*.exe is not a valid win32 application

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

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?
 
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
 
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