If something ends in .exe that you are trying to download, does that mean it's a virus?
2006-07-17 02:29:54 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
An exe file is an executable. That means it is a program that your computer is able to run. Every porgram you have on your PC is started by either an exe or com file (exe is by far the more common).
If you are trying to download an exe file, it simply means that it is a program that you can run on your PC. Because many viruses also have exe files, Windows will warn you when you attempt to download an exe. It wants to be sure you know you are downloading a something that can run on your PC before you do it. If what you are trying to download is suppose to be a picture or document or spreadsheet or something, and NOT a program, then it could be a virus. If it is SUPPOSE to be a program, then it is probably alright.
2006-07-17 02:39:14 · answer #1 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
EXE is an extention which means EXECUTABLE. Not all EXE files are virus, but downloading a file which is an EXE and not knowing what it is can be very dangerous.
All programs have EXE files as part of their install, even the Installer itself can be an EXE file. However, most companies will ZIP up an EXE or installer so that it is easier to download. AGain, if you are unsure of what you are downloading, stop.
2006-07-17 02:34:23 · answer #2 · answered by Marvinator 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
an .exe file is a program that runs on a Windows PC. If you look through the Windows folder or the program files folder on your PC, you will see that many files end in .exe. While it's possible a .exe file you're downloading can be a virus, it also can be a legitimate program, or an installer for a legitimate program. Example: If you go to mozilla.org to download firefox, the download is an .exe file.
2006-07-17 02:37:29 · answer #3 · answered by Spartacus! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you were trying to download a picture, a song or something like that, and you get an exe file, it probably is a virus.
exe files are programs, examples of which are yahoo messenger, MS word and MS paint or calculator. Also installers are programs and are exe files.
its best to scan exe files with an antivirus before running it to ensure that you did not download a trojan, which is a virus pretending to be a real program.
2006-07-17 02:37:33 · answer #4 · answered by DainBramaged 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's an executable file. It doesn't mean that it's a virus, but there are many files that could be viruses. Files that have the .exe extension can be executed in dos mode just by typing in the file name.
2006-07-17 02:34:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simply put, the file will execute and run if you open it. Yes, they at times contain a virus. You should scan all files before opening them. If you have a decent AV program, you can do the scan from the right click menu. Some are safe, some are not.
2006-07-17 02:38:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. exe stands for executable. Normally when you download a .exe file its an install or setup file.
2006-07-17 02:34:18 · answer #7 · answered by female_lizzzzzard 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could. .exe means "Executable". This is a file that actually works as a program on your computer. Be sure to know what you're downloading before you allow it to load onto your computer.
2006-07-17 02:34:32 · answer #8 · answered by Evolver_dad 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not exactly. an ".exe" file is an executable file. it means it is a program. Some people do make viruses that way thou. so just be cautious what you download.
2006-07-17 02:35:34 · answer #9 · answered by . 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey there . . .exe stands for executable file. . . it does not mean that it is a virus . . but scan it anyways.
Talk to you soon . . . BIGSCARYBLACKMAN
2006-07-17 09:36:25 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