sfArkXTc self-extraction decompressor for sfArk Files

What is it?
sfArkXTc is a Win32 console program that creates "self-extracting" versions of existing sfArk version 2 files. (sfArk files are SoundFonts compressed using melodymachine’s sfArk utility). sfArkXTc can also be used as a standalone utility to decompress an existing sfArk file by using the /x option. NB: sfArkXTc cannot be used with sfArk files created with sfArk versions earlier than 2.0.

Obtaining Upgrades
The current version of the program (without setup utility) can be downloaded at http://melodymachine.com/download/sfarkxtc.zip or version with setup utility at http://melodymachine.com/download/sfarkxtc-setup.exe   For further information visit the main sfArk page at http://melodymachine.com/sfark.htm

Installing and removing
If you use the optional setup program, installation is automatic, and includes an un-install facility.  Otherwise, simply copy the files from sfarkxtc.zip to any convenient folder of your choice.  You may also want to create a short-cut on your desktop or start menu.  The program does not write any registry entries or configuration files, so can be removed simply by deleting its files.

Basic Use from Explorer
To create a self-extracting file, simply use explorer to drag & drop an existing sfArk file onto the sfArkXTc.exe file or its short-cut icon. The self-extracting file will have the same name as the sfArk file but with a .exe extension added. For example the self-extracting version of MySoundFont.sfArk will be created as MySoundFont.sfArk.exe. The sfArk file itself is not deleted nor changed in any way – the new self-extracting version created contains a copy of the original sfArk file plus self-extraction code.  If you installed sfArkXTc via the optional SETUP program, then you you should also be able to right-click a sfArkFile and choose "Make self-extracting file" from the pop-up menu.

Console and Batch Use
Note: Because sfArkXTc is a console program, it can be used from the console prompt or batch files, allowing a large number of sfArk files to be automatically converted to self-extracting files (or decompressed). The command syntax is simply:

• sfArkXTc  sfArkFile to create a self-extracting file, or
• sfArkXTc  sfArkFile  /x to decompress the sfArk file

License and Notes Files
If the sfArk file contains License and or Notes text files, they are processed by the self-extraction decompressor in the following way:-

• The License file is displayed using a Windows message box, and the user has to click "yes" to agree to the license before decompression will continue. If the license file is quite large, several message boxes will be used to display it. The text file is copied to disk.
• The Notes is displayed using the configured editor for .txt files (normally NotePad) before decompression of the SoundFont data begins. The user can read the Notes file while decompression continues. The Notes file is copied to disk.

Need more SoundFonts?
You can buy SoundFonts at http://melodymachine.com and we also have free demo versions of our SoundFonts.

Commercial Use
The sfArkXTc program (and sfArk itself) may not be used for commercial purposes without specific permission from the author. Commercial use includes but is not limited to the following:

• Charging a fee for distribution of the program.
• Creating and/or distributing self-extracting compressed SoundFonts or other products that you sell or rent.
• Creating and/or distributing self-extracting compressed versions of promotional free SoundFonts or other free products designed to promote products or services that you sell or rent.
• Distributing the program packaged with any product that you sell or rent.
• Distributing the program packaged with promotional materials (such as free SoundFonts) which are intended to promote any products or services that you sell or rent.

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