Member Avatar for gargg321

Hi all,

I have to install a software in linux from a .bin file. But firstly I have to extract .rpm files from it to proceed. Please guide me about how to do it. I haven't worked on a linux machine before. Its my first attempt. So please explain in detail.

Thanks

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by BillBrown

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Short, practical guidance based on the thread: a “.bin” installer can be either a native executable or a self-extracting shell script that contains an archive of packages. and are right that many .bin files act as installers, and is correct to ask which distribution you’re on — the target distro changes how you handle any RPMs you find.

Quick inspection steps (safe, non-destructive)

  • Identify what the file actually is and look at its header: use file and view the first few dozen lines to see if it’s a shell script or an ELF binary.
  • Search the binary for obvious markers or embedded filenames (for example, occurrences of “.rpm”).
    Example commands:
    file installer.bin
head -n 60 installer.bin
strings installer.bin | grep -i '\.rpm'

If it’s a self-extracting script

  • Many installers include a textual header that extracts a payload. The header will usually show the extraction routine or a marker such as an “__ARCHIVE” line. When a marker is present you can extract the appended payload without executing the installer (pull out the payload then unpack it).
  • The payload may be a tar/cpio archive or a collection of .rpm files; use the appropriate extractor once you have the payload.

If it’s a native ELF binary or won’t reveal contents

  • Do not run unknown binaries as root on your primary system. Use a disposable VM, container, or snapshot.
  • If the installer runs but only performs installation, run it in a safe environment and watch where temporary files land (often /tmp or /var/tmp) — the RPMs may be left there.

Installing RPMs on Ubuntu

  • If RPMs are what you end up with and you must install on Ubuntu, convert with a tool such as alien or inspect the RPM with rpm2cpio to extract files without installing.

Safety notes

  • Never execute an unknown installer as root on your main machine. Inspect first, run in an isolated VM if needed, and check the header for built‑in extraction options before attempting unpacking.

Recommended Answers

All 3 Replies

Member Avatar for RenjithVR

Hi,
Which software you need to install? But why do you looking to extract file from .bin?
Which Linux flavour you are using?
If you have any rpm file install it by using "rpm -ivh rpmname".
Please more specific while posting...

Hi all,

I have to install a software in linux from a .bin file. But firstly I have to extract .rpm files from it to proceed. Please guide me about how to do it. I haven't worked on a linux machine before. Its my first attempt. So please explain in detail.

Thanks

Member Avatar for JeoSaurus

Are you sure you don't just have to run the .bin file? I've seem some software packaged as .bin or .run. These are usually install scripts that extract their own rpms (or binaries, or source, or whatever) and install them.

Member Avatar for BillBrown

.bin files are compiled ( meaning that you can't always properly view the source in a text editor). Running a .bin file is usually as simple as this: ./file.bin

.bin (binary) files generally do something besides extract the RPM it contains when told to execute. Sun does this a lot with their java packages. Running the .bin file will present you with their license agreement. Failing to scroll through it all and accept the agreement will prevent you from gaining access to the RPM within it.

Bill

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