One day you might be using your computer, and after installing a piece software or you are recovering and trying to cleanup the system from a malware attack, there might be a few issues which stop the computer running properly. One of the common problems which malicious software or a faulty install can leave behind is the system not being able to run any programs, and you receive an error when you try to launch a program such as your web browser or Word etc.
Error Tools PC Repair is a highly and a multifunctional PC fixer. It is a one stop solution for all PC issues. It fixes possibly every type of PC error. I had this problem and I have just fixed it. The winload.exe is not currupt. What is wrong is that entries in your bcdedit are corrupt. Once you change that manually, you will be back up and running. Once again, there is no need to re-install or even do a repair as vista suggests. You do not need to replace winload.exe file. Execute your.exe and if everything loads well, so you do not have space occupied in dll libraries that you do not need or use, use the.exe program with all your options and without closing the.exe you do is erase all the.dll that you just copied next to the.exe, so if those.dll are being used by your program, the system will not let you. Troubleshooter.xyz is an independent tech how-to website. All product names, logos, and brands are the property of their respective owners. All images used are for illustrative purposes only.
Windows can’t open this file:
File: [name.exe]
File: [name.exe]
This happens when your system no longer recognizes that when you double click on an executable (.EXE) file it should launch the program and not be opened by another program like a text file or image would for example. A corrupted .EXE association will then stop you running any programs until the system has been told to execute the file when you open it. Another related common error message you could receive is:
This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action…
Because these errors can stop you running tools such as Regedit, Task Manager and even the Command Prompt as they’re all executable .EXE files, fixing it is quite often not as easy as it might seem. Sometimes other associations may also have been affected, so you may not be able to import something like a .REG file into the registry to fix it. Obviously, the first and most important file extension to fix is the .EXE extension. Once this sorted and working, you are able to run the registry editor and other tools to start repairing other broken extensions. Here’s a selection of ways for fixing .EXE extension issue and get your programs launching properly again.
Getting to the Command PromptIf you are trying any of the fixes below that require the use of the Command Prompt, you might not be able to get to it because you would obviously have to type cmd.exe into a Run dialog or run the cmd.exe shortcut from the Accessories Start menu. There is however, a simple trick to get around this without needing to do anything like renaming files in the Windows folder. Follow the instructions below.
1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc simultaneously to bring up the Windows Task Manager.
2. XP users can skip to step 3. The extra step needed for Vista, 7 and 8 is to run an elevated Command prompt or you will receive an “Access denied” message when typing in the commands. In Task Manager click the Processes tab, then click on the “Show processes from all users” button at the bottom. If you don’t have the button and only a tick box you should already have administrator rights.
3. Click the File menu and move the mouse cursor over to New Task (Run…), but DON’T click it yet. Now press and hold the Ctrl key while left clicking on New Task (Run…) to bring up the Command Prompt.
Tip: The method of using Ctrl+Shift+Esc to access Task Manager is also quite helpful when you have a rogue antivirus program on the system that launches itself every time you try to run an executable. Running a program via the New Task (Run…) option will let you run an executable file even though the rogue is intercepting file executions. As Task Manager is also usable, any suspicious or known processes can be killed and then one of the below files to restore the executable file type or a malware removal tool can be used.
1. Repair using a .REG file
If the EXE association is not too badly damaged, you may be able to repair it by importing the correct values into the registry. Simply download the below file (make sure you right click and select Save As) for your o/s and double click it to import into the registry.
Download Vista and 7 EXE Fix.reg
Download XP EXE Fix.reg
If you cannot import the .REG file because Windows cannot find the registry editor, then try importing from the Command Prompt using the method above to open a CMD window. Type the following command:
REG IMPORT [drag and drop the .reg file onto the CMD window]
Now try out your .EXE files, a reboot won’t be needed to see if it has worked or not.
2. Repair using Another Executable File
Although it may seem counter intuitive to most people, executable files can still be launched even though the EXE association and file type might be broken. This is because there are other types of executable file such as .COM and .SCR which could still have working associations and therefore files with those extensions will still launch.
The files below were created from the .REG files in the previous solution with a handy little tool called Reg2Exe which we’ve written about before that simply turns a .REG file into an executable. There will be no interaction after you run one of these files, simply try an executable .EXE file afterwards.
Download Vista 7 EXE Fix.com | Download Vista 7 EXE Fix.scr
Download XP EXE Fix.com | Download XP EXE Fix.scr
Alternatively, the people over at BleepingComputer have created a utility called FixExec that will fix the .EXE, .BAT and .COM file associations in Windows XP up to Windows 8. It will also terminate any malicious processes found in typical areas where malware might launch from which could try to reset the associations back again to non default.
