PC Hobbyist

I want to create self-extracting zip files that will unzip directly into a certain file directory. Here is the situation:
I often send pictures or files to family and friends and I would like for the contents to be unpacked directly into their My Pictures folder (for example).

I want my zipped file to be self-extracted and in the process create a folder (inside My Pictures) called "Christmas photos 2006" where all the contents will be placed.
I can do that in my computer, because I can set the directory for extraction exactly like I have it in my pc. But, other people will have a different user name or will have the My Pictures folder on a different drive. So, is there a "wild-card" entry that I can type for the extraction directory so that it will automatically find that system folder (My Pictures), then create the new folder there and place the contents in that new folder?

I use Winrar or IZArc - but I'm open to freeware archiving programs if they will do what I want here.

Thanks for any help.

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PC eye

ZIP 2 Secure EXE offers this type of self extracting and predetermined location for later extraction of files. At first it sounded a little off trying to look for one that would auto unpack to a predetermined location. But you still won't be able to use a wild card! Review the information on the freeware at the link here to see if that will still work. http://www.zip-compression.com/zip-self-extractor.asp

PC Hobbyist

Thanks PC eye. I'll check that out and let you know.

I know it sounds a bit weird, but it's just that some of my elderly family members have a hard time unzipping a file and browsing to find the pictures folder to unzip it to etc. and so they end up having a ton of stuff on their desktop. This way, I could just tell them to click on Start - My Pictures and they will see the new folder with the photos I sent them. Anyway, we'll see if that is possible.

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PC eye

You could setup a special folder where you don't have to worry about user names on different machines. That would one specific set of instructions to work on multiple systems even with more then one user account since it wouldn't be limited by logon accounts and passwords. When they went to a folder you created for this(like one with your first name on it?) the photos you have sent in archives will open right up for easy viewing.

PC Hobbyist

Hm, that's not a bad idea. However, the only directory I could think of was
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop
because I guess that would put it on everyone's desktop. However, I would prefer it being inside the My Pictures folder, but the only possibility I see is:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\My Pictures
which would put it in the "shared pictures folder". But I honestly think some people would get confused because they don't even know that such a shared folder exists, let alone where it is located and how you access it.

The easiest thing might just be to extract it to everyone's desktop and have them drag it into their pictures folder.

What think you now, Kimosabi?

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Cromewell

Use Documents and Settings\%USERNAME%\Desktop (or My Pictures or whatever)

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You know what the chain of command is? It's the chain I go get and beat you with 'til ya understand who's in ruttin' command here.

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PC Hobbyist

Really? that will work? Is that the "wild card" I have been looking for? I always see that in examples in forums and stuff, but I didn't think it would actually work. Hm, if it does, then you have made my day!

I'll go give it a try. Oh, one question, though. What if the directory for the My Pictures folder is on some other drive? I know the %username% idea wouldn't work there, but I don't know if there is something similar to that, that simply tells the computer - open the system folder "my pictures" or "my documents" wherever it is located.

@ PC eye: no worries, you're still Kimosabi.

UPDATE...................

Ok, I just tried it, but I must have misunderstood you because for example
C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Desktop
is "nof found" if I try pasting it in explorer. And also, if there are several users on the computer, then who would be chosen?
Yeah, got a little excited there. Well it was nice while it lasted.

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PC eye

On a different drive then C? Different numbers of user accounts on different machines? Wild card doesn't work? If you know the system that will receive the self extracting files has one specific user name then you simply write the instructions for that. But if you are planning to send to more then one or multiple accounts the idea of the "specific" destination that would be "universal" or one specially created on one machine would be the ideas to look at. You first have to have a fixed destination easily accessible for those you want to see them as well as sending to.

PC Hobbyist

LOL

I know, is right. I think the best thing to do is to use:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop\WHATEVER-NAME

And then each person can simply drag that WHATEVER-NAME folder into their My Pictures or My Documents.

Thanks for your help. I think we figured out what is easiest.

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PC eye

You should be able to use a universal while keeping it simple. Each system chosen to receive photos from PC Hobbyist would somply create a new folder with a name like "PC Hobbyist photos" to clearly identify those as not being the default "My Pictures" seen in the My documents folder under all or "user name". A folder called TEMP or going to "All Users\Shared Documents\Shared Pictures is a thought too. The last covers multiple accounts on one machine.