insert another one. When a SFX zip file that spans multiple disks is run, it will automatically prompt the user to insert the appropriate disks in order to unzip its contents. The SFX zip file will have the same filename on all the disks in the set (for example: “SFXZIP.EXE”), but only the file on the first disk can be run. For example, you cannot run the SFXZIP.EXE file located on disks 2, 3, 4, etc. - only the SFXZIP.EXE file on disk 1 will run.

•	You can run the Absolute Packager with command line options. See the Command Line Options section.

•	You can reset Absolute Packager’s settings by checking and unchecking the first question’s “Yes” check box once.


Tips for step 2

•	You can decide what filename and location each file or folder you put into your SFX zip file will have when it is unzipped. Just rename the file or folder in the list by highlighting its entry in the list and hitting Enter or right-clicking the mouse button and selecting the “Rename” menu item.

•	If you include a zip file using the “Include the contents of an already existing zip file” field, its contents will be added to the SFX zip file unaltered. In other words, each file contained in the included zip file will be added to the SFX zip file, and its filename, location, encryption password and other attributes will be preserved. Adding a zip file directly to the list of files to put into the SFX zip file, without using the “Include the contents of an already existing zip file” field, will cause the zip file itself to be included in the SFX zip file, as if it was a normal file.

•	When you add a folder to the list of files in the SFX zip file, the entire contents of the folder, including any subfolders, will be added to the SFX zip file. When you add files using wildcards to the list, subfolders are not scanned.

•	You can drag and drop files from your desktop, from Windows Explorer, or even other applications directly into the list of files to include in your SFX zip file. Dragging files from the list itself onto the image of the cat will remove the files from the list.

•	Absolute Packager needs to scan the contents of any folders you want to include in your SFX zip file. When you include folders (or wildcards) that contain a large amount of files, Absolute Packager will scan the folders in the background, allowing you to continue adding more files or folders, or even proceed to the next step, without having to wait for the scanning to be completed.


Tips for step 3

•	The introduction message should always mention what your SFX zip file will do. For example, if your SFX zip file will automatically run another application, you should mention that after some files are unzipped (or installed), your program will automatically be run. If your SFX zip file will unzip files into a specific location without permitting the user to confirm the unzipping location, then you should mention that files will automatically be unzipped. This gives users the information they need in order to decide whether they should continue right away, or prepare their system (close other applications, make space on their hard drive) before proceeding.

•	It is always a good idea to suggest a default unzipping location (using the “Where should your SFX zip file unzip its files to?” field). Preferably, you should also suggest an unzipping location with a folder name related to the files being unzipped. This helps novice users decide where to put the files by providing them with an example of a place to unzip their files. For example, if your SFX zip file contains scanned pictures, you might suggest “c:\pictures” instead of leaving the default unzipping location field blank.


Tips for step 4

•	If you do not allow the user to change the default unzipping folder (by unchecking the “Allow the user to change the default unzipping destination folder?” field), you should always make sure to provide a default unzipping location using the “Where should your SFX zip file unzip its files to?” field in step 3.

•	If you want to prevent the user from canceling the unzipping process once it has started, don’t display the progress window.

•	Your SFX zip file can be made to run “quietly” (without displaying any windows on the screen). Just uncheck all the three options in Step 4’s “What should your SFX zip file do?” section, select something other than “Ask the user what to do” in the “What should be done when a file being unzipped already exists?” section, and make sure you clear all the message strings in Step 6.


Tips for step 5

•	The “Encrypt with this password” option is useful for encrypting license files or other files that you only want some people to be able to access, but still want to distribute the majority of files to most people.

•	Use long passwords for maximum protection (16 or more characters). Also, make sure to include some characters other than letters or numbers. Examples of good passwords: “Zipfiles-R-Us!!!” or “abcde$54321$qwerty”.

•	If you are using wildcards in Step 2 and you have checked certain files in the encrypt list provided by the “Encrypt files with this password” option, Absolute Packager will remember which files are checked the next time you load your SFX zip file configuration. However, if new files are matched by the wildcards the next time you load your SFX zip file, those new files will not be checked in the encrypt list. Thus, if you want ALL files to be checked in the encrypt list, you must go back and check any new files that are being matched by the wildcards - files that were not there the first time you checked all the files.

