Cannot open exe file’s in Windows

Windows is unable to open any EXE file and prompts you to select a program to run the exe.

This can be a result of a virus and relates to a changed entry in the Windows Registry file. If this occurs there is a simple method to correct the registry entry. The following step by step instructions will resolve the EXE fault in the registry:

1). In the Run box off the Start Menu type “Command” and hit enter

2). At the opened command prompt screen type “regedit” and hit enter

3). Navigate to the following registry entry: “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command\(default)”

4). Change the entry to: “%1” %*

5). Close the registry

At this point you should now be able to open the exe files on your machine without being prompted to choose a program to run the file.

If you suspect your computer may have been infected with a virus then contact our Bristol IT support team immediately. We can help you quarantine and remove most viruses but you must act before it has a chance to spread to any of the rest of your network.