Creating a batch script or use a 3rdpartyprogram to create shortcuts

Hello!

I'm having trouble creating a batch script to simply copy a shortcut to the desktop from a program installation, then carry out some tasks.

Overall my goals are:
Burn a CD that includes a autorun.inf that will load a batch script
In the script I want it to activate two self extraction archives
1.
activate a self-extraction archive to install the necessary files to C:\Program Files (x86)\Software
2. (once 1. completes)
activate a self-extraction archive to install the necessary files to C:\Program Files (x86)\Software\Content

Then finally have the batch script create a shortcut from C:\Program Files (x86)\Software\Softwarename.exe
to
%userprofile%\Desktop\softwarename.ink

Any advice will be appreciated. thanks in advance.. :)

Still looking for a solution! :)

Thank you SIW2, I will keep that tool handy.
Solved my issues by simply using the options in winrar sfx archive, thanks :)

Does winrar have an option to create shortcuts? That's useful.