InstallShield installer archive
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.
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Disambiguation
It is not to be confused with InstallShield CAB, InstallShield Z, or MS-DOS installation compression.
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_.
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".
Sample files
- Examples of software with such a file: [1], [2], [3]
- https://telparia.com/fileFormatSamples/archive/installShieldInstallerArchive/
Links
- FILExt page about the ??_ file extension pattern (Look for "InstallShield")