•	If you have included the contents of a zip file using step 2’s “Include the contents of an already existing zip file” option, files that are encrypted in that zip file will cause the SFX zip file to prompt for password(s) in order to unzip them.


Tips for step 6

•	The License Agreement message can be used to display a second “introduction” message if you want. Just change the Agree and Refuse button captions to “Continue” and “Exit”, just like in the introduction message window.

•	Any messages (and some prompts) that do not have any text at all will cause the window that the message or prompt appears on to be disabled. So if you do not want a success, fail, introduction, license agreement or error window to appear, empty out the contents of its message. If you don’t want the password window to appear, clear the password query prompt.

•	If you empty the password query prompt if you have files that are encrypted, these files will simply be skipped and not unzipped. These files are in effect “hidden”, but can still be seen and unzipped by unzipping applications (like PKUnzip or WinZip) if the password is known.

•	Don’t empty the disk prompts if you create a SFX zip file that spans multiple disks, or the SFX zip file will not be able to unzip its contents, because it cannot notify the user to insert the required disk(s).

•	Buttons can usually hold between 10-15 characters before the text will no longer fit inside.


Tips for step 7

•	When you create a program group, make sure to fill all the fields (Full filename and description) for all entries. Same rule for the fields required to associate file extensions with applications.

•	The dot “.” In front of filename extensions to associate is optional.

•	Files found in the included zip file (see Step 2’s “Include the contents of an already existing zip file” option) are available in the drop down list for program group entries and associated applications.


Tips for step 8

•	The text file to display is shown with Notepad.exe. The SFX zip file will wait for the user to close Notepad before continuing.

•	You can enter a Web address in the application to run. In fact, any file you can open using Windows Explorer will work.

•	Files found in the included zip file (see Step 2’s “Include the contents of an already existing zip file” option) are available in the drop down lists for the displayed text file and application to run.

•	The “Delete all unzipped files when this application terminates” option is useful when you are using a SFX zip file to package an installation program. With this option, once the installation program has been unzipped, run, and closed, the SFX zip file erase all the files and folders that the SFX zip file unzipped, including the installation program itself. Kind of like cleaning up after itself.

•	You can select any type of icon. It will automatically be converted to a 32x32, 16-color icon.


Tips for the final step

•	Your SFX zip file’s configuration is saved before the SFX zip file is created (assuming you did not uncheck this option). If something goes wrong while you are creating the SFX zip file, your configuration will already be saved.


Prompts and default values in Basic mode

•	Do you want to re-use a previously saved SFX zip file configuration?

Default: This option is initially disabled, but the text field already contains the last saved configuration file.

•	How would you like to use this wizard?

Default: The last used mode.

•	Enter the complete filename of the SFX zip file you want to create:

Default: A new default name is always suggested when you start Absolute Packager, with the form "absol#.exe", in the "Archives" sub-folder.

•	Which windows operating system must your SFX zip file work in?

Default: 16-bit is always suggested, since it works on all Windows platforms.

•	Add the files or folders you want in your SFX zip file to the list below.

Default: This list starts empty, and you must enter the desired SFX zip file contents.

•	Recreate folders when unzipping these files.

Default: This option starts unchecked, so the original locations of the files will not be stored in the SFX zip file.

•	Include the contents of an already existing zip file.

Default: This option starts unchecked.

•	What do you want your SFX zip file's title to be?

Default: The default title is "SFX zip file".

•	What introduction message do you want your SFX zip file to display?

Default: The default message is:

"This SFX zip file is an application that will unzip some files onto your system.  It was created with the Xceed Absolute Packager - the software that makes it easy to create high-quality zip files that can unzip their own contents.

Click on 'Continue' to confirm where to unzip the files!"

•	Where should your SFX zip file unzip its files to?

Default: This field starts empty, and when it's empty, the SFX zip file will offer to unzip the files in the same directory where the it is located.


Extra prompts and default values in Advanced mode

•	Choose which prompts and messages are displayed:

Default: Allow the user to change the default unzipping destination folder, ask the user to confirm the creation of a new destination folder, and display a progress window.

•	Choose what appends when a file being unzipped already exists:

Default: Ask the user what to do when unzipping a file that already exists. The user can choose between overwriting the file, skipping the file, overwriting this file and all remaining existing files, or skipping this file and all remaining existing files.

