Self-extracting (SFX) archives
An SFX (SelF-eXtracting) archive isan archive, merged with an executable module, which is used to extractfiles from the archive when executed. Thus no external program is necessaryto extract the contents of an SFX archive, it is enough to executeit. Nevertheless WinRAR can work with SFX archives as with any otherarchives, so if you do not want to run a received SFX archive (forexample, because of possible viruses), you may use WinRAR to view orextract its contents.
SFX archives usually have .exe extension as any other executablefile.
SFX archives are convenient if you want to give an archive to somebody,but do not know, if they have an appropriate archiver to extract filesfrom it. You may also use SFX archives to distribute your own software.For example, WinRAR package is based on GUI RAR SFX module Default.sfx.
To create an SFX archive from the command line you may use the-sfx switch to make a new archive or S command to convert an existing archive toSFX. In WinRAR shell either select "Create SFX archive" option in Archive name and parameters dialog, whencreating a new archive or enter into an already existing archive andpress "SFX" button.
WinRAR distributive includes several SFX modules. All SFX moduleshave .sfx extension and must be in the same folder as WinRAR. By defaultWinRAR always uses Default.sfx module, but you may specify thename of another module directly in "-sfx" switch or "S" command. Forexample, to convert myarchive.rar to SFX using WinCon.SFXmodule run:
WinRAR SWinCon.SFX myarchive.rar
In the WinRAR shell you can select the desired SFX module fromthe list displayed when executing Convertarchive to SFX command.
Here you can read about the following SFX modules:
