PRB: Encrypted EXE Larger In Size After Compression

ID: Q125863

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

After using SetupWizard to compress an executable built with encryption, you discover that the compressed file (.EX$ file) is actually larger in physical size than its original size as an ,EXE file.

CAUSE

Because the file is encrypted, the compression algorithm used by SetupWizard fails to find repeated characters to encode, so it cannot compress the encrypted file.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. Use an existing Project such as ORGANIZE.PJX in the \SAMPLE\ORGANIZE 

   directory under the main FoxPro directory or create a new simple Project
   for testing purposes.
2. Build the Project into an Executable with encryption. To do this, choose 
   options from the Project menu, and in the resulting dialog screen,
   select the Encrypt Code check box.
3. For testing purposes only, place this encrypted .EXE file in an empty 
   directory along with the FOXW2600.ESL Support Library file.
4. Run the SetupWizard application (SETUP.APP) in the DKWIZARD directory 
   under the main FoxPro directory. Specify a different directory for the
   compressed files. SetupWizard will create this directory for you.
5. After SetupWizard has finished, compare the file size of the .EX$ to the 
   .EXE file, and note that the .EX$ file is larger.
Additional reference words: FoxWin 2.60a KBCategory: kbtool kbprb KBSubcategory: FxtoolDk

Last Reviewed: June 27, 1995