Thread: Turn Torrents Into Executable

Web-based utility removes the need for a BitTorrent client and lets you share torrents with non-BitTorrent users.

There's an awesome new service out called Torrent2exe. It's a web-based utility that allows users to download torrents without having to install a BitTorrent client by converting the torrent file into a standalone .EXE file.



How Does It Work?

1. Simply copy the URL of a torrent file or select it from a saved location on your HDD and upload it to the site.

2. Choose "Small" size, which requires the download of additional program components along with the .EXE(Only once per PC), or "Normal" size, which requires no additional download.

3. Then you can either download your selection and e-mail it to others or use yourself, or you can take the URL that is simultaneously generated and do the same or post on a blog, web site, etc. so that other users will be able to download torrents without a BitTorrent client.

4. After downloading the converted .EXE, just run it and it will automatically start downloading the material that the torrent is associated with.

Pretty cool right?

Here's an example:

I downloaded a torrent for an .MP3 reading of Mark Twain's "A Connecticut Yankee" and uploaded it to Torrent2exe. Choosing "normal" size I then selected "Start Download!" to of course downlaod and generate the .EXE file. Notice in the screenshot below that there is also a URL generated that I mentioned can be shared with others to downlaod the same .EXE file.



Lastly, simply locate the downlaoded .EXE file and run it. The file will then begin magically downlaoding to your PC without the need for a BitTorrent client.



It really is a great way to share content with others who don't know how to use BitTorrent. A perfect example is like when NIN recently uploaded Ghosts Vol 1 to The Pirate Bay. But, another is that maybe they are looking for a TV show or movie to download and watch.With Torrent2exe you can just send them a .EXE file or show them how to create one on their own.
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originally posted by limmey

My guess is that it is loaded with pay-per-installs .. I won't be going near it.

It seems fairly legit, though I don't think its of any use for people who know about bittorrent. Maybe if someone was releasing a new version of software, they could put it as an executable, and save a lot on bandwidth.

Its actually the same thing blizzard uses for the WoW installer (I don't play, I swear!). The main issue is that in order to seed, you have to leave the standalone application open, which the majority of users won't do (as opposed to a bittorrent client, which holds all of your torrents together in one place and is usually run much more continuously). So unless the file is very popular and a lot of people are downloading it at once, I don't think speeds would be very good.

Just my thoughts.

That's true for a standalone program you are distributing independently, but for a torrent you get from PirateBay, it will seed from all the seeders on their tracker.. so speeds will be pretty fast depending on torrent popularity. I still wouldn't go near this though -- especially not with private tracker torrents!

Oh, that's true, I hadn't thought of using it with an existing, already popular torrent.

And you're right about private torrents too. Since it would mainly be used to give to someone else, I feel like using this on a private tracker could very quickly jeopardize someone's account.

thats cool but i don't think i'm going to use it because of the speeds =X

does it mess with your ratio though??