MAKECAB command in Windows
Windows MAKECAB command is a built-in tool that enables users to create cabinet (.cab) files. These compressed archives can include multiple files and are commonly used for software installation packages. By utilizing MAKECAB, users can significantly reduce the size of their files for easier storage and distribution. The command offers various options for controlling the compression process and specifying file attributes within the cabinet. With MAKECAB, users can streamline their file management tasks and optimize their storage space effectively.
MAKECAB Syntax:
Section titled “MAKECAB Syntax:”makecab [-F <Folder>] [-D <CabinetFile>] [-L <CabinetFolder>] [-V <Verbosity>] [-Z <Compression>] <File List>Windows MAKECAB Options:
Section titled “Windows MAKECAB Options:”| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| -F | Set target folder for cabinet files. |
| -D | Set the output cabinet file name. |
| -L | Set the cabinet folder location. |
| -V | Set the level of verbosity (0-3). |
| -Z | Set the compression level (0-99). |
MAKECAB Parameters:
Section titled “MAKECAB Parameters:”| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| List of files to be added to the cabinet. |
How to use MAKECAB command:
Section titled “How to use MAKECAB command:”Compress Files in a Directory
Section titled “Compress Files in a Directory”makecab C:\folder\* C:\compressed_folder\compressed.cabCompresses all files in the specified directory into a CAB file.
Specify Compression Level
Section titled “Specify Compression Level”makecab /d CompressionType=LZX C:\file.txt C:\compressed_file.cabSpecifies the compression type (LZX) when creating a CAB file from a single file.
Include Subdirectories
Section titled “Include Subdirectories”makecab /s C:\folder\* C:\compressed_folder\compressed.cabIncludes all files and subdirectories in the compression process to create a CAB file.
Verbose Output
Section titled “Verbose Output”makecab /V1 C:\folder\* C:\compressed_folder\compressed.cabProvides verbose output during the compression process with a minimal level of details.
Exclude Files by Extension
Section titled “Exclude Files by Extension”makecab /EX *.log C:\folder\* C:\compressed_folder\compressed.cabExcludes files with the “.log” extension from being compressed into the CAB file.
Change Compression Level
Section titled “Change Compression Level”makecab /L CompressionType=MSZIP C:\file.txt C:\compressed_file.cabChanges the compression type to MSZIP when creating a CAB file from a single file.
Set Destination Directory
Section titled “Set Destination Directory”makecab /F C:\folder\* /D C:\compressed_folder\compressed.cabSets the destination directory for the compressed CAB file instead of embedding it within the source directory.
Display Help Information
Section titled “Display Help Information”makecab /?Displays the help information for the MAKECAB command showing all available options and parameters.
How do I use makecab in Windows?
Section titled “How do I use makecab in Windows?”To use the makecab command in Windows, execute the following command:
makecab --option <value>What is the purpose of the makecab command in CMD?
Section titled “What is the purpose of the makecab command in CMD?”The makecab command in CMD is used to create cabinet (.cab) files. These files are compressed archive files that can contain multiple files and are often used for software installations or file distribution.
makecab file1.txt file2.txt output.cabHow can I compress files using the makecab command?
Section titled “How can I compress files using the makecab command?”To compress files using the makecab command, specify the files you want to compress and provide an output file name for the cabinet (.cab) file.
makecab file1.txt file2.txt output.cabCan I include multiple files in a single cabinet file with makecab?
Section titled “Can I include multiple files in a single cabinet file with makecab?”Yes, you can include multiple files in a single cabinet file using the makecab command. Simply specify the files you want to include when running the command.
makecab file1.txt file2.txt output.cabHow do I specify the compression level when using makecab?
Section titled “How do I specify the compression level when using makecab?”To specify the compression level when using the makecab command, you can use the /C option followed by the desired compression level (0-9), where 0 is no compression and 9 is maximum compression.
makecab file.txt -C 5 output.cabIs it possible to create a self-extracting cabinet file with makecab?
Section titled “Is it possible to create a self-extracting cabinet file with makecab?”Yes, you can create a self-extracting cabinet file with makecab by using the /E option when running the command. This will generate a cabinet file that can extract its contents without requiring a separate extraction tool.
makecab file.txt -E output.exeHow do I specify additional compression options with makecab?
Section titled “How do I specify additional compression options with makecab?”To specify additional compression options with makecab, you can use the /D option followed by the desired compression parameters. These parameters allow you to customize the compression process further.
makecab file.txt -D CompressionType=LZX CompressionMemory=21 output.cabApplications of the MAKECAB Command
Section titled “Applications of the MAKECAB Command”- Creating CAB files from one or more source files
- Compressing files to reduce storage space
- Bundling files for distribution or archival purposes