How to Open EXE Files
Double-click an EXE file to run it., Open the Registry Editor if you can't run EXE files., Navigate to .HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe., Right-click on the "(Default)" entry and select "Modify"., Type .exefile into the "Value data" field., Navigate to...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Double-click an EXE file to run it.
EXE files are Windows executable files, and are designed to be run as programs.
Double-clicking any EXE file will start it.
If the EXE file was downloaded from the internet, you'll be asked to confirm that you want to run it.
Be wary when running EXE files from unknown sources, as this is the easiest way to get infected with a virus.
Never open an EXE file downloaded as an email attachment, even if you know the sender.
EXE files may not run properly if they were designed for an outdated version of Windows.
You can try adjusting the compatibility settings by right-clicking on the file, selecting "Properties"
and then clicking the Compatibility tab.
You can set what version of Windows you want run the EXE file as, but this is not guaranteed to solve the problem. -
Step 2: Open the Registry Editor if you can't run EXE files.
If you get error messages when you try to run an EXE file or nothing happens, there may be a problem with your Windows registry settings.
Editing your registry may seem a little daunting, but it should only take a few minutes.To open the Registry Editor, press the Windows key + R and type regedit. , Use the navigation tree on the left to open this directory. , This will open a new window. , Click OK to save the changes. , Use the navigation tree on the left to open this directory. , This will open a new window. ,"%1" %* into the "Value data" field.
Click OK to save the changes. , Use the navigation tree on the left to open this directory. , This will open a new window. ,"%1" %* into the "Value data" field.
Click OK to save the changes. , After editing the three entries above, close the Registry Editor and reboot your computer.
You should be able to open EXE files again.
It is highly recommended that you try to track down what caused this problem in the first place.
You may have a virus or malware infection, which could cause the same problem again in the future.
Click here for instructions on finding and removing viruses. -
Step 3: Navigate to .HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe.
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Step 4: Right-click on the "(Default)" entry and select "Modify".
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Step 5: Type .exefile into the "Value data" field.
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Step 6: Navigate to .HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile.
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Step 7: Right-click on the "(Default)" entry and select "Modify".
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Step 8: Enter .
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Step 9: Navigate to .KEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open.
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Step 10: Right-click on the "(Default)" entry and select "Modify".
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Step 11: Enter .
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Step 12: Reboot your computer.
Detailed Guide
EXE files are Windows executable files, and are designed to be run as programs.
Double-clicking any EXE file will start it.
If the EXE file was downloaded from the internet, you'll be asked to confirm that you want to run it.
Be wary when running EXE files from unknown sources, as this is the easiest way to get infected with a virus.
Never open an EXE file downloaded as an email attachment, even if you know the sender.
EXE files may not run properly if they were designed for an outdated version of Windows.
You can try adjusting the compatibility settings by right-clicking on the file, selecting "Properties"
and then clicking the Compatibility tab.
You can set what version of Windows you want run the EXE file as, but this is not guaranteed to solve the problem.
If you get error messages when you try to run an EXE file or nothing happens, there may be a problem with your Windows registry settings.
Editing your registry may seem a little daunting, but it should only take a few minutes.To open the Registry Editor, press the Windows key + R and type regedit. , Use the navigation tree on the left to open this directory. , This will open a new window. , Click OK to save the changes. , Use the navigation tree on the left to open this directory. , This will open a new window. ,"%1" %* into the "Value data" field.
Click OK to save the changes. , Use the navigation tree on the left to open this directory. , This will open a new window. ,"%1" %* into the "Value data" field.
Click OK to save the changes. , After editing the three entries above, close the Registry Editor and reboot your computer.
You should be able to open EXE files again.
It is highly recommended that you try to track down what caused this problem in the first place.
You may have a virus or malware infection, which could cause the same problem again in the future.
Click here for instructions on finding and removing viruses.
About the Author
Larry Evans
Creates helpful guides on pet care to inspire and educate readers.
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