Windows 10 standalone; "hide" .mxf or resources keeps .exe from launching

1offby's icon

Max 7.3.3x64

When building an .exe using the "Build>Collective/Application" function, Max generates a directory containing an .exe, a "resources" directory, and a Max Collectve.

To make the directory containing the .exe easier to navigate/understand I tried using the Windows Explorer "View" options to designate the .mxf and "resources" as "hidden." This way the user sees only the .exe. (Unless, of course, their Explorer View options are set to "Show Hidden items.")

However, after doing this the .exe won't launch, even when invoking "Run as Administrator."

Is this true for all Windows 10 installations? there a way to hide these items but still allow .exe launch?

11OLSEN's icon

Why?
Windows users know there's often more than one file in the app folder. A good application immo comes with an installer that creates startmenu entrys and shortcuts if the user wants to. It should prepare an uninstall routine, too. (for Windows that is easy to create since NSIS exists)

O.