EX_ File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
File Extension .EX_
Description Compressed Executable File, often used in Windows installations.
Format Type Binary
Compression Yes, primarily LZ compression
Primary Use Software Installation
Uncompressed Equivalent .EXE
Common Tools for Decompression EXPAND.exe (Windows Command Line tool), 7-Zip
Operating System Windows
Created By Microsoft
MIME Type application/x-msdownload
Typical File Size Range Varies (Dependent on the original EXE size)
Can be executed directly No (requires decompression)
Associated Icons Generally none, treated as a standard file
File Header Hex Dependent on the specific executable content
Signature / Magic Number None specific to compression (retains the EXE signature)
Can contain multiple files No, represents a single compressed executable
Usual Methods of Distribution Software Installation Packages, Downloadable Utilities
Encryption Possible, but not inherent to the format
Recovery Possibility in case of corruption Low; Compression can make data recovery challenging
Used by Installer Packages Yes, frequently in Windows-based installers