With which you can open the exe format. What is an exe file? Possible problems with the .EXE files

A systematically inexperienced user is faced with software problems, ranging from broken program files to complete control system viruses. Today we should consider one of the most unpleasant and at the same time frequent problems when.exe does not open.

Exe file is necessary to run almost all programs on the computer - it is a kind of executive element. Thus, if it does not start correctly, then access to applications will not work, which is a good reason to troubleshoot.

Why won't.exe open?

The problem occurred due to one or more reasons, including:

  • You have been harmed by a virus;
  • You yourself have changed the program for processing files;
  • You have made changes to the registry manually or using the reg file.

Any of these options can cause the .exe files to not open. Especially often a problem arises due to the work of viruses on the computer. The cause and root of the problem can be eliminated using several simple methods that will return initial setup registry.

There are other problems that can mislead you as if the exe file does not open. These include broken labels, activities antivirus software and so on, we will talk about this further.

Registry recovery using reg file

Reg files are packets of instructions that are imported into the registry to modify it. In fact, these files perform exactly the same actions as manual editing of the registry, but they require much less time and therefore a higher priority option.

You can use the file at the link https://www.oszone.net/user_img/090802193352/fix-exe.zip. Its use is extremely simple, unzip and run the element. When asked to make changes to the system, agree. After that, try to run any exe file, its handler should be correctly installed and you will see a running application as a result.

Association restoration with AVZ

AVZ is a small program that will fully cover our need to restore the system to work. In addition to the fact that it is able to eliminate the bug with the association of exe files, it will also help to find viruses, thanks to which you are faced with the problem.

  • Download AVZ;
  • Run the utility from the archive, no installation is required. If you fail, then unzip the files, then from command line run it with the full path;

  • Click the "File" tab;
  • Select "System Restore";

  • Check the box next to the first item and click on "Perform marked operations".

The functionality of the program does not end there, you should also conduct a quick scan of the system for viruses and system problems.

Do it like this:

  • In the main window of the program, check the box next to the system partition and click "Start";

  • Based on the type of threat and the file, make a decision on the necessary actions to disinfect the file;
  • If that doesn't work, try scanning the rest of the sections.

Probably, due to the portability of the program, you may not have enough power of the utility's search robot. Then you can use another, complete program.

Restoring exe startup manually

Manual action will be a little more complicated, but it does not require installation or downloading of programs, it is suitable for a computer outside the network. Actions will be performed in the registry, so do not change unnecessary parameters, as this can have a deplorable effect on the stability of the system.

  • Press Win + R and type regedit;
  • Find HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ .exe, the easiest way to find it among the large variety of sections is by typing the name on the keyboard, only at a fast pace;
  • Right click on the "Default" value and select "Change";
  • Replace the parameter with the word exefile;

  • Now, in the same section, find the exefile group;
  • Open the "Default" parameter by double clicking and set the value "% 1"% *
  • Next, go inside to the shell section and then open;

  • Now again in "Default" insert the value "% 1"% *
  • Reboot your PC.

This series of steps will help you achieve your goal and restore the exe file association. You can do this with other formats in a similar way, but it's better to use special utilities, like the previous one.

You should also be aware that there are severe variants of the problem, when even the "Run" line does not work. Then press Ctrl + Alt + Del, then select "File" and "Run".

Additional ways

Sometimes, the user thinks that his file association has broken, when in fact some other equally pleasant changes have occurred. If it fails to open exe files, a window is often shown that the program cannot use the data or Windows did not find the handler.

Perhaps the reason that your exe file does not start is that the Wrong Way to him. Typically, these failures occur if you have deleted or changed the location of the file. Try to go to the folder containing the program and check if it works.

Also, some "high-quality" antiviruses, if installed on a system that is quite infected or even completely clean, characterize some or all exe files as viruses. In this regard, they can be deleted or added to quarantine. Then you need to configure the antivirus by adding the file to the whitelist.

Using one of the utilities or performing manual steps, all programs should run in standard mode.

If you still have questions on the topic "Why does not the.exe file start?", You can ask them in the comments

EXE file- is the installation Windows file(like .pkg on Windows or .deb on Linux) so you don't need to open it additional programs, just double-click on it - it will start.

BUT! If you want to run this file without a Windows computer, you can use the VirtualBox program. For simple file extraction (not launching), you can use any archiver, for example WinRar ...



Extension .exe What is the file format?

File format .EXE is an extension of executable files, this format used in such operating systems as: DOS, Windows, Symbian. In fact, the EXE extension cannot be accurately called a format, since it corresponds to a number of different formats, which makes it a very convenient tool and allows you to run various software components for execution, which in turn makes it easier for both programmers and users.

In simple words, an EXE file is an installation file for a program or computer game. You don't need programs to open it ...

We are faced with this format when working with various programs and games, most often a file with the .EXE extension is an installation file of a particular game or program. But also files of this extension are successfully used in the operating room. Windows system.

Another feature of this type file is that it can contain not only program code (that is, the program itself), but also a number of different metadata, for example, such as a digital signature, resources, shortcuts and much more.

If you look at the structure of the file, you can distinguish two parts, the first part is instructions for executing the program, the second part is the program itself. Surely many faced this when they ran such a file, then an instruction appeared on the screen that told us what to do next. This is very common in various games, as well as in programs.

How to run an EXE file on Windows

You do not need programs for this, if you have a computer on the Windows operating system - just double-click on the exe file and its installation will begin.

How to unpack an EXE file?

Also, the .EXE file can be thought of as a self-extracting archive. And if exe is an archive, then you can open it with any archiver, for example WinZip or WinRar.

Now you know how to open exe and what programs to use for this!

For the entire existence of the Android OS, a lot of unique software has been developed for it. And most Windows applications have also adapted to this operating system. So the owners mobile devices on its basis should not feel any infringement and lack of software. However, some users sometimes need to run the original version of a particular computer utility in EXE format on a smartphone or tablet. Let's figure out how to open an EXE file on an Android device.

Ways to run Windows programs on Android

EXE is the main executable file format for Windows OS and DOC. The specific algorithm of the desktop operating system does not allow executing EXE launch on Android in normal mode. However, with the help of special emulator programs, it is still possible to open this extension on a mobile platform.

To software that allows you to work with the Windows shell on smartphones and tablets under Android, relate:

Let's consider how to run an exe file on a mobile device of each of these programs.

Opening EXE files with BOCHS

BOCHS is considered one of the most effective and versatile utilities that allow you to install applications with the EXE extension on Android. However, through this emulator you will not be able to download to the gadget Windows shell Vista or higher. You can only achieve stable operation with Windows XP, and even then on powerful devices with at least 1 GB of RAM and a processor with four cores or more.

It should be noted that the BOCHS program download from Play Market will not work. Therefore, before opening an EXE file through BOCHS, you need to allow the installation of software from unknown sources on the device. To do this, you need to enter the "Security" section through the settings of your phone or tablet and activate the corresponding item there.

The further procedure will be as follows:


After performing the above operations and launching the BOCHS program, a full-fledged Windows emulator will appear on your phone, which can freely open EXE files inserted into the HDD folder.

Working with EXE files via DosBox

To run the EXE application on your Android device, you can use the DosBox utility. Unlike BOCHS, it does not function as an emulator, but it also copes well with file system Windows.

DosBox works like this:

After completing the specified actions, the required program will open on the device. If any utility, originally sharpened for Windows OS, does not open on Android, then most likely your smartphone or tablet does not match its technical characteristics.

If you have a computer installed antivirus software can scan all files on the computer, as well as each file separately... You can scan any file by clicking right click mouse on the file and select the appropriate option to scan the file for viruses.

For example, in this figure, file my-file.exe, then you need to right-click on this file, and select the option from the file menu "Scan with AVG"... Selecting this option will open AVG Antivirus which will check of this file for viruses.


Sometimes an error can result from incorrect installation software , which may be due to a problem encountered during the installation process. It may interfere with your operating system associate your EXE file with the correct application software tool influencing the so-called "File extension associations".

Sometimes simple reinstalling 7-Zip might fix your problem by linking EXE with 7-Zip correctly. In other cases, problems with file associations can result from poor software programming developer and you may need to contact the developer for further assistance.


Advice: Try upgrading 7-Zip to latest version to make sure the latest patches and updates are installed.


It may seem too obvious, but often the EXE file itself may be causing the problem... If you received the file as an attachment Email or downloaded it from a website and the download process was interrupted (e.g. power outage or other reason), the file may be damaged... If possible, try to get new copy EXE file and try opening it again.


Carefully: A damaged file may result in collateral damage to a previous or existing one. malware on your PC, so it is very important that you have an updated antivirus running on your PC at all times.


If your EXE file related to the hardware on your computer to open the file you may need update device drivers related to this equipment.

This problem usually associated with types of media files that depend on the successful opening of the hardware inside the computer, for example, sound card or video card... For example, if you are trying to open an audio file but cannot open it, you may need to update sound card drivers.


Advice: If, when you try to open an EXE file, you get SYS file related error message, the problem could probably be related to damaged or outdated device drivers that need to be updated. This process can be facilitated by using a driver update software such as DriverDoc.


If the steps did not solve the problem and you are still having problems opening EXE files, it may be related to lack of available system resources ... Some versions of EXE files may require a significant amount of resources (e.g. memory / RAM, processing power) to open properly on your computer. This problem occurs quite often if you are using an old enough computer Hardware and at the same time a much newer operating system.

This problem can occur when the computer is difficult to cope with the task, because operating system(and other services running in the background) can consume too many resources to open the exe file... Try closing all applications on your PC before opening Windows Executable File. By freeing up all the available resources on your computer, you will provide a better environment for trying to open the EXE file.


