You can turn your scripts and other code into executables in Windows without installing extra software. Windows XP has a built in tool called “IExpress Wizard” that does this for you. I will walk you through the process of creating an executable in Windows.
The first step is to go to Start >> Run and type the following command:
iexpress
You should get the following screen:
Leave the top bullet selected and click Next. On the following screen leave the top bullet (“Extract files and run an installation command”) selected and click Next. This is shown below:
On the following screen type the title you want to name your executable. If you would like to prompt the user with a confirmation dialog before installing you can do so on the following screen. For the purpose of this tutorial we will leave the prompt blank.
If you would like to display a license you can choose do so on the following screen. Again, for the purpose of this tutorial we will not display a license.
On the next screen you need to add the code you would like included in the executable. For this tutorial I used a VBScript file that I want converted into an executable. You also need to include a file that will launch your code. For a VBScript file you need to include a .bat file that will launch the file.
After you add your script (or code) and the launcher file, click Next. On the following screen you need to select your install program from the drop down. You can leave the “Post Install Command” with None.
You can leave the Default window selected in the Show window dialog and click Next. You can also enter a Finished message if you like. For the purpose of this dialog we will not have a finished dialog.
On the next screen (shown below) select where you would like the executable to be placed and leave the Options boxes unchecked.
On the next screen, choose “Only restart if needed” and click Next. On the following screen, You can save your settings if you like (you don’t have to) and click next.
Now your package is ready to be created. You can select Next to start this process (shown below):
Once your package is done click finish and you will have an executable waiting for you.