PE File Complications
Troubles Opening PE Files
Microsoft Windows Removed
You encounter an error message such as "%%os%% Can't Open PE Files" when trying to open your PE. Generally, this is experienced in %%os%% because Microsoft Windows isn't installed on your PC. You won't be able to double-click to open your PE because your OS doesn't know what to do with it.
Tip: If you have another software that you know opens PE files, you can select it by hitting the "Show Apps" button.
Wrong Version of Microsoft Windows is Installed
In some cases, you might have a newer (or older) version of a Portable Executable File file that is unsupported by your installed application version. If you do not have the proper version Microsoft Windows (or any of the other programs listed above), you may need to try downloading a different version of it, or one of the other software applications listed above. Most of the time your Portable Executable File file was created by a newer Microsoft Windows than what you have installed.
Tip: Right-clicking on your PE, then clicking "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), can provide clues about your file version.
Regardless, most of the PE file opening problems relate to not having the right version of Microsoft Windows installed.
Other PE File Opening Causes
You can still experience errors opening PE files even with the latest version of Microsoft Windows installed on your PC. If you are still having problems opening PE files, there may be other issues that are preventing you from opening these files. Problems unrelated to software:
- Invalid PE file references in the Windows Registry (the "phonebook" of the Windows Operating System)
- The PE file description within the Windows Registry was removed
- Invalid installation of a PE-associated program (eg. Microsoft Windows)
- Your PE file is corrupted (issues with your Portable Executable File file itself)
- Your PE is infected with malware
- PE-related hardware has device drivers that obsolete
- Too many applications are open on your PC to load your Portable Executable File file successfully
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