Why is there now multiple files per install of ArcGIS Enterprise Components at 11.3?

Question

Does anybody have any information around why there is now multiple files per install of ArcGIS Enterprise Components at 11.3?
Our Anti-Virus software often flags components where it is attempting to run files with "dual extensions" and block the execution of the files.
We are currently planning the upgrade to 11.3 and have seen that these now have the dual extensions for all the components, is there a reason for these changes from the old method?

Scott_Tansley · Answer

you are correct.  Put them together, and run the smaller file. It does everything.  Ultimately you end up with unpacked files the same as 11.2 and prior.  Nice and easy.  🙂

JoshuaBixby · Answer

The change was forced because of a Windows system limitation that prevents Portable Executable (PE) files, which include self-extracting ZIP archives, from being larger than 4 GB.  When the contents of a self-extracting ZIP archive get larger than 4 GB, a sidecar file has to be used.

See 64 bit - what is the maximum size of a PE file on 64-bit Windows? - Stack Overflow for a bit of discussion on the topic.

DavidColey · Answer

I am prepping for 11.3 install this weekend. As I understand the Note: section of the install documentation the .exe.001 file only needs to be in the same directory as the .exe setup extraction file so that the the .exe file can complete the extraction.

As far as I can tell, the .exe.001 file simply contains the install files, cabs, etc.  Once setup.exe et al are in place we are good to go.