What Does Setup.exe Do?


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Why can't you just copy a file someplace and run it? It used to work like that, years ago before Windows came on the scene. Now, setting up most programs to work in Windows is complicated, but setup.exe does all the work for you.

A basic setup program:

- Creates copies of needed files in the correct location of your hard drive
- Creates shortcuts in your Start menu

Most Windows programs consist of many files, each of which has to be located in a specific place relative to the main program file. Sometimes these are in subfolders of the program's main folder. Other times they are in other folders. And sometimes, parts of files getting added into existing files that make your computer run. Luckily, the setup program knows exactly where everything belongs and what to do.

Most setup programs will give you some choices though. For example, you can change the folder the program is installed into. There may be a good reason to do this maybe you have an old version of this program that you want to keep and use occasionally if you do, you don't want the new version to go in the same folder and replace the older version. If this is not the case, or you are not sure, use the default folder suggested by Setup.

Another choice is the name of the Start Menu group for this program. Most times the name of the company that makes the program is suggested (i.e. Microsoft). You may replace this with the program name, or anything else that will help you remember what the menu item is actually for.

While almost any setup performs those two basic functions, copying files and creating Start Menu entries, many do a lot more. Here are a few of the other things a Setup might do:

Register Your Program: Some programs need a registration code to qualify them as registered. If so, during the setup process, you will be prompted for a registration number. This registration number is usually found somewhere on the package the software came in. In the case of a downloaded program, you'll usually find the registration number in the README file.

Enter Your Name and Company: Some programs require at least a name in order to install properly. This means that you will be the registered owner and user of the program.

Set Initial Settings: Often the setup will write settings specific to your computer (like where to find data files, or which browser to use). It checks your computer during setup to find out where things are on your system, then sets the program with the correct locations. Some setup programs look for earlier installations so it can ask if you want to bring your old settings into the new version.

Set Associations: A setup may set certain file types to always open using the program it is setting up. For example a graphics editor might be associated with the graphic file formats it supports.

Special Setups: Some programs will run faster if you install the whole thing on your hard drive. But this may take more room that you want it to. It may be possible to only install the most necessary files onto your drive, and read the rest, as needed, from the CD-ROM drive. A Setup program can give you these options, or may let you chose which elements to install.



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