Everytime I try to open a .exe file, it asks what to open it with. What's wrong?

Question

I can't open any files without it asking what I want to open the file with, then when I pick something, nothing happens..

.exe is an application

I can't open any applications, i.e. My virus scanner, paint, notepad, internet explorer, etc

I tried to run system restore, it asks what to open rstrui.exe with

It's not any one application that's doing this, it's everything, even rundll32.exe when I try to remove programs

Answer 1

You have to select default programs with which to open your files.

If you are using WIndows, right-click on something you want to open. Pick, Open with then pick "Choose Program." Select the program you wish to use always when opening that type of file, and then check the box at the bottom that says "Always use this program...."

That should fix your problem.

As with .exe files, some of them are harmful. Your antivirus may have all of them blocked. Check your antivirus' settings.

Answer 2

This is assuming you're running windows;
.exe files are also called 'executable' files, and aren't associated with a specific program. Windows doesnt recognize this, and opens the 'choose program' window. You should check the readme bfile that came with it. if there is one, to try and fix the problem. What you also can try, is to find an associated file or program, perhaps that you downloaded with your exe, and open it through that. Alternately, you can go to start/run, and type the name of your executable file, including the .exe, and it may run that way. If it still isn't working, it could be that your software is faulty, and you should get a different version of it if possible.
Windows can be so troublesome sometimes...Good Luck!

Answer 3

When you pick what program to open the file with, there is a little check box below all the program options. It says something like, check to always use this program for this type of file. Go with that. However, you are trying to open an executable, which should not give messages like that... i would be careful, sounds like a possible virus

Answer 4

That is an interesting problem

*.exe files are not associated with any program other than telling the windows that it is a executive file that will install a program on windows. I think you may need to run system restore (if you are running windows XP), and restore your system to a previous date when this problem did not exists.

Answer 5

The program associated with the exe file may have been deleted from it's folder.

If it's an icon on your on your desktop, re-install the program, and it will correct the problem.

Answer 6

You've probably got a virus - The SirCam virus, for one, will mess up registry associations.

First, get your system cleaned of any viruses. Second, follow the link for info on how to reset the associations.

Answer 7

weird. scan your computer for viruses. you might have deleted some of the files. exe. files are usually viruses, so don't run them on your computer unless you know exactly what your opening.

Answer 8

be careful when u open exe file, most of them are virus that will damage your computer. therefore, that is why they ask you if you want to open it, or save it to the computer.

Answer 9

Why do you want to open an .exe file.

Answer 10

You don't "open" .exe files, you RUN them. They are programs.