InstallShield installer archive

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'''InstallShield installer archive''' is what we're calling the format of the <code>_INST32I.EX_</code> file included in many Windows software distributions that use the ''InstallShield'' installation software. It appears to be a general-purpose compressed archive format, though it's not clear whether it has been used in any other way.
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'''InstallShield installer archive''' is what we're calling the format of the <code>_inst32i.ex_</code> file included in many Windows software distributions that use the [[InstallShield]] installation software. Another filename used by the format is <code>_inst16.ex_</code>. Rarely, filenames <code>_inst32a.ex_</code> (related to Windows NT for DEC Alpha) and <code>_inst32m.ex_</code> (MIPS) may be found.
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It uses [[PKWARE DCL Implode]] compression.
  
 
== Disambiguation ==
 
== Disambiguation ==
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== Discussion ==
 
== Discussion ==
Based on unconfirmed information, the 16-bit SETUP.EXE program detects the user's platform, and extracts the appropriate platform-specific installer programs from <code>_INST32I.EX_</code>.
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Based on unconfirmed information, the 16-bit <code>setup.exe</code> program detects the user's platform, and extracts the appropriate platform-specific installer programs from (e.g.) <code>_inst32i.ex_</code>.
  
 
== Identification ==
 
== Identification ==
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At offset 8 is the message "<code>Copyright (c) 1990-1995 Stirling Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserve</code>".
 
At offset 8 is the message "<code>Copyright (c) 1990-1995 Stirling Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserve</code>".
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== Software ==
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* {{Deark}}
  
 
== Sample files ==
 
== Sample files ==
 
* Examples of software with such a file: [http://cd.textfiles.com/cdaction/cdaction24b/GOLF/], [http://cd.textfiles.com/cdaction/cdaction32/JAKKAL/], [http://cd.textfiles.com/cdaction/cdaction32/WARGASM/]
 
* Examples of software with such a file: [http://cd.textfiles.com/cdaction/cdaction24b/GOLF/], [http://cd.textfiles.com/cdaction/cdaction32/JAKKAL/], [http://cd.textfiles.com/cdaction/cdaction32/WARGASM/]
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* {{DexvertSamples|archive/installShieldInstallerArchive}}
  
 
== Links ==
 
== Links ==

Latest revision as of 02:55, 28 December 2023

File Format
Name InstallShield installer archive
Ontology
Extension(s) .ex_

InstallShield installer archive is what we're calling the format of the _inst32i.ex_ file included in many Windows software distributions that use the InstallShield installation software. Another filename used by the format is _inst16.ex_. Rarely, filenames _inst32a.ex_ (related to Windows NT for DEC Alpha) and _inst32m.ex_ (MIPS) may be found.

It uses PKWARE DCL Implode compression.

Contents

[edit] Disambiguation

It is not to be confused with InstallShield CAB, InstallShield Z, or MS-DOS installation compression.

[edit] Discussion

Based on unconfirmed information, the 16-bit setup.exe program detects the user's platform, and extracts the appropriate platform-specific installer programs from (e.g.) _inst32i.ex_.

[edit] Identification

Files begin with bytes 2a ab 79 d8.

At offset 8 is the message "Copyright (c) 1990-1995 Stirling Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserve".

[edit] Software

[edit] Sample files

[edit] Links

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