How Do I Extract Images From PixAround Java .exe "Postcard"?

**ELT** · 01-13-2012, 07:48 PM

About 8 years ago I used an old program called PixAround and created some Java "postcards" of panoramics scenes taken on a vacation. Having limited room on my PC, I deleted the original jpegs. They just looked better in the postcard than in Window Image viewer.

These "postcards" are self-contained Java apps but in an .exe file. I can find no option in the program to edit such postcards and I'm wondering if there's a way to extract those images which I believe are still encoded there as jpegs.

Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

**Norm** · 01-13-2012, 08:47 PM

If the .exe file contains other files the same way a zip or jar file does, then you might be able to extract its contents.

**DarrylBurke** · 01-14-2012, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by ELT

These "postcards" are self-contained Java apps but in an .exe file.

There's something wrong there.

I'm wondering if there's a way to extract those images

I would just display the image and take a screenshot.

db

**ELT** · 01-15-2012, 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by Norm

If the .exe file contains other files the same way a zip or jar file does, then you might be able to extract its contents.

Thanks, Norm, for responding. I know I can rename a .jar file as a .zip and get access to the contents. I can't do this with these files. Would it be permissible to create a small PixAround postcard.exe file and upload it to the forum?

**Norm** · 01-15-2012, 06:07 PM

I don't know anyone that would download and execute a .exe file.
Can you look at the .exe file in a hexeditor and see it there is a list of the names of the images?

**ELT** · 01-15-2012, 06:10 PM

Thanks for responding Darryl. I've considered this, and restitching in Photoshop, but the resolution and panoramic width of these photos is much to large for my monitor... I'd lose megapixels of info. Most are at least 180 shots, and I think one is even a complete 360.

**ELT** · 01-15-2012, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by DarrylBurke

There's something wrong there.

Please explain. I admit I'm taking a leap here. The PixAround program does create Java based applets for web pages but a postcard is different. I'm assuming that it also is a self-contained Java applet started by clicking on the executable... which I've heard is possible. It it's not, then I need to know that and I can then ask at a more appropriate forum.

**Norm** · 01-15-2012, 06:56 PM

How is your .exe file related to java?

**ELT** · 01-15-2012, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by Norm

How is your .exe file related to java?

As I said I'm assuming since PixAround makes Java applets for the web, that the exe file MIGHT also be Java based. I'm basing that on statements like this

Java is a programming language that can be used to create both standalone programs (.exe files) and programs that run in web pages (.class files). The web based programs are called Applets.

Java Applets

Of course if this isn't true, then I'm in the wrong forum.

**Norm** · 01-15-2012, 08:26 PM

Java is a programming language that can be used to create both standalone programs (.exe files)

That part is wrong. There are third party programs that do that, but it is not part of java.

**ELT** · 01-15-2012, 08:29 PM

Originally Posted by Norm

I don't know anyone that would download and execute a .exe file.

Ha! I know that which is why I asked. Your system probably even blocks their upload. But someone might have a Java developers tool or somesuch that can peek inside. Sadly, while the PixAround site is still up... it appears no one is home and they don't asnwer emails.

Can you look at the .exe file in a hexeditor and see it there is a list of the names of the images?

So far the only tool I've used is Anywhere PE viewer for portable executables.

**JosAH** · 01-15-2012, 08:29 PM

Java is a programming language that can be used to create both standalone programs (.exe files) and programs that run in web pages (.class files). The web based programs are called Applets.

I don't know who wrote that last quoted phrase, but there's an old Dutch saying: "he heard the bells toll but he doesn't know where the clapper is". It applies here.

kind regarrds,

Jos

**ELT** · 01-15-2012, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by Norm

That part is wrong. There are third party programs that do that, but it is not part of java.

Maybe PixAround is such a third party.

Their HELP section doesn't really provide any useful information on how these postcard.exe files are created.

I'll poke though one with a Hex editor as you suggested.

**ELT** · 01-15-2012, 09:02 PM

Originally Posted by Norm

Can you look at the .exe file in a hexeditor and see it there is a list of the names of the images?

Looking at text stings I did find mention of only one jpg and I can't even find that folder in the current installation. It's probably created when the postcards are.... something I can't do now. The original postard was made with XP. Maybe this ancient program isn't fully compatible with Vista32.

C:\Program Files\PixAround.com\PixMaker Pro\pptemp\qgtovlev.jpg

I'm not finding any reference to .class or .jar. So maybe this isn't a Java based applet at all.