Can't Open Applications?

Having trouble opening (or running) programs and applications?

Note: Unless you are absolutely certain in the diagnosis and root cause of the problem in your computer, we highly recommend that you opt for our newer Fix File Association .EXELNK which fixes multiple problems in one fell swoop. This will save you a lot of time on the way to fixing your computer.

Our Fix File Association .EXE can help you fix this problem in a jiffy -- and Yes, it works in Windows 7 and Vista, too!

New! With the introduction of Version 2.3,  Fix File Association .EXE automatically detects whether your system is Windows XP or higher and adapts the fixes according to your system, fixes misdirected associations, repairs key registry damage caused by the Win32/FakeRean virus and no longer relies on REGEDIT!

Find out why a large percentage of our customers are Tech Pro Shops, saving time in serving their customers. Download and install Fix File Association .EXE, follow the instructions below, and you will once again be able to open your programs and applications.

The time and money you'll save by using this easy to use and well tested product is well worth the small price!

Why does this happen and what does Fix File Association .EXE do?

There are a variety of reasons why you may have lost the ability to open applications (having a .EXE file type). Sometimes a virus or malware may have infected your computer and damaged your .EXE file association. Even a legitimate but badly written program can cause this problem. Some of our customers have reported that they simply chose the wrong settings for the system and they locked themselves out.

Once the .EXE file association has been corrupted you may notice that the “Open” option isn’t listed on the application's context menu anymore when you right click a file. Other symptoms include (but not limited to) either changing the icon appearance or opening a totally unrelated program (e.g. Notepad).

On Windows XP, the visual cue may look like this:

Applications no longer have their icons:	Original application icons restored:

On Windows 7 and Vista, the visual cue may look like this:

Applications no longer have their icons:	Original application icons restored:

It can be extremely difficult to tweak the registry settings to fix this problem on your own, even for an advanced PC user.

Software Candy’s Fix File Association .EXE makes it simple to repair your broken .EXE file association. Just install this safe and secure download and you will again be able to quickly open the files you need with a double click -- or from the Run box:

Note:  The nature of this particular problem is such that you cannot run any EXE file -- even an EXE file that is supposed to fix this problem! This wizard magically overcomes this problem. After downloading it, you run it by simply double-clicking it!

New! With the introduction of Version 2.0,  Fix File Association .EXE no longer relies on REGEDIT (this feature was added thanks to a suggestion of one of our customers).

New! With the introduction of Version 2.1,  Fix File Association .EXE fixes misdirected associations on Windows Vista and Windows 7 as well, i.e. if opening an .exe file always invokes Mail, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player or other program mistakenly associated with the .EXE file type. Also, it is now positively tested with the 64-bit version of Windows 7 and Windows Vista.

New! With the introduction of Version 2.2,  Fix File Association .EXE automatically detects whether your system is Windows XP or higher and adapts the fixes according to your system.

New! With the introduction of Version 2.3,  Fix File Association .EXE automatically repairs key registry damage caused by the Win32/FakeRean virus. Note: Our product does NOT attempt to remove the virus (or even detect it) as this is the realm of antivirus software. For free scan and detection, use a community-trusted tool such as MalwareBytes.


As with all Software Candy products, Fix File Association .EXE is completely free of any viruses or spyware (digitally signed for authenticity and integrity) and is well tested for its advertised features. If ever needed, you can also uninstall it completely with a single click, performing a total cleanup after itself.



The beauty of this wizard is that you don't have to follow any complex instructions. Once you download this app (keep it on your desktop or in an easy-to-find folder), you double-click it, click the Next button on the installation wizard and Voila! You can now double-click and open any application you have installed on your computer, just like you used to. :)

Note: On some systems, there may be some delay from the moment you open Fix File Association .EXE until you are presented with Windows "Open File -  Security Warning: Do you want to run this file?". This is normal and is part of the digital signature verification mechanism. Click Run and you will be presented with the installation wizard.

Note: No desktop icons will be installed, as to avoid cluttering your desktop. Instead, you will find a Software Candy entry in your Start Menu, which allows you to uninstall it, should you ever want to do this.



Whether you have virus protection in the form of a Windows anti virus or anti malware, it is important to note that no virus scanner can detect all types of PC virus. Even when your computer is updated to the latest antivirus 2010, properly detects the virus that damages your EXE file association, and performs virus removal and virus clean up, it cannot perfectly heal your computer or repair all the problems that the virus may have caused.

This is where we step in and offer a pinpoint solution for the particular symptoms that you observe. After all, you use your computer and you can see better than anyone else what's on your screen. Try this fix, at no risk. If it solves the problem, you just saved hundreds of dollars in technician's service fees, paying less than $10 for this repair! Otherwise, simply contact us and we may be able to help you diagnose the problem and offer a different fix. Remember: all our products are backed by our 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee. If our solution doesn't fix your problem, you will receive full refund (see our refund policy for more details).

• Q1. I saw some references to a "command line". What is it? Do I have to know what a command line is?
• A1. No, you don't have to know how to type commands or what a command line is. All you do after downloading and saving our  Fix File Association .EXE to your desktop (or any folder) is double-click it, click Next, Next, Finish on its wizard and your program file association will be magically restored.

• Q2. I downloaded and saved the software on my disk. I then tried to open it but nothing happened. What do I do now?
• A2. Wait (up to 60 seconds). On some systems, there may be some delay from the moment you open Fix File Association .EXE until you are presented with Windows "Open File -  Security Warning: Do you want to run this file?". This is normal and is part of the digital signature verification mechanism. Click Run and you will be presented with the installation wizard..

• Q3. I downloaded and installed this software and it fixed my problem. Thank you! However, I can't find its icon on the desktop. Did I do anything wrong?
• A3. No, you did everything correctly. By design, we do not clutter your desktop with unnecessary icons. We are happy it did the trick for you. Most of our customers never need to run this wizard again, after following our guidelines for how to protect your windows computer from viruses.

If you need to solve your .EXE file type problem but don’t know where to start, Software Candy’s Fix File Association .EXE is your solution.

1. Click 'add this to my cart' button below.
2. Download it (it will become immediately available for download after payment).
3. Install it.

That's it. 

By purchasing this product, you receive 12 downloads for 365 days (whichever expires first). In effect, this gives you up to 12 FREE upgrades for one year. If you purchased this product, remember to periodically check this page for a new version. We strive to polish our products to perfection.

Note: Unless otherwise noted (in the compatibility list below), this software is compatible with the 32-bit version of Windows. Download this FREE tool to check whether your Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit.