Have you ever double-clicked an icon on your desktop so that the mouse cursor instantly turned into a small spinning circle, then turned back into an arrow, but no new application opened? This is what usually happens when a program doesn't start, and it's not necessarily Windows' fault.

Here are four common reasons why programs (or the software installer) won't start in Windows 7:

About User Account Control

As described in Chapter 7, User Account Control is designed to prevent malware or bad applications from harming your computer. Unfortunately, programs that aren't written specifically for Vista or Windows 7 don't know what this is and end up closing when User Account Control prevents them from doing certain things, like writing something to their own folder in Program Files. If their updates are not available, it is usually possible to run programs in administrator mode O Written for an older version of Windows

Some programs—especially those that interact with the operating system or rely on features only available in certain versions of Windows—will not load if your version of Windows is not on their pre-approved list. (Same for installers.) To deal with this, right-click on any .exe file (or any .exe file's shortcut), select Properties, and then the Compatibility tab. Enable the Run this program in compatibility mode for option, and then select the version of Windows that your software supports. Click OK and try running the program again.

Now the program thinks that it is currently running, say, on Windows XP with the second service pack, but this does not mean that it will work correctly in Windows 7. If this application works correctly only

* but in Windows XP, you can use a special version of the Virtual Computer: Windows XP mode, which was discussed in Chapter 1.

O Missing file or setting

Most applications require running a list of various supporting files to function (not to mention several dozen Registry settings). If a program worked before but no longer works, it may need to be reinstalled. (This is especially true for programs that were installed in a previous version of Windows and were not reinstalled after upgrading to Windows 7.)

About Codecs Software, Hardware Drivers

Does the application communicate with the hardware device? If so, you will need native Windows 7 or Vista drivers before the application will work. Likewise, if there is a problem with running the video editing program or with the video player itself, one of the installed codecs may be damaged or incompatible with Windows 7.

O Just mistakes

Don't rule out the possibility that there is a bug in the software that is preventing the program from starting. Check the software manufacturer's website for updates, fixes, or other workarounds.

In this article we will talk about such a common problem as why programs are not installed. Installing a program in our time is so important that there is no point in using a computer without programs. The problem of the program not installing is encountered mainly by newcomers to the computer field.

Also in this situation, there are those computer users who use a pirated Windows operating system.

You can also fall into such a misfortune when installing programs that you need to crack in order to use them for free.

Let's look at a number of reasons why programs are not installed:

1. Missing Microsoft .NET Framework component
2. Lack of Microsoft Visual C++
3. Because of the antivirus
4. Due to incompatibility
5. Need to update drivers
6. Lack of DirectX component
7. Program requirement
8. Virus installer
9. Incorrect choice of operating system bitness
10. Necessary dll
11. No account system

1. In order for some programs to work correctly, a component of the NET Framework is required. Some programs work with certain versions, while others work with the latest versions. So look carefully at what the installer requires. It may be that programs are not installed because of this component. This component can be downloaded from the developer's website. Download and start installation. The installation process is normal. We agree with what the installer suggests. If, after installing the required version of the NET Framework, the program does not install and again requires the NET Framework, then go to “Start”, open the “Control Panel”, go to the “Programs” section and open “Turn on and off Windows components”

Make sure there is a check mark next to NET Framework in the check box.

1. Microsoft Visual C++ is also an essential component when installing programs and during its further use. Most programs may not install due to the absence of the Microsoft Visual C++ component. Visual C++ is a batch programming language. If programs are not installed on your computer, check for Visual C++. If it is not there, download or install it from the installation disk. I warn you, the installation process takes a long time.
2. If your computer has active anti-virus protection, then those programs that need to be cracked will not start. If you do not install programs like Sony Vegas pro, then the antivirus is to blame. For the installation process to proceed normally, you need to temporarily turn off the antivirus and add the installation folder to exceptions.
   1. When creating programs and applications, some developers forget about compatibility with different operating systems. And when you try to install such programs, you fail. Fortunately, you can get out of such situations. To do this, right-click on the shortcut of the program that is not launching. In the context menu go to “properties”

Check the “run the program in compatibility mode” checkbox

And select the operating system you need.

1. It happens that if, after using one operating system for a long time, without updating drivers, the system crashes and glitches. In this case, you need to update the drivers.
2. DirectX is a toolkit developed by Microsoft. It is mainly used when installing games, and is also used when installing programs. If this package is missing, then you need to download and install it. Preferably the latest version.
3. When installing programs, you must consider the minimum requirements of the program. These requirements include:

• Processor power
• RAM capacity
• Axis (RAM)
• Miscellaneous Components

If the computer data is lower than the program requirement, you will wonder why programs are not installed. That's why we always read the certificate.