•	Encrypt your SFX zip file's content:

Default: The SFX zip file's contents are not encrypted.

•	Customize any message, prompt, string and button's text:

Default: Click here to browse the default SFX zip file texts.

•	Let your SFX zip file create a program group (or Start menu entry) after successfully unzipping the files:

Default: Do not create a program group.

•	Let your SFX zip file associate extensions with applications after successfully unzipping the files:

Default: Do not associate any extensions with any applications.

•	Let your SFX zip file display a text file after successfully unzipping the files:

Default: Do not display a text file after successfully unzipping the files.

•	Let your SFX zip run another application after successfully unzipping the files:

Default: Do not run another application.

•	Assign another icon to your SFX zip file:

Default: Use the [image] icon.

You can use Basic mode if you are not concerned about the above settings, or are satisfied with the default settings.  Even if you do use Advanced mode, you are not required to enter any information, because none of the extra steps need input when you don't want to change their default settings.


Command Line Options

The Absolute Packager can accept command line options. The basic format for the command line is:

absolute.exe [/abs configfile.abs] [/basic|/advanced|/basiconly] [/build sfxzipfile.exe [/silent]] [/zip zipfile.zip] [list of files]

Parameters in between brackets (“[]”) are optional. Vertical bars (“|”) indicate “or”.

The available options are:

Option	Description

/abs	Use the specified Absolute Packager configuration file

/basic	Start Absolute Packager in basic mode

/advanced	Start Absolute Packager in advanced mode

/basiconly	Start Absolute Packager in basic mode with advanced mode disabled.

/build	Start Absolute Packager and immediately build the specified SFX zip file using the default settings, or according to the settings in the configuration file specified with the /abs option.

/silent	Used in conjunction with /build, tells Absolute Packager to run without prompting the user, and quit after the SFX zip file is created.

/zip	Convert the specified standard zip file to a SFX zip file.

List of files	The list of files, wildcards and folders to put into the SFX zip file. Each item should be separated by a space. If the configuration file specified with the /abs option already contains a list of files, wildcards and folders to zip, the files specified in the command line will be added to this list. Items that have long filenames can be specified by putting them in quotes (ex: “A long filename.txt”).

Example command lines:

absolute.exe /advanced

absolute.exe /abs custom.abs *.txt *.exe

absolute.exe /abs “my config.abs” /build “my database.exe” /silent “my database.*” “..\comm.acm” “d:\temp\*”


Macros for common folders
Macros

A macro is a substring of two characters that has the format “<macro name>”. The text between the “<” and “>” symbols represents one of the available macros.  Macros can be used in folder names or in message text.  The “<” and “>” symbols, and the text representing the macro name are replaced by a value right before being displayed or used by the SFX zip file.

In the case of a folder macro, its value will depend on the particular settings of the Windows operating system that the SFX zip file is being run on.

In the case of a message macro, you can use the macro to display a variable element, like the unzipping destination directory or a filename.


Folder macros
Folder name and location macros

All folder macros except for the <Random Subfolder> macro include the drive as part of the path.  So all macros except for <Random Subfolder> must be used at the beginning of a path or filename designation, and only the <Random Subfolder> macro can be combined with other macros.  The <System Drive> macro only contains the drive letter followed by the colon (“:”) character.

None of the macros has a backslash at the end, so if you want to add more folders to the path, you must add your own backslash.

The <Unzip Folder> macro is not available for the “default unzip location” field, since it represents that field itself.

Here is a list of the macros available:

Macro	Description

<Windows Folder>	The location of the Windows Directory.

<System Folder>	The location of the Windows System directory. (In Windows 95, this is mapped to the System directory. In Windows NT, it is mapped to the System32 directory)

<Temp Folder>	The system’s temporary directory.

<Random Subfolder>	Random sub-folder name that doesn’t already exist (the format of the random name is: “_SFXxxx”, where xxx is a random number).

<Unzip Folder>	The unzip destination directory, or the user-selected directory where files were unzipped to.

<Exe Folder>	The directory where the SFX zip file is being run from.

<Program Files Folder>	The “Program Files” folder (only available in Windows 95, Windows NT 4.0 and up).