Simply run the tool and if it detects any wrong associations, FixExec will repair them for you. There are separate 32-bit and 64-bit versions available along with pre-named .COM, .PIF and .SCR versions.
Download FixExec
There are several more solutions for broken file associations on Page 2.
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Thank you very much, this solved my problem!
ReplyAmazing, I was able to recover my system after being messed up by AVG TuneUP
Replythat’s what fix the problem
ReplyThis is a life saver. thank u so so so much for this .
ReplyThank u so much sir, steps mentioned by you really solved all the problems in a minute. i have just one query now. The file that i just downloaded now to fix reg shall be deleted or kept safe. Will deleting this fix undo the fixes too?
ReplyThanks broh, its very help me ;)
ReplySuperb! Thank you very much sir.
ReplyAwesome directions .Well done . Worked just fine
ReplyThank you SO much for this. I messed with the registry editor because one of my .exe files wasn’t opening, and it ended up messing with everything. I thought I was going to have to reinstall Windows or do a system restore. Such a simple fix, and you made it so easy to follow.
ReplyI absolutely love you. I was being stupid and got some virus trying to download a show. The fixexec program saved my computer and my rear end. Thank you so much.
ReplyI was in total panic mode as I had to get a lot of work done and suddenly the “.exe” files decided they didn’t want to work anymore! Thank so much for the simple explanation and solution – the problem got fixed instantly .
ReplyTY so much for this east to understand and in depth description tried several other sites and none of them went into the detail needed to get that problem fixed
ReplyI tried multiple fixes from so many sites, running 32 bit window 7. I tried registry scripts, and Microsoft fix it – I was at my wits end. I tried the unhook inf file. I found a shortcut to a webpage I had, opened the internet that way, got the inf file and right click installed. It was magic.
Thank you so much!
ReplyThank you so much!
Thank you so much.FixExec program is very helpful in repairing .exe files and.bat files thank you very much
ReplyRay, I don’t care what everyone else says, I say that you’re bordering on a near Saint-like level and I feel truly blessed to have found your site and the .exe fix was an absolute beauty!! 5 different angles to attack the blighter from, all well presented with clear, concise, idiot-proof (as I live and breathe!!) instructions that solved the problem and got me back on my feet and ready for the next disaster that my limited computing prowess will inevitably lead me to. So thanks again Ray, it’s a near certainty I’ll be back here again soon, in a sorry state of disrepair and in need of some of your expertise. Take my word on it folks, it worked for me so I fail to see why you’ll be any different?! I’ll be back, you can bet your house on it!!! Or maybe someone else’s????
ReplyAlthough the issue I had did not get resolved using this method, this did allow me to fix the problem of a virus on my system. You had a step here which allowed me to pull up a disabled antivirus program from a command prompt which was able to remove the problems on my pc. I couldn’t even get to a command prompt till I read this article because none of the exe files on the pc I was working on would start. Good read, and thanks for teaching me a new trick.
Replyif anyone is looking for a good software program to repair execution files or corrupted icons Microsoft Fix it 50194 worked perfect for me. Again thank you for this site god bless you.
ReplyYou are the greatest I searched for hours and would do many sites and finally found the information I needed here keep doing what you doing I give you a big thumbs up thank you.
ReplyOutstanding! Thank you so much!
ReplyThank you soo much !!!!!!! I delete .lnk out of my computer :D :D and you repairt it !!!! THANKS !!
Replythank you thank you you you
it took me 10 days to see so explanation about fixing a pc I did not fix my pc yet
but this looks so hopefull I think if I see this than is my pc also fixed
thank you again
and o yeah this page is gonna be my home page to never search for solution atleast I hope
Replyit took me 10 days to see so explanation about fixing a pc I did not fix my pc yet
but this looks so hopefull I think if I see this than is my pc also fixed
thank you again
and o yeah this page is gonna be my home page to never search for solution atleast I hope
Thank you so much))
ReplyTHANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!! It took me 6 hours to come across your site…. THANK GOD I DID!!!!! LIfe saver…. Please continue to post resolutions to computers issues. I greatly appreciate you. Aug 2014
Replythank you so much for these links, i thought i’d broken my laptop by altering the .exes -.- really saved my bacon thankyou!
ReplyYou are such a good man!
Replythank you you are greatest person in the world
ReplyThanks so much man you are ONE
ReplyTHANKS ITS REALLY HELPFUL FOR ME
ReplyThanks so much just hope I don’t get viruses
Replythank you
Replythank you
ReplyExellent! thank you very much!!!!!!!!!
