*.exe is not a valid win32 application

[Guest]

Hi All

Whenever I download a file (any file) executable file, zip file, whatever,
from the internet, and try to open/run it, the message appears "*.exe is not
a valid win32 application". I have tried opening it without saving it to my
hard drive, but obviously it is just opening from a temp file, so the same
problem still occurs. I have right clicked the properties, and have
"unblocked it" (god knows why they have written this into the code! its a
waste of time and money....but thats another issue).

I have Windows XP Home edition SP2, and have installed all the updates from
Autoupdate, but the problem still occurs before and after the updates are
installed.

I have formatted the hard drive, rebooted and reinstalled windows, tried
everything.

It let me install Windows Live messenger thingy, but wont let me install
anything else. I have lowered the security levels on internet explorer, and
nothing has helped.

Can someone PLEASE tell me what the solution to this problem is?

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi,

Are you trying to run the file direct from the download site? If so, try
saving it first, then running it.

Also, delete the contents of all temp folders:

C:\Windows\Temp
C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Local Settings\Temp

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org