1) Requirements

• WinRAR (latest version recommended)
• Application folder (contains the main executable, e.g., AppLauncher.exe or autopatch.exe)
• Optional: icon.ico for SFX window & shortcuts

2) Prepare the Source Folder

Package\
  AppLauncher.exe
  icon.ico              (optional)
  postinstall.vbs       (script below)

3) postinstall.vbs — Create Shortcuts & Launch

Save this file in the source folder.

' Post-install: create shortcuts and launch application
Option Explicit
Dim WshShell, fso, instDir, scDesk, smDir, lnk
Set WshShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
Set fso      = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")

' Use the extracted folder (where this VBS is located)
instDir = fso.GetParentFolderName(WScript.ScriptFullName)

' Desktop shortcut
scDesk = WshShell.SpecialFolders("Desktop") & "\Your App.lnk"
Set lnk = WshShell.CreateShortcut(scDesk)
lnk.TargetPath = instDir & "\AppLauncher.exe"
lnk.WorkingDirectory = instDir
If fso.FileExists(instDir & "\icon.ico") Then lnk.IconLocation = instDir & "\icon.ico"
lnk.Save

' Start Menu shortcut
smDir = WshShell.SpecialFolders("Programs") & "\Your App"
If Not fso.FolderExists(smDir) Then fso.CreateFolder(smDir)
Set lnk = WshShell.CreateShortcut(smDir & "\Your App.lnk")
lnk.TargetPath = instDir & "\AppLauncher.exe"
lnk.WorkingDirectory = instDir
If fso.FileExists(instDir & "\icon.ico") Then lnk.IconLocation = instDir & "\icon.ico"
lnk.Save

' Auto launch application (optional)
WshShell.Run """" & instDir & "\AppLauncher.exe" & """", 1, False

Replace Your App and AppLauncher.exe with your own names if needed.

4) Build the SFX in WinRAR

1. Open WinRAR and browse into the Package folder.
2. Select all files → click Add.
3. In the dialog, set:
   • Archive format: RAR
   • Create SFX archive: checked
   • Advanced SFX options… → Text and icon → Load SFX icon from file → choose icon.ico (optional)
4. Open the Comment tab and paste one of the following blocks.

A) Interactive Mode

;The comment below contains SFX script commands
Title=Application Installer
Path=%ProgramFiles%\Your App
Overwrite=1
Setup=wscript.exe postinstall.vbs

B) Silent Mode

;The comment below contains SFX script commands
Title=Application Installer
Path=%ProgramFiles%\Your App
Silent=1
Overwrite=1
Setup=wscript.exe postinstall.vbs

To avoid UAC, install per-user instead: Path=%UserProfile%\Apps\Your App.

5) Test

• Run the generated .exe — files extract to the specified folder.
• Shortcuts appear on Desktop and in Start Menu.
• The application auto-launches (remove the last VBS line if not desired).

6) Troubleshooting

• Window title shows quotes — Use the WinRAR SFX comment format (no quotes). First line must be ;The comment below contains SFX script commands.
• Default folder isn’t Program Files — Use Path=... (WinRAR syntax). InstallPath= is 7-Zip SFX only.
• VBS doesn’t run — Ensure Windows Script Host isn’t disabled by policy/AV.
• No uninstaller — WinRAR SFX does not create one; remove by deleting the folder and shortcuts.

7) Notes & Options

• RAR is recommended for larger payloads.
• Overwrite=1 ensures updates replace previous files.
• Icon: set SFX icon via Advanced SFX options → Text and icon. Shortcuts use icon.ico from the install folder.
• Split volumes: configure Split to volumes in Add to Archive… for multi-part uploads.

8) Quick Checklist