<System Drive>	The main system hard disk (the one where Windows is installed). Format is drive letter + colon (ex: “c:”)


Message text macros

Message macros can be inserted in their respective message, prompt or string text to represent a variable value.  For example, if you want to display the filename in the overwrite prompt, you can insert the text “<Filename>”, without the quotes, anywhere in the message.  The SFX zip file will replace the <Filename> macro with the filename before displaying it.

Not all macros are available in all messages, prompts or strings. The “available” section for each macro below will indicate where it is available.

Message macros are:

Macro	Description

<Unzip Folder>	The unzip destination directory, or the user-selected directory where files were unzipped to.

<Folder>	Available for the "Creating directory confirmation" prompt , "Error creating dir" message, “Success” message and “Fail” message.

<Error Code>	Error code number.

Available for the “Fail” message.

<Filename>	Complete filename of the current file being unzipped.

Available for the "Overwrite existing file" prompt.

<Disk Number>	The number of the requested disk.

Available for the the "Insert next disk" prompt.

<Share Name> &

 <Computer>	Share name and computer name.  These two appear in the drop-down drive list of the "Browse for folder" window, available from the "Unzipping folder" prompt, but only with the 16-bit SFX zip file. They are also shown if you execute a 32-bit SFX zip file in Windows NT 3.51 or below.  Windows 95, Windows NT 4.0 and up have a default "Browse for folder" windows that you cannot modify.


Error codes generated by a SFX zip file

When a SFX zip file is unzipping its files, and something goes wrong, the SFX zip file will display the default error message or the error message you have entered in step 6. The <Error Code> macro used in the default message, or optionally in your custom error message can have the following values and meanings:

Value(s)	Description

110,160	The SFX zip file’s contents have been corrupted. This can be due to a bad download or bad media integrity.

120	Not enough memory available to unzip the files.

150,300,310,400	Write error. Destination drive where files are being unzipped to may be full, inaccessible or restricted for writing.

420	Wrong disk was inserted too many times after the SFX zip file has requested a specific disk of a multidisk SFX zip file set.

510	Could not create destination unzipping folder.

If an error code other than those listed above occurs, you should contact Xceed Software’s technical support to report the occurrence. Be sure to indicate how to reproduce the problem.


What is a program group

Program groups let you create a group of shortcuts that make it easy to find and open applications or documents.

In Windows 3.x or NT 3.51 program groups are windows that appear inside Program Manager, and contain icons for the applications or documents that are contained in the program group.

In Windows 95, 98 and NT 4.0 and up, program groups are entries found in the “Programs” section of the start button menu. The applications or documents contained by the program group are accessible in the submenu displayed when the program group’s entry in the “Programs” section is highlighted.


Default SFX zip file strings

Messages

Message	Default

Success	“All files were successfully unzipped.”

Failure	“Error #<Error Code> during unzipping operation. One or more files were not successfully unzipped.”

Error creating folder	“Unable to create the '<Folder>’ folder”

Introduction	“This SFX zip file is an application that will unzip some files onto your system.  It was created with the Xceed Absolute Packager - the software that makes it easy to create high-quality zip files that can unzip their own contents.

Click on 'Continue' to confirm where to unzip the files!”

License Agreement	Empty

Prompts

Prompt	Default

Unzipping Folder	“Select the folder where you want to unzip the files to:”

Password query	“A password is required for file:”

Insert Last Disk	“Please insert the last disk of the set.”

Insert Disk	“Please insert disk #<Disk Number>.”

Abort Unzipping	“Are you sure you want to abort the unzipping operation?”

Create Folder	“Folder '<Folder>' does not exist. Should I create it?”

Overwrite Existing File	“File '<Filename>’ already exists. Should I overwrite it?”

Strings

String	Default

Unzipping File	“Unzipping file:”

Progress Indicator	“Overall progress:”

Title of each window	“SFX zip file”

Browse Unzipping Folder	“Current folder to unzip files to:”

Shared Drive Entry	“<Share Name> on <Computer>'”

Entire Network	“Entire Network”

Buttons

Button	Default

OK	“&OK”

Cancel	“&Cancel”

Abort	“&Abort”

Skip	“&Skip File”

Always Skip	“&Always Skip”

Yes	“&Yes”

No	“&No”

Overwrite All	“&All”

Overwrite None	“N&one”

Continue	“&Continue”

Exit	“&Exit”

Agree	“&Agree”

Refuse	“&Refuse”


Sample SFX zip file - Introduction message

1:	Icon.  The default icon is [image].

