Cannot run exe or com files

The result is that I can no longer run programs that have previously worked. A handful of programs do work, but the majority no longer work. Double-clicking on a. I can no longer edit my photos. Similarly, I cannot start Malwarebytes to check for malware. My USB scanner no longer works either. My system updates are current and Windows Defender did not identify any problems. I have found two identical fixes to the Registry as a solution to this problem on Youtube, but it has not resolved this problem.

To resolve this issue, kindly use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files. If the issue persists, we recommend that you perform a clean boot.

A clean boot is performed to start Windows by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This helps eliminate software and driver conflicts. For steps on how to perform a clean boot, refer to the following link: How to perform a clean boot in Windows.

Was this reply helpful? Yes No. Sorry this didn't help. Thanks for your feedback. Performed the Clean Boot and was still not able to launch any executables. Could not launch my Photo editor or Malwarebytes. Double-clicking a jpg file did not launch any photo editor. The clean boot did not seem to make a difference. We recommend that you restore from a system restore point.

This option takes your PC back to an earlier point in time, called a system restore point. Follow the steps below:. For more information, refer to the Restore from a system restore point section in the following link: Recovery options in Windows Improve this answer.

Your path has a space in it so you need to put quotes around it. Alex F Alex F Sign up or log in Sign up using Google. Sign up using Facebook. Sign up using Email and Password. Post as a guest Name. Email Required, but never shown. The Overflow Blog. There are cases in which users even receive error messages when they try to open a. So, what is the actual reason behind this problem? According to Microsoft experts, this problem occurs due to corrupt registry settings, or system issues due to virus infection or third-party tool installations.

Installation of third-party software can change the default configuration for running EXE files, which often leads to failures when you try to run EXE files. For some users, this method might work in the Safe mode. Turn off Windows Firewall Every genuine Windows comes integrated with Firewall protection to protect the system from external malware attacks.

Disabling Windows Firewall can also fix this issue, as reported by some users. But, if disabling it fixes some problems, then you can give it a try. General Suggestions for Fixing. See your OneDrive files in File Explorer. Windows 10 Windows 11 More Here are some things to try if File Explorer won't open. Optimize Advanced system settings, including virtual memory settings. Select Apply. Restart your PC. This resets explorer. Automatic Repair is a tools that attempts to fix registry corruption.

Enter your name and password. Automatic Repair now begins. Your computer may restart during this process. Need more help?