1. In my practice, I have observed that some installers downloaded from unknown sources are not installed. The reason for this is a broken or virus file. In this case, you need to download the file again or find another source.
2. If your operating system is 32-bit, and you are trying to install a 64-bit one, then naturally your programs will not install. Therefore, when installing programs, we observe the bit depth.
3. There are also cases that in the absence of a “system” account the program does not start. To do this you need to create an account. Right-click on the shortcut of the program that is not launching and go to “properties”

Sometimes problems arise related to launching computer programs. In general, programs may not work for the following reasons:

1. The computer configuration does not meet the system requirements of the program.
You can read about this.

2. The necessary drivers or necessary additional software for the video card are not installed on the computer.
You can see which driver and whether it is OK by going to the “Start” menu, right-clicking on “My Computer” and selecting “Properties” from the list. In the window that opens, go to the “Hardware” tab, where you click the “Device Manager” button and select “Video adapters” in the tree. If you have a driver from Microsoft, I recommend replacing it. If there is an exclamation mark, the driver must also be replaced or reinstalled. If there is no “Video adapters” item at all, but there is a question mark, then this means that the native video card driver is not installed at all and the system works with the standard VGA driver.

3. The program requires updating the DirectX module.
Usually in this case, messages appear about the need to update the module or about the absence any file for example d3dx9_42.dll or something similar, which should be part of DirectX. In this case, you can find the missing file on the Internet, download it and copy it to the System or System32 folders, which are located in the Windows folder, or completely install a newer version of DirectX.

4. There is not enough space on the disk where the program is installed.
In this case, the program may not even be installed, and, as a rule, no messages are issued, but the installation of the game simply stops (freezes). In this case, you need to check if there is enough disk space and clean it up if necessary.
When cleaning the disk, you should also take into account that the system requirements indicate the required space for the installed program, and program files on CDs are often in archived form and during installation, disk space is required to unpack the archive.
In such a situation, you need to prepare free disk space to install a program approximately twice the size of the program itself.

5. There is not enough space on the system disk.
The fact is that for Windows to work correctly, it needs so-called virtual memory, that is, a reserved area on the system disk or disks of the required size to accommodate the paging file.
The Windows operating system by default places the paging file on the system drive.
If there is not enough free disk space to accommodate the paging file, programs may not start or may not work correctly. Typically, in such a situation, the system issues appropriate warnings on the monitor screen.
To restore functionality, you need to clean the disks and remove unnecessary programs. You can read about cleaning the system disk.

6. Insufficient virtual memory.
Some programs, especially games, require a large amount of virtual memory, and you need to install it explicitly. This can be found out from the messages displayed on the screen, from the system requirements of the program or from the description of the game. To change the virtual memory size in Windows XP, you need to open the Start menu, right-click on “My Computer” and select “Properties” from the list. In the “System Properties” window that opens, go to the “Advanced” tab, and then click the “Settings” button in the “Performance” section.
In the “Performance Options” window that opens, go to the “Advanced” tab and in the “Virtual Memory” section click “Change”.
In the “Virtual Memory” window that opens, you need to check “Special size” and enter the required dimensions in the fields.
In the “Initial size” field, you usually enter a size equal to the size of the computer’s RAM, and in the “Maximum size” field, either the size required by the program, or the size of the RAM multiplied by 1.5-2. After entering the size values, you must remember to click the “Set” button and then the “OK” button in all windows in order.
The settings will be accepted after the system reboot.

7. Damaged or dirty CD.
The cause of freezing or copying errors when installing the program may be a CD with a damaged or dirty surface.
If the surface is dirty, you can wash the working surface of the disk with warm water and soap, then shake off any remaining water and let it dry, or wipe it gently with a clean soft cloth.
Scratched discs are difficult to repair, but you need to keep in mind that different drives read damaged discs differently.
Therefore, you can try to read the disk on another computer and make a copy from it, unless, of course, it is copy protected.

8. The program is incompatible with this operating system.
You need to see if the system requirements of the program include the operating system you have installed. In addition, the Windows operating system has a tool to enable backward compatibility.
To use compatibility mode in Windows XP, you need to right-click on the program shortcut and in the window that opens, go to the “Compatibility” tab and check the box next to “Run the program in compatibility mode for:”.
Then select the desired operating system from the list and click “OK”. You can also try some of the other options offered in the Compatibility tab.

9. Damage to the operating system and the effects of viruses.
Everything is clear with viruses, and if they directly interfere with the launch and operation of the program, then they are needed find and destroy using antivirus programs and utilities. To restore the system, you can try cleaning the registry.
You can use the system recovery tools of the AVZ4 utility.
There are other means and methods of system recovery, but they are complex and time-consuming.
Damage to the system can have different causes and nature, and it can be difficult to identify and correct them. In this case, a clean reinstallation of Windows is easier and faster.