2:	Title of each SFX zip file windows.  The default text is "SFX zip file".  The title is always the same for all windows displayed by the SFX zip file.

3:	Continue button.  The default caption is "Continue".

4:	Exit button.  The default caption is "Exit".  When this button is clicked, the SFX zip file quits without unzipping anything.

5:	Introduction message.  The default text is shown in the picture above.  When empty, the introduction window is not shown.


Sample SFX zip file - License agreement

1:	Icon.  The default icon is [image].

2:	Title.  The default text is "SFX zip file".

3:	Agree button.  The default caption is "Agree".

4:	Refuse button.  The default caption is "Refuse".  When this button is clicked, the SFX zip file ends immediately, without unzipping any files.

5:	License agreement message.  The default text is empty.  When empty, the license agreement window is not shown.


Sample SFX zip file - Extraction folder prompt
Sample SFX zip file - Unzipping folder prompt

1:	Title.  The default text is "SFX zip file".

2:	Unzipping location folder.  The SFX zip file will suggest the default unzipping folder you entered in step 3.  If you left the field empty, it suggest the location of the SFX zip file itself.  The user can change the suggested folder name, or click the browse button (#6) to change it.  The SFX zip file can ask the user to confirm this new folder's creation.

3:	OK button.  The default caption is "OK".  When this button is clicked, the unzipping process starts.  If the specified folder does not exist, the SFX zip file can prompt the user to confirm the folder's creation.

4:	Exit button.  The default caption is "Exit".  When this button is clicked, the SFX zip file ends without unzipping any files.

5:	Unzipping folder message.  The default text is "Select the folder where you want to unzip the files to:".  You have two lines available in this window to fit the text in.

6:	Browse for folder button.  The user can click this button to browse the system for an existing folder.

You can bypass this window and force the SFX zip file to use the default unzipping folder by unchecking the Allow the user to change the default unzipping destination folder option in step 4.


Sample SFX zip file - Folder creation confirmation

1:	Title.  The default text is "SFX zip file".

2:	Yes button.  The default caption is "Yes".  If this button is clicked, the folder will be created, and the unzipping process will continue.

3:	No button.  The default caption is "No".  If this button is clicked, the user will be prompted again (if the Allow the user to change the default unzipping destination folder option is enabled) for a destination folder, or the SFX zip file will quit if the destination folder window was disabled.

4:	Folder creation confirmation text.  The default text is "Folder '<Folder>' does not exist. Should I create it?".  You can insert the <Folder> macro anywhere in the text where you want to display the folder's full name and location.

You can prevent this prompt from appearing, and automatically create any new folder destination by turning the Ask the user to confirm the creation of a new destination folder option off in step 4.


Sample SFX zip file - Overwrite existing file query

1:	Title.  The default text is "SFX zip file".

2:	Yes button.  The default caption is "Yes".  If this button is clicked, the displayed file will be overwritten, and if another existing file is encountered later, the same question will be asked.

3:	No button.  The default caption is "No".  If this button is clicked, the displayed file will be skipped and left intact, and if another existing file is encountered later, the same question will be asked.

4:	All button.  The default caption is "All".  If this button is clicked, the displayed file and all subsequent existing files will be overwritten.  This question won't be asked anymore.

5:	None button.  The default caption is "None".  If this button is clicked, the displayed file and all subsequent existing files will be skipped and left intact.  This question won't be asked anymore.

6:	Overwrite existing file prompt.  The default text is "File '<Filename>' already exists. Should I overwrite it?".  The <Filename> macro can be inserted anywhere to display the name and location of the file that already exists.

You can prevent this window from being displayed, and force a default action be taken when a file already exists in step 4.


Sample SFX zip file - Password prompt

1:	Title.  The default text is "SFX zip file".

2:	OK button.  The default caption is "OK".  If this button is clicked, the SFX zip file tries to decrypt its contents with the password entered by the user.  If this fails, the password prompt will reappear until the correct password is provided, or until button #3 or #4 is clicked.

3:	Skip file button.   The default caption is "Skip File".  If this button is clicked, the SFX zip file skips the displayed file in #6, and continues unzipping the rest of the files.  If another encrypted file is encountered that can’t be decrypted with the previously entered password, the password prompt will reappear again for that file.

