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My downloaded applications won't open?

I have tried downloading two different applications to install on my laptop (windows XP home edition). I've used both Chrome and Firefox and they download just fine, but when I click on the file to run the program, nothing happens. They never open and the installation processes never begin.
No error message?

Pick an exe file that's already on your computer, such as C:\Windows\Notepad.exe, and double click it.  Does it open?  Does it start if you right-click and select "Open"?

What's the name and version of your antivirus program?
What other security software is installed?
Do you have service pack 3 and subsequent Windows updates installed?
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LemP
Volunteer Moderator
MS MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) 2006-2009
Microsoft Community Contributor (MCC) 2011-2012

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No, no error message.

All my other already installed exe files open just fine, it's just the new one that I can't/haven't installed yet that won't open. I right-clicked and selected "open" and nothing happened. I right-clicked and selected "run as..." and nothing happened.

I use AVG AntiVirus Free Edition - AVG version 2013.0.3392

I have service pack 2

I just noticed the problem a couple days ago.  I have recently (in the last week) downloaded TP-LINK Wireless Configuration Utility to use a USB wireless network adapter (TP-LINK TL-WN722N) and LogMeIn Hamachi VPN client, version 2.0.1.374

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Well, you should have installed sp3 long ago, but I can't say for sure that your problem is caused by the lack of sp3.

It's possible that the problem is with the two particular files you downloaded.  Or it's possible that AVG (no longer as good as it used to be) is somehow interfering with the files.

Temporarily disable AVG and then download this file with Firefox --> http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/c/a/fca6767b-9ed9-45a6-b352-839afb2a2679/TweakUiPowertoySetup.exe

Can you open and install it?
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LemP
Volunteer Moderator
MS MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) 2006-2009
Microsoft Community Contributor (MCC) 2011-2012

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I downloaded this application (bittorrent) before, several months ago with service pack 2 and it went along just fine. 

Disabled AVG and downloaded your link and yes, it worked and installed just fine. Tried to install bittorrent again with AVG disabled (just out of curiosity) and it still didn't work. 

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I don't know why bittorrent.exe won't open.  Given that BitTorrent is often (but of course not always) used for illegal file sharing, it's possible that AVG is blocking it as a "bad" file.  If you had AVG enabled when you downloaded the file, it may make no difference if you disable AVG when you try to open the file.

You might consider using a different antivirus.  As far as free ones are concerned, Microsoft Security Essentials is actually pretty good.  If you're willing to pay, I like eset's NOD32 Antivirus.

Uninstall AVG using Control Panel > Add/Remove, and then run the appropriate removal tool from here --> http://www.avg.com/us-en/utilities
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LemP
Volunteer Moderator
MS MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) 2006-2009
Microsoft Community Contributor (MCC) 2011-2012

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I have the same issue and I even disabled the scan when downloaded on firefox to see if that would work but it still didn't open the file and I don't think it's the antivirus. I use Norton 360 and even when the scan is enabled it says "Bittorrent.exe is safe."
Help, please! D:

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Hi! I had the some problem, try this, worked for me, right click on the .exe file, go to properties and click unblock,... voila!

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Thank you Sebastian, I couldn't work out what was going wrong and then your solution solved my problem! Thanks :)

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Hello!!! I make 1 account just to say u " THANK YOU" !! 

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My Notepad works just fine but

I'm only using a Smadav11.1 antivirus program

Regarding the service pack 3 and subsequent Windows updates , kindly forward the necessary update necessary as I do not have these.

This is the second time however that I'm encountering this problem. I recently had a similar issue that left most of my installed applications and games useless for days till yesterday until I did a quick scan with the windows defender and took the recommended actions then I restored default on the windows firewall. It worked just fine and the program began anew this morning.




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Last updated March 25, 2025 Views 24,249 Applies to: