Many times people face problems while opening .EXE files.
- The EXE file opens in Notepad.
- EXE file opens in some other installed programs.
- Windows displays "Open With" dialog box to choose the program.
- Windows shows error message, "Windows cannot find .exe file. Make sure you typed the name correctly".
Most of the times it happens when you accidentally change .Exe file type settings from Folder Options. Sometimes it might happen due to virus.
Anyway no need to worry. Here is a solution which will fix this annoying problem:
METHOD A: Using Ready-Made Registry Script
Download following ZIP file, extract it and run the extracted REG file. It'll ask for confirmation, accept it. It should solve the problem.
METHOD B: Manually Editing Windows Registry
1. Open Command Prompt by typing command in RUN dialog box.
2. Now provide following command:
cd\windows
3. It'll activate Windows folder. Now provide following command to open Registry Editor:
regedit
NOTE: If you can't open "regedit", press CTRL+ALT+DEL keys and open "Task Manager". Now click on "File" menu and hold down the "CTRL" key and click on "New Task" menu. It'll open a Command Prompt window. Now provide regedit.exe command and press Enter. It'll open registry editor without any problem.
4. Now goto following key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe
In right-side pane, change value of Default key to exefile
5. Now go to:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command
In right-side pane, change value of Default key to:
"%1" %*
6. That's it. Now exit Registry Editor and restart your Windows. Now you should be able to open EXE files without any problem.
Don't forget to check solutions for other common PC problems in following topic:
[Help & Support] Frequently Asked Problems with Solutions
This article was posted by VG in following section: Troubleshooting, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP.
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Sumedha khatter
"THE SOLUTION TYPED HERE JUST WORKS"
hello,another solution to the problem can be ,just go to control panel and create a new user account which is an administrator account.
Shut down windows and start with the new user account.The details of the previous account will also open as the account is administrator.The difference will be only that your computer will work as if it is starting for the first time but it is for sure that all the applications u have installed will be as such eg MSWord,netbeans etc.There is no change.All the deatils can be copied by opening your previous account from C:/Users/Accountname1
kajowwojak
I was unable to complete the first part because I was incapable of opening the command prompt, however I did edit the Registry Editor as indicated, and I rebooted, but there is the same issue with nothing opening except through Notepad.
dare0021
Yeah, great...
except cmd.exe regedit.exe and taskmgr.exe are all exe files, which is the problem here
What do I do now?
The only reason my browser is working is cuz I opened it before the problem surfaced.
James
This doesn't work with mine as I didn't have .exe file in the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ directory; but it did have an exefile\shell\open\command as you have described above ALREADY; with its value set as described. Is that wierd or what - what the heck is going on?
tushar
how can i open an .exe file in notepad......
i'm satisfied with what was posted on the topic related with opening of exe files....
but now my problem is just opposite....kindly assist me
VG
^^ Simply drag-n-drop the EXE file in Notepad or use File->Open.
>…>
how do you change the value of default key....
VG
^^ Double-click on it and change the value.
nick
Why would it work if i cannot open .exe what originally opens an .EXE
nettimato
one little problem... my computer won't open even command prompt, it tries to open it in firefox. help please?