.exe files are not valid win32 applications

Question

.exe files are not valid win32 applications

Anonymous

Whenever I try to install an executable install file, I get the error message telling me that it is not a valid win32 application. I've heard that this is most likely a virus-caused registry error, but with .exe files not installing, I can't exactly download a registry fixing software. Yesterday I got hit with the system defender ____, and a few viruses installed themselves into my system. I figure the best way to get rid of all these problems at once is to to a system restore or reformat... I was wondering if this is indeed the best solution, and if that should fix the registry error as well. I was running AVG, but when I checked the logs, it looks like it hasn't been running scans since a few months ago, and wouldn't allow me to run an "unscheduled" scan.

Anywho, if anyone has a good solution for me, or can confirm if restore or reformat is the best option, please drop me a line.

Thanks!

Christy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

0 additional answers

Answer 1

Hi Christamaphone

Thank you for using Microsoft Answers Forums!

I would like to ask a few questions to help focus in the right direction:

Are there any other specific details that you can provide that will help us to understand and resolve your issue?

Did you make any changes to your system? Did you install any new Updates and/or Software?

Since when are you receiving this error? Is this error coming up with all .Exe files you try to install? Or is it restricted to certain applications? If yes which are the applications affected?

We can try a few general steps and check if it helps:

Step 1:

You can try a check disk; to do a check disk type chkdsk /r at the command prompt and press enter.

a. Click on start and in the start search bar type cmd, right click on the command prompt icon in the programs area and then click on run as administrator.

b. At the command prompt type chkdsk /r and then press enter.

Step 2:

Delete the Temp files and the Prefetch Folder

Clear the prefetch folder: C:\Windows\Prefetch.

Delete all of the files in that folder, except the ReadyBoot folder.

Clear the Temp Folder. Click on Start and type in “%temp% in the Start Search bar. Hit Enter. When the temp folder pops up delete everything in it.

Step 3:

Run an Online Scan of Your PC for Malicious Software:

If you would like to scan your computer for malicious and potentially unwanted software from a website, please use the **Windows Live OneCare safety scanner**.

Windows Live OneCare safety scanner is an online service that lets you scan your computer to help protect, clean, and keep it running at its best. Use our free protection scan to check for and remove viruses, spyware, and other potentially unwanted software and to find vulnerabilities in your Internet connection.

You can also refer to the following link for more help.

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/itprovistasp/thread/164871b2-46b3-4866-830f-9bf392dc5ad1

Hope this information was helpful.

Let me know if this worked.

All the best!

Thanks and Regards,

Uma R

Microsoft Support.

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Share via

.exe files are not valid win32 applications

0 additional answers