In this article we will discuss the popular problem with shortcuts not working. After reading it, you will find out why shortcuts do not work correctly and what needs to be done to correct this situation.

And at the end, you can consolidate the theory by watching video instructions with a practical example. So good luck to everyone, friends, don’t be afraid to correct mistakes yourself.

Introduction

So, friends, if you haven't yet found yourself in a situation where suddenly all the shortcuts on your computer start acting weird. It’s really weird, let’s say you launch a music player and Word opens. You try to launch the browser, but notepad opens. There are various situations, but the essence always remains the same: when you try to launch the shortcut of interest, the “left” program is torn off or nothing opens at all.

This always happens due to a failure in the settings of your operating system, as a result of which it does not work correctly and does not perform the tasks you set. Those guys who were already interested in this or went through a similar incident know that this situation is called a failure of file associations and shortcuts.

My shortcuts stopped working, why?

For those who are not in the know, each file on your computer is opened using a specific program, and if you try to open it with the wrong program, not intended for this purpose, you will most likely see a pop-up error or incomprehensible scribbles on the monitor.

This happens because each file has its own format, called its extension. For example, you've probably heard more than once that songs are recorded in mp3 format, pictures in jpeg format, and films in avi format. All these extensions allow the user and the operating system to understand what kind of file is in front of them and what program needs to open it.

What I mean by all this is that shortcuts also have their own lnk extension. And if the operating system receives a command to open the lnk extension using notepad, then all shortcuts on your computer will automatically open through notepad. As a result of changing the settings, the shortcuts can be opened by any program on your computer, but will not serve their intended purpose.

Most people, having found themselves in this situation, immediately begin to look for a solution to the problem, this is of course good. But I would first recommend understanding the reasons for the failure. After all, if you do not understand what is happening, then in the future you can “stumble” over this situation ad infinitum.

So first sit down, calm down, think for a minute about what you were doing before the shortcuts stopped working. I think you will almost immediately determine the reason and remember forever that you don’t need to do this. And I'll give you a little hint. Most often, shortcuts are opened by the same program due to your negligence; you yourself accidentally and specifically set the default program for opening some unknown file.

To do this, just right-click on the file and select the “Open with” pod in the drop-down menu, while selecting the program and forgetting to uncheck the settings option: “Use the selected program for all files of the selected type”

This is how easy it is for shortcuts and programs to break.

Of course, in addition to this, there is still a high probability of catching a virus, which will make all the necessary settings without your intervention, and the shortcuts will also stop opening as expected.

How can I restore the shortcuts? How to restore shortcut associations?

There are several ways to return the system to working condition without tormenting your brain. All tasks boil down to changing the settings that are written in the registry.

Therefore, if you are an excellent programmer, it will not be difficult for you to go into the registry and manually edit it to a working state. But most likely it is impossible for an ordinary user to do this.

To automatically make the necessary settings in the registry, any user, even one who does not understand anything, should download a ready-made registry file and run it on his computer.

After you have downloaded the archive to your computer, you should find the registry file you need, namely, select which operating system is being restored. Have you decided? Now we just double-click on it and confirm the changes in the system, after which we be sure to reboot the system.

You can clearly see it at the end of the article; there is a video instruction for this with a practical example.

If a situation arises that after automatically making changes to the registry, the shortcuts still do not work, then we are preparing for a little adventure, but do not worry. You just need to manually launch the registry and delete the extra section from there.

To launch the registry, press the keys on your keyboard simultaneously WIN+R(the WIN key is a Windows checkbox button) a command input panel will open in front of you, where you must enter the word "regedit"

After entering the command, click “ok” and a window with the computer registry opens in front of us

Now we need to find the section that made changes to the registry and delete it, for this we look for the section called UserChoice

It is located at:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.lnk

Once found, simply delete it and restart the computer.

Shortcuts do not work, what should I do if the shortcuts do not open?

Write in the comments if the article helped correct the situation with non-working shortcuts.

Sometimes PC users encounter such an unpleasant situation as the inability to launch programs. Of course, this is a very significant problem that prevents most operations from being performed normally. Let's see how you can deal with it on computers running Windows 7.

When we talk about the inability to run programs on Windows 7, we primarily mean problems associated with EXE files. The causes of the problem may vary. Accordingly, there are various ways to resolve this type of problem. Specific mechanisms for solving this problem will be discussed below.

Method 1: Restore the EXE file association through Registry Editor

One of the most common reasons why applications with the EXE extension stop launching is a violation of the file association due to some kind of failure or viruses. After this, the operating system simply ceases to understand what needs to be done with this object. In this case, it is necessary to restore the broken associations. This operation is performed through the system registry, and therefore, before starting manipulations, it is recommended to create a restore point so that, if necessary, you can undo the changes made to "Registry Editor".

1. To solve the problem you need to activate "Registry Editor". This can be done using the utility "Run". Summon her using the combination Win+R. In the field enter:

   Click "OK".