4:	Always skip button.  The default caption is "Always Skip".  If this button is clicked, the SFX zip file will skip this file and all remaining encrypted files.  Only non-encrypted files will be unzipped.  The password prompt won't reappear.

5:	Password prompt.  The default text is "A password is required for file:".  Note: Macros are not supported here, because the filename is always displayed under this prompt (see #6).

6:	The encrypted filename for which a password is required.  The full filename is always displayed.  If the filename is too big to fit, a portion of the path is replaced with three dots (…) to make it fit.

7:	Password field.  The user enters the required password here.  Stars (*) are always displayed for each character entered, to hide the password from prying eyes.

This window will only appear if you chose to encrypt files with a specific password, or if you included the contents of an already encrypted zip file.

If you decide to encrypt your SFX zip file so it can only be unzipped by itself, the SFX zip file will contain a built-in encrypted copy of the password, and will automatically use it to decrypt its contents.  With this option, no password prompt will appear, and the SFX zip file's contents will only be unzippable from the SFX zip file itself. Unzipping applications PKUnzip or WinZip will not be able to unzip the contents of the Zip file because the password will not be available.


Sample SFX zip file - Progress window

1:	Title.  The default text is "SFX zip file".

2:	Abort button.  The default caption is "Abort".  If this button is clicked, the unzipping process is stopped and the SFX zip file will not register extensions, create program groups, display a text file or execute another application.

3:	Unzipping file prompt.  The default text is "Unzipping file:".  Note: Macros are not available here because the complete filename is displayed under the prompt (see #4).

4:	The complete filename being unzipped.  If its too big to fit, a portion of the path is replaced by three dots (…) to make it fit.

5:	Progress prompt.  The default text is "Overall progress:".

6:	Progress bar.  It represents the percentage of bytes unzipped with respect to the total number of bytes that must be unzipped in order for the unzipping operation to be completed.

You can prevent this window from appearing by turning off the Display a progress window in step 4.  If you disable the progress window, the user won't be able to abort the unzipping process (the Cancel button will not be available).


Sample SFX zip file - Insert disk prompt

1:	Title.  The default text is "SFX zip file".

2:	OK button.  The default caption is "OK".  If this button is clicked, the SFX zip file scans to make sure the requested disk is inserted.  If the requested disk is found, the unzipping process continues, otherwise the same disk prompt reappears.

3:	Cancel button.  The default caption is "Cancel".  If this button is clicked, the unzipping process is cancelled, and the SFX zip file quits without registering any extensions, creating a program group, displaying a text file or executing another application.

4:	Insert last disk prompt.  The default text is "Please insert the last disk of the set.".

5:	Insert next disk prompt.  The default text is "Please insert disk #`Disk Number>.".  You can insert the <Disk Number> macro anywhere in the text where you want to display the required disk number.

These prompts will only appear if you created a multi-disk SFX zip file.  Note: When a multi-disk SFX zip file begins to unzip its files, it will always start by requesting the last disk of the set in order to obtain the list of files to unzip (this list always located at the end of a zip file).  Once the list of files to unzip has been obtained, the SFX zip file will request disk #1 to begin unzipping the files. When each disk is fully unzipped, the next disk will then be requested, until the last disk of the set is reached again.

Absolute Packager automatically supports multi-disk SFX zip files when you tell it to create a SFX zip file on a removable disk (like drive A:, for example).


Sample SFX zip file - Success message

1:	Title.  The default text is "SFX zip file".

2:	OK button.  The default caption is "OK".  After this button is clicked, the SFX zip file can optionally display a text file and wait for the user to close it, and/or execute another application.  If you checked the delete unzipped files after this application ends option (in most cases a setup program), the SFX zip file waits for the executed application to end, and then deletes all unzipped files and created folders.

3:	Success message.  The default text is "All files where successfully unzipped.".

This window appears after all files have been unzipped, and optionally after all extensions are registered and the program group is created.


Sample SFX zip file - Error message

1:	Title.  The default text is "SFX zip file".

2:	OK button.  The default caption is "OK".  After this button is clicked, the SFX zip file quits.

3:	Error message.  The default text is "Error #<Error Code> during unzipping operation. One or more files were not successfully unzipped.".  You can use the <Error Code> macro to insert the error number.

This window appears whenever an error occurs during the unzipping process.