Replythanks man …….you saved my life thanks a lot
ReplyGreat Man! you saved my life, and a lot of wasted time…
ReplyI greatly appreciate your effort into helping others in need. I, myself, had problems associating files. Thank you for this helpful tip, Sir.
Replythanks for your excellent help
ReplyThank you so much for the tips to restore my files. You are the best.
Jeraboah
ReplyThis is a great tip; thank you!
ReplyWow, It’s work. Thank you very much. (^_^) [Thailand]
Replythanks a lot you very helpful
ReplyAfter working over 14 hours trying to figure out how to get this .LNK problem I had no luck. Now with this info I have the regedit.exe working. Thank you so much!! Now I am trying to fix things in the registry. This has always been no mans land for me but I will try. I did find an enormous number of files in CLSID with many digits and alpha characters following next to the file folder. I assume they must all be removed.
ReplyThanks a lot… it worked for me…
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Replythank for your help!
ReplyRaymond, you saved my life! I am on social security and don’t have a lot of money, so when I got the problem of all my .EXE files turned to .LNK, and I couldn’t open anything but My Documents and Internet Explorer, I thought I was going to need to spend a small fortune to get the problem fixed. I looked up and down the web for help, and your’s was the only one that looked promising. So I tried it, step-by-step, just like you said and presto! Works like a charm. After I did it, I was finally able to do a system restore (which I couldn’t do before to save my life), and I’m back like the problem never existed… and I had already arranged for someone to stop by and take a look at it for $100! A hundred bucks I couldn’t afford. You are the greatest. I am going to recommend you to EVERYBODY! Thank you!
Replywonderful idea. really helpful
ReplyYou really saved the day for me, instructions were clear, solved my problem nice and quickly, thanks again
ReplySTUMBLED! Another awesome post, I have learned so much from this blog.
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Boot loader windows. Oct 02, 2019 The Windows 10 Boot Loader does become the default when Windows 10 is installed. You can adjust this from within Windows 10 by going to Control Panel System Advanced System Settings. On the Advanced Tab, you have a Settings Button under Startup and Recovery. You can set your startup default operating system in there. May 01, 2006 A boot loader, also called a boot manager, is a small program that places the operating system (OS) of a computer into memory. When a computer is powered-up or restarted, the basic input/output system performs some initial tests, and then transfers control to the master boot record (MBR) where the boot loader resides. Most new computers are shipped with boot loaders for some. Jul 03, 2017 The boot sector is a small section at the beginning of a hard drive that gets created whenever you format the drive. The boot sector contains some code and data that helps BIOS hand off control of the startup process to Windows. The boot sector also hosts the Master Boot Record (MBR).
ReplyHey, awesome trick.
ReplyThat trick to load command prompt from task manager is awesome!
Several years ago studying cmd I realized the possibility to compromise the system by simply changing associations. Although I only tested it on virtual machine. This thing is still very funny for me! :D
ReplySeveral years ago studying cmd I realized the possibility to compromise the system by simply changing associations. Although I only tested it on virtual machine. This thing is still very funny for me! :D
good one!
ReplyI had this problem with a customer’s computer some time ago and I’ve fix it with the same website. It was perfect, the customer needed her computer as soon as possible, and I solved the problem in 15 minutes…
ReplyWow! This article is pretty good also. :)
One thing: If CMD.exe regedit.exe and taskman.exe are all deleted/modified so they won’t work… Then how would you do it? My hypothesys would be to get a friend to either copy his cmd, regedit, and taskman to a floppy or usb stick and give it to you to boot up in safe mode to copy the file to the correct folder then hit Ctrl+Shift+Esc and hold in ctrl and go to File and select New task then you can do everything stated in the article, but with a different cmd.exe.
ReplyOne thing: If CMD.exe regedit.exe and taskman.exe are all deleted/modified so they won’t work… Then how would you do it? My hypothesys would be to get a friend to either copy his cmd, regedit, and taskman to a floppy or usb stick and give it to you to boot up in safe mode to copy the file to the correct folder then hit Ctrl+Shift+Esc and hold in ctrl and go to File and select New task then you can do everything stated in the article, but with a different cmd.exe.
Good job, Raymond, This is in great help.
ReplyGreat job raymond!
ReplyA very useful info Raymond. Good job.
ReplyIf only you had posted this entry 7 months ago, I wouldn’t have to resolve this issue by reformatting. Anyway, good job =)
Reply