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Question from member: What do I do with a zip file containing a program?

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mouser:
I received this email from someone having trouble running one of our coding snacks downloads (i've edited it for a bit of clarity)

"I downloaded the zip file, but when i ran the exe program inside the zip file it says something about some missing files.
Is there something I'm doing wrong?"
--- End quote ---

ANSWER:

Unless the zip file contains a single setup exe program, you always need to UNPACK/EXTRACT the zip file first, creating a new folder with the contents of the zip file in it.

This new folder with the extracted contents of the zip file will be the new home of this program - you can then move the folder someplace permanent and run the program from there.

So in short, don't try to run programs from inside zip file directly - always extract the files first, otherwise the program won't be able to find its data files.

crabby3:
I received this email from someone having trouble running one of our coding snacks downloads (i've edited it for a bit of clarity)

"I downloaded the zip file, but when i ran the exe program inside the zip file it says something about some missing files.
Is there something I'm doing wrong?"
--- End quote ---

ANSWER:

Unless the zip file contains a single setup exe program, you always need to UNPACK/EXTRACT the zip file first, creating a new folder with the contents of the zip file in it.

This new folder with the extracted contents of the zip file will be the new home of this program - you can then move the folder someplace permanent and run the program from there.

So in short, don't try to run programs from inside zip file directly - always extract the files first, otherwise the program won't be able to find its data files.

-mouser (July 28, 2005, 07:39 AM)
--- End quote ---

Wow Mouser... I really could have used your step-by-step answer today.  I think I'll start reading (and maybe reviving) older posts... so other beginners, like myself, can better understand how computer stuff works (or doesn't work).  :Thmbsup: 

I did get some great help today but your step-by-step approach is more my speed.   :)

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