How to Fix "Can't Run/Open EXE Files" Error

Problems and Symptoms

When you start an .exe file, you receive a "open with" error or nothing happens. When you open an application, Windows prompts you to find a program for the .exe file extension. You can't launch any applications on your PC.

Recommended Solution

If you computer has some or all of the problems above, we highly recommend using PC Tuneup Maestro's Executable File Association Repair tool to repair these issues.

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Download Executable File Association Repair Tool and install it
Step 2: Click Fix & Clean, and then, click Executable File Association Repair
Step 3: Click the Fix button.


	File Size: 2M, Download time: < 1 min. on DSL/ADSL/Cable Supports: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 (incl. 64-bit)

Common causes of "can't open exe files" errors

There are two main reasons why your PC fails to open exe files or launch any application:

The default registry settings for the .exe file association was changed or corrupted.
Your PC had a virus attack, which broke the executable file type association.

If any of these problems exists, you can hardly launch any application. Also, be aware that an anti-virus applications may be able to remove the virus that had caused this problem initially, it may not fix or repair the broken .exe file association settings in the registry.

Technical resolutions for repairing .exe file association

Most problems related to the broken .exe file assocation are the result of the following cause:

Cause: Registry settings related to the .exe executable file type association was deleted or corrupted.

Resolution 1 (recommended): Automatically restore the registry settings for the .exe executable file type association using PC TuneUp Maestro's Executable File Association Repair tool.

How to restore .exe file type association using PC Tuneup Maestro:

Download PC Tuneup Maestro and Install It.
Click Fix & Clean, and then, click Executable File Association Repair .
Click the Fix button.

Resolution 2 (for advanced users only): Manually reset the registry settings of executable file type association to their default settings.

Open Regedit.exe in administrator mode and set the following registry keys to its default value:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe = exefile
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile = "%1" %*
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open = "%1" %*

Our recommendation for fixing "can't open .exe files" errors

If you require assistance with applying the technical resolutions provided above, we recommend you download, install and register PC TuneUp Maestro. Registered users of PC TuneUp Maestro receive Professional PC Support Service. Our PC Technical Support Specialists will provide you direct help with fixing IE related issues.

Along with having the "can't open .exe files" error, your PC may also have other performance or stability shortcomings that need to be identified and addressed. You can download PC TuneUp Maestro and conduct a free PC scan to discover PC optimization opportunities. Combined with our Professional PC Support Service, PC TuneUp Maestro provides a comprehensive solution for your optimal PC performance needs.