How to Fix Exe Errors

Your computer is loaded with executable programs that allow all kinds of processes to occur. You’re likely familiar with executable programs that you use on a regular basis. For example, to launch Microsoft Word, winword.exe is the actual executable responsible. You may click an icon or an item in your All Programs list but those graphical items actually link to the executable file, winword.exe.

In addition to the obvious executables that you’ve personally installed, your computer also contains executables for various system processes. For instance, svchost.exe is a process that Windows uses to organize and coordinate the various services that access dynamic link libraries, or exes.

Take a look at your Task Manager and click on the Processes tab.

In this case, 64 processes are running yet only a few actual user-initiated programs are. The user has Microsoft Word, Excel, OneNote, and Money all open as well as Internet Explorer and Outlook Express. That leaves 58 other executables running in the background performing their various functions and taking up their fair share of the computer’s resources.

In addition, as the user calls up more processes, for example printing a document, more executables will be launched as needed. In a perfect world, all of these programs and processes would get along and no errors would ever occur. But the world isn’t perfect and .exe errors are a fact of life.

Many .exe errors are the result of incompatibility with other programs, recent system changes, file corruption, memory issues, and malware. Sometimes, especially if it’s a memory issue, rebooting Windows will solve the .exe error for the time being. Other times, the .exe error can be disastrous enough to require a complete reinstall of the operating system. Most fall somewhere in between.

How can you tell you have an .exe error? Windows will tell you. Usually you will get a message indicating exactly which executable encountered a problem such as:

·    Winword.exe has generated errors and will be shut down

·    Explorer.exe has generated errors and will be closed by Windows

Depending on the nature of the error itself, you may be able to resume your work by rebooting the computer. Keep an eye on these types of errors. Are they occurring intermittently? Do they happen when you have multiple programs running? Do they happen under specific circumstances such as whenever you print a document? These clues will help you in your approach to solving them.

What to do when faced with an .exe error? The first thing to do is try rebooting. If your computer has numerous programs starting up with Windows, go into msconfig and edit your startup items. To do this, go to the Start Button, click Run, type in “msconfig” and click Startup items. (In Windows Vista simply type “msconfig” in the search bar and then click on the program.)

You can then disable programs you don’t want to load each time your PC boots up. This step will free up resources and can prevent .exe errors related to lack of resources. Be sure to keep all security software enabled.

Next, make sure your system is updated with the latest patches and hotfixes from Microsoft. If you don’t have automatic updates enabled, consider enabling it so you are always current. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix known bugs including .exe errors related to its software.

Make sure you have the latest updates of all of your security programs including spyware and virus protection. These vital programs will protect you from .exe errors related to malware.

Consider cleaning out your Windows registry with a reliable and safe registry cleaning utility. These programs weed out the junk, corruption, and invalid information that can cause .exe errors.

Finally, don’t overlook the Microsoft knowledgebase. Enter your exact .exe error and see what Microsoft has to say about it. Chances are, they have a solution or a patch to repair it.