How to Extract Executable, Dll and Resource files

Executable files are often used to install applications; you can find them on operating systems, games, software, and more. DLL files, on the other hand, handle file input/output and graphical operations.

Now, to extract these files for your purposes, let’s dive into some steps!

Why Extract Executable, DLL, and Resource Files?

There are some scenarios when we want to Extract Executable, DLL, and Resource Files. In software development, developers can analyze how applications work. They usually extract files to examine code, configurations, and resources embedded within the file.

For security, analyzers reverse engineer exe and DLL files to know if they are safe from malware and harmful viruses.

1. How to Extract Exe or Executable Files?

Here are the ways to extract executable files in which you can choose that works for you:

Using Command Prompt

  • Open the command prompt by pressing Windows + R or entering CMD in the search box.
  • Change the directory to your exe file location using the cd command.

For example, enter

cd C:\path\to\directory

Change directory of exe File

  • Enter your executable file name and extract the command with the target folder name. For instance, File.exe /extract C:\TargetFolder

Enter your executable file name

This command line should work. But, not all .exe files support the ‘/extract’ switch. Hence, if the command prompt doesn’t respond, use a pre-built tool instead:

Using 7-Zip Compression Software

  • Visit the official site to install 7-Zip. It’s free file compression software for Windows that allows the extraction of multiple files.
  • After the installation, head to the exe file location using File Explorer.
  • Right-click on the executable file to extract.
  • Select 7-zip > Extract Files and extract the file into your preferred location.

Extract Files in preferred loaction

Now, the 7-Zip program can extract many types of exe files. If it can’t extract your file, it is because some files use a custom method, and you can’t open them as archives.

Choose Location and Press Ok

In this case, use software that can handle many installer types unsupported by 7-Zip:

Using Universal Extractor

  • Download and Install the Universal Extractor on your PC from an authentic source.
  • Go to the file explorer and right-click on the executable file.

Go to the file explorer

  • Select UniExtract Files.. and change the Destination Directory option to extract the file.
  • Enter OK, and that’s it.

2. How to Extract DLL files?

DLL files provide functions and resources that other executable files use, but their function and extraction methods differ.

Using Command Prompt

  • Press Windows + R or enter CMD to open the command prompt.
  • Change the directory to your DLL file’s location 
  • Enter this command: expand yourfile.dll -F:* destination_directory

Yourfile.dll will be your file name, and destination_directory will be the location to extract it.

Enter this command to extract location

  • Click enter, and the command prompt will extract the file.s

Using 7-Zip Software

  • Install the 7-Zip software if you haven’t done it yet.
  • Right-click on the DLL file under a specific folder.
  • Choose 7-zip and then Extract Files. Select the location to extract, and you have done the job.

Choose zip and then Extract Files

If you have a different DLL file and this method doesn’t extract it, try the next way:

Using ResourcesExtract

ResourcesExtract is an expert in extracting DLL, OCX, and EXE files. Here is how to use it:

  • Download the ResourcesExtract software.
  • Open the downloaded file (ResourcesExtract.zip) and extract it somewhere.
  • Open the extracted files in a folder and open the .exe (application) file.

Open the extracted files in a folder

  • 3. In the dialogue box, under Filename, select your DLL file. Under Destination Folder, choose where to extract the file. Select the Start button.

Select your DLL file under destination folder

How Do You Extract Resource Files?

Since resource files are a simple file format, the steps to extract them are also straight:

Using File Explorer

This is the standard method to extract compressed folders that contain multiple files:

Right click on the file and select Extract here

  • After extraction, get the extracted files or images. If you extracted a folder, open it and assess the extracted files.

Since the file explorer doesn’t support some resource files natively, you can try software:

Using 7-zip Software

  • Right-click on the resources file and select 7-zip. (I’m extracting an SVG document)
  • Further, select Extract files

Select Extract files in Zip option

  • Choose a destination to extract under a dialogue box. And press OK

Using PowerISO software

The PowerISO is a more versatile option than the 7-zip; if you cannot extract some files, this tool can:

  • Launch the PowerISO on your PC or download and install it first if you don’t have it.
  • Open this program and select Open from the top menu

Select Open from the top menu

  • Select a folder or file that you want to extract. Select Open on the dialogue box.

Select Folder or File which you want to Extract

  • Now, choose the Extract option and select a location to extract.

Choose the Extract option and select a location to extract

Choose OK, and you will have extracted the file.

Can Extracted Files Be Recompiled?

Yes, extracted files can be recompiled depending on their format. For instance, you can recompile files like images and text extracted from an application.

What Is the Difference Between an Executable Exe File and a Library Dll File?

The executable or .exe file runs as a program, while the DLL file provides shared code libraries for other programs.

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