2. Starts "Registry Editor". On the left side of the window that opens, registry keys are presented in the form of directories. Click on the name "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT".



3. A large list of folders opens, arranged in alphabetical order, the names of which correspond to file extensions. Look for a directory that has the name ".exe". Having selected it, go to the right side of the window. There is a parameter called "(Default)". Right-click on it ( RMB) and select a position "Change…".



4. "Meaning" bring in "exefile", if it is empty or if there is any other data there. Now press "OK".



5. Then return to the left side of the window and look in the same registry section for a folder called "exefile". It is located below the directories that have extension names. Having selected the specified directory, move to the right side again. Click RMB by parameter name "(Default)". Select from the list "Change…".



6. The parameter editing window appears. In field "Meaning" write down the following expression:

   Click "OK".



7. Now, going to the left side of the window, return to the list of registry keys. Click on the folder name "exefile", which was previously allocated. Subdirectories will open. Choose "shell". Then highlight the subdirectory that appears "open". Moving to the right side of the window, click RMB by element "(Default)". Select from the list of actions "Change…".



8. In the parameter change window that opens, change the value to the following option:

   Click "OK".



9. Close the window "Registry Editor", then restart your computer. After turning on the PC, applications with the EXE extension should open if the problem lay precisely in the violation of file associations.

Method 2: "Command Line"

The problem with file associations, due to which applications do not start, can also be solved by entering commands in "Command line" running with administrative rights.

1. But first, we need to create a registry file in Notepad. Click here "Start". Next, select "All programs".



2. Go to the catalog "Standard".



3. Here you need to find the name "Notebook" and click on it RMB. From the menu, select . This is an important point, since otherwise it will not be possible to save the created object in the root directory of the disk C.



4. The standard Windows text editor starts. Enter the following entry into it:

   Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
   [-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.exe]
   
   "exefile"=hex(0):
   



5. Then navigate to the menu item "File" and choose "Save as…".



6. The window for saving the object appears. Go to the root directory of the disk C. In field "File type" change the option "Text documents" per point "All files". In field "Encoding" select from the drop-down list "Unicode". In field "File name" Write any name that is convenient for you. After it you need to put a dot and write the name of the extension "reg". That is, in the end you should get an option according to the following template: "File_name.reg". After you have completed all the above steps, click "Save".



7. Now it's time to launch "Command line". Again through the menu "Start" and point "All programs" move to the directory "Standard". Look for the name "Command line". Once you find this title, click on it RMB. Select from the list "Run as administrator".



8. Interface "Command line" will be opened with administrative powers. Enter the command using the following pattern:

   REG IMPORT C:\filename.reg

   Instead of a part "file_name.reg" you need to enter the name of the object that we previously created in Notepad and saved on disk C. Then click Enter.



9. An operation is being performed, the successful completion of which will be immediately reported in the current window. After that you can close "Command line" and restart the PC. After restarting the computer, programs should resume opening normally.



10. If, however, EXE files still do not open, then activate "Registry Editor". How to do this was described in the description of the previous method. In the left part of the window that opens, go through the sections one by one "HKEY_Current_User" And "Software".



11. A fairly large list of folders opens, which are arranged in alphabetical order. Find a catalog among them "Classes" and go to it.



12. A long list of directories opens, which have the names of various extensions. Find the folder among them ".exe". Click on it RMB and choose an option "Delete".



13. A window opens in which you need to confirm your actions to delete the partition. Click "Yes".



14. Further in the same registry section "Classes" look for the folder "secfile". If found, click on it in the same way RMB and choose an option "Delete" followed by confirmation of your actions in the dialog box.



15. Then close "Registry Editor" and restart your computer. When you run it again, opening objects with the EXE extension should be restored.

Method 3: Disabling File Locking

Some programs may not run in Windows 7 simply because they are blocked. This only applies to launching individual objects, and not all EXE files as a whole. To solve this problem, there is our own overcoming algorithm.

Method 4: Eliminate viruses

One of the most common reasons for failure to open EXE files is a virus infection of the computer. By disabling the ability to run programs, viruses thereby try to protect themselves from anti-virus utilities. But the user is faced with the question of how to run an antivirus to scan and disinfect a PC if activation of programs is impossible?

In this case, you need to scan your computer with an anti-virus utility using a LiveCD or by connecting to it from another PC. To eliminate the effects of malware, there are many types of specialized software, one of which is Dr.Web CureIt. During the scanning process, when the utility detects a threat, you must follow the advice that is displayed in its window.

As you can see, there are several reasons why all programs with the EXE extension or only some of them do not run on a computer running Windows 7. Among them, the main ones are the following: malfunctions of the operating system, virus infection, blocking of individual files. For each reason there is its own algorithm for solving the problem being studied.