If you completed all the steps above and your EXE file still won't open, you might need to run equipment upgrade... In most cases, even with older hardware versions, the processing power may still be more than adequate for most custom applications (unless you're doing a lot of CPU-intensive work like 3D rendering, financial / scientific modeling, or heavy multimedia work) ... Thus, it is likely that your computer does not have enough memory(more commonly called "RAM", or RAM) to perform the task of opening a file.

With help Resource Tuner you can open executable files like .EXE, .DLL, .OCX, screensavers (.SCR) and many more. By opening the file, you gain access to the resources of the file and can replace icons, cursors and graphics in various formats, change the lines in the menu, dialog boxes and other elements of the user interface.

However, it should be borne in mind that the resources in the executable file are separated from the program code, and by changing the program interface, you do not get access to the program code. Using the resource editor, you can change the control elements of the program. You cannot change the program code using the resource editor.

For more serious changes (which, however, will not lead to anything good without sufficient experience in programming applications for Windows), we recommend using PE Explorer (editor for the structure of PE files) or FlexHex (hex editor for binary files).

Opening an EXE or DLL file in Resource Tuner

Supports several ways to open files. To open the file for viewing and editing, click the button Open File on the toolbar or select the command File > Open from the menu. The dropdown menu next to the button on the toolbar gives you fast access to the list of recently opened files. The same list can be obtained with the command File > Recent Files from the program menu. The number of files in the list is configured in the dialog Customize.


You can also open the file with Resource Tuner directly from Windows Explorer by right-clicking on the file and choosing Open with Resource Tuner from the context menu.

Or you can simply drag and drop the file icon from Windows Explorer onto the Resource Tuner icon on the desktop or onto the Resource Tuner window.

You can also open the file from the command line.
For example: restuner.exe filename.exe

When opening a file, Resource Tuner performs several automatic operations: it unpacks the file if it is found that it was packed using UPX, then it checks the structure and resources of the file for possible mistakes, and finally, rebuilding damaged resources in accordance with the specification of the executable file format.

Errors when opening a file

If an error occurs when opening a file, it is most likely for three reasons: the file is protected, the file is 16-bit, or it is not an executable file at all.

1. Error: The file is damaged, compressed by a packer or protected by a protector.

The chances are high that the file is compressed to reduce its size. There are dozens of packers and protectors for executable files, and new ones appear all the time. Resource Tuner supports unpacking only one, but the most common packer - UPX. The rest of the packers are not supported, and you will have to unpack the file yourself before you can open the file for viewing or editing.

This situation is not considered as a program error. We are not going to fight the attempts of other authors of programs to protect their creations from hacking, nor to support the unpacking of several dozen different packers, among which there are both commercial products and homemade products.

2. Error: The file is identified as a 16-bit NE Executable. This format is not supported!

Our programs only work with 32- and 64-bit PE files. The NE format (short for "New Executable") is a 16-bit application format inherited from the old Windows versions 3.xx. With the advent of Windows 95, this format is considered obsolete and not used, although it can be executed on modern platforms from Microsoft. We do not support 16-bit files, and we do not intend to support them.

3. Error: The file is not an EXE or DLL file. Generally!

Resource Tuner detects a file not by extension. If you rename the extension of the executable file, say, fix .EXE to .TXT or remove the extension altogether, Resource Tuner cannot be fooled by this: the program analyzes the file header inside the file when opening a file, but does not look at the extension at all.

Therefore, if the Resource Tuner tells you that the file is not executable, then it is so. If someone for some reason provided text file in the delivery of the game with the extension .DLL, then the file does not cease to be a text file from this, and does not become a dynamic library. Don't be fooled by the file extension.

Which files do not make sense to open in the resource editor

Despite the fact that Resource Tuner is designed to open and edit any 32- / 64-bit executable files, there are some types of EXE files in which resources are practically absent.

1. Files created with Visual Basic.

In such files, there is nothing in the resources section, except for the icon and version information. Lines and dialogues in programs written in visual BASIC are stored in their own closed format, and the standard resource section is not used in them.

2. Files.EXE in gigabytes or more.

Since Resource Tuner is a 32-bit program, there are natural limitations for placing an image of an opened file in virtual memory within the first gigabyte. A gigabyte or more file simply won't fit there.

3. Self-extracting archives in the form of EXE files.

In such files, there is nothing in the resources, except for the icon and version information, or it may not be. In fact, this is archived data, provided with a subroutine for unpacking.

4. Installers of other programs.

In such files, there is nothing in the resources, except for the icon and version information. They are very similar to item 3. The installer file can be thought of as a container that contains another .EXE file in compressed form and a subroutine to extract it. In addition, programs for creating installers use different algorithms to store archived data inside themselves.

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Resource Tuner works on all Windows versions
from 2000 and XP to 8 and 10.

Minimum system requirements:
CPU Intel Pentium® or AMD K5 166 MHz
16 MB RAM


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