can't open .exe files windows 10

I had the exact same problem : clicking any .exe file and nothing happening. I found a way out !

In my case it was caused by having previously changed the default Program File directory in the registry from C:\ to D:, because I prefer to have System on C and space consuming Data and Programs on D.

It seems that Windows 10 doesn't like it at all (it causes updates to end bad too).

To reverse it back :

• Since you can't even launch Regedit because it is a .exe, first restart Windows 10 in safe mode : Shift + click on Start/Stop -> Restart -> Troubleshoot -> Advanced Options -> Startup Settings -> Restart -> Choose 5 at restart
• Once in safe mode, search "regedit" in start bar and launch it with administrative access
• Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> SOFTWARE -> Microsoft -> Windows -> select CurrentVersion, then click on "ProgramFilesDir" and change it back to "C:\Program Files".
• Also click on "ProgramFilesDir (x86)" and change it back to "C:\Program Files (x86)".
• Then quit Regedit and restart.

Once doing this, I was able again to launch any .exe file in normal mode.

Hope it helped !

I did as you said, except that instead of booting up Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking, I selected Safe Mode with Command Prompt! I opened regedit with Command Prompt but I didn't find ProgramFilesDir in CurrentVersion!! Please, help me!!

Hi,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community.

Method 1:

I suggest you to boot the computer to Safe Mode and check if the issue occurs or not. If not, I would suggest you to set the computer in a clean boot state and check if it helps.

Step 1: ****Boot the computer to Safe Mode. In Safe Mode computer starts with minimal set of drivers and files.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows-10/start-your-pc-in-safe-mode

Step 2:

If the issue do not occur in Safe Mode, perform a clean boot and check. Setting the system in a clean boot state will help to identify if any third party applications or startup items are causing the issue.

How to perform a clean boot in Windows

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135/en-us

Warning: After clean boot troubleshooting steps, refer to the section "How to reset the computer to start as usual after troubleshooting with clean boot" in the provided link to return your computer to Normal startup mode.

Method 2:

If the issue persists, I suggest you to perform SFC (System File Checker) Scan from Safe Mode and check if it helps. SFC scan will scan for corrupt system files on the computer and replace them.

Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files ****http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833/en-us

Hope this information helps. Reply to the post with updated status of the issue so that we can assist you further.

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I understand your concern regarding the issue that you are facing.

1. What happens when you try to open the file?
2. Are you getting any error message?
3. Did you make any changes prior to this issue?
4. Have you installed Microsoft Office in the system?

Reply with necessary information and I’ll be happy to help you further

app cant run on your pc. check with software publisher

Cool - those of us who didn't move OS system files to a different drive know why you obviously had an issue. Still stuck on mine.

Cool - those of us who didn't move OS system files to a different drive know why you obviously had an issue. Still stuck on mine.

Sure appreciate the help on this. I'm working up the nerve to get started. Sure hope it works Thank You EricParlin.