How to Retrieve a Deleted .EXE File Caused by User or Software Failures

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .EXE file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Retrieve a Deleted .EXE File Caused by User or Software Failures

What is a .EXE file?

An EXE file contains an executable program for Windows. EXE is short for "executable," and it is the standard file extension used by Windows programs. For many Windows users, EXE files are synonymous with Windows programs, making ".exe" one of the most recognizable file extensions.

What Are Common Causes of ".EXE" Files Lost or Failure?

There can be several common causes for ".EXE" files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".EXE" files while cleaning up their system or due to human error.
  2. Malware or virus infection: Malicious software or viruses can infect and corrupt ".EXE" files, rendering them unusable.
  3. Software conflicts: Incompatible or conflicting software installations can lead to the deletion or corruption of ".EXE" files.
  4. Hardware failure: Issues with the computer's hard drive, such as bad sectors or physical damage, can result in the loss or corruption of ".EXE" files.
  5. Operating system errors: Errors within the operating system can cause ".EXE" files to become inaccessible or fail to execute properly.
  6. Power outages or system crashes: Sudden power outages or system crashes during the execution or installation of ".EXE" files can lead to their corruption or loss.
  7. Improper shutdown: Forcefully shutting down the computer without properly closing running applications or processes can cause ".EXE" files to become corrupted.
  8. File system errors: Errors within the file system, such as file system corruption or disk errors, can result in the loss or corruption of ".EXE" files.
  9. Software updates or installations: Incorrect installations or updates of software programs can cause ".EXE" files to become corrupted or fail to work.
  10. Human intervention: Intentional or accidental modification of system files by users who are not familiar with the consequences can lead to the loss or failure of ".EXE" files.

How to recover lost ".EXE" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".EXE" file may be deleted.

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🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".EXE" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".EXE" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".EXE" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software
  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".EXE" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type
  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored
  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan
  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery
  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".EXE" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo windows Executable File image file file?

Programs that open ".EXE" files

Windows
Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows
7-Zip 7-Zip
WinRAR 5 WinRAR 5
Mac
Parallels Desktop for Mac with Microsoft Windows installed Parallels Desktop for Mac with Microsoft Windows installed
VMware Fusion with Microsoft Windows installed VMware Fusion with Microsoft Windows installed
Oracle VM VirtualBox with Microsoft Windows installed Oracle VM VirtualBox with Microsoft Windows installed
CodeWeavers CrossOver CodeWeavers CrossOver
Kronenberg WineBottler Kronenberg WineBottler
Xamarin Mono Xamarin Mono
Linux
CodeWeavers CrossOver CodeWeavers CrossOver
Oracle VM VirtualBox with Microsoft Windows installed Oracle VM VirtualBox with Microsoft Windows installed
Wine Wine
Xamarin Mono Xamarin Mono

Additional Information

  • File type: Windows Executable File

  • File extension: .EXE

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Executable Files

  • Format: Binary

  • Mime-type: application/octet-stream

  • HEX: 4D 5A

  • ASCII: MZ

  • File types that use the extension .EXE:

    • Windows Executable File

    • PortableApps.com Application

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:21 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .EXE files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are some common reasons for encountering problems when trying to open .EXE files?

    There can be several reasons for encountering problems when trying to open .EXE files. Some common reasons include:

    1. File corruption: The .EXE file may be corrupted or incomplete, which can prevent it from opening properly.
    2. Virus or malware infection: If the .EXE file is infected with a virus or malware, it may not open or may cause issues when trying to open it.
    3. Incompatible software: The .EXE file may require specific software or a certain version of software to run. If the required software is not installed or is outdated, it can lead to problems when opening the file.
    4. File association issues: If the file association for .EXE files is incorrect or has been changed, the operating system may not recognize the file type and fail to open it.
    5. Blocked by antivirus or security software: Antivirus or security software may block the execution of .EXE files if they are flagged as potentially harmful or suspicious.
    6. Insufficient permissions: If the user account does not have the necessary permissions to execute .EXE files, it may result in problems when trying to open them.
    7. Operating system compatibility: Some .EXE files may not be compatible with certain operating systems, causing issues when attempting to open them.
    8. Hardware or driver conflicts: In some cases, conflicts with hardware or device drivers can prevent .EXE files from opening correctly.
    9. System errors or corruption: Issues with the operating system, such as system errors or corruption, can interfere with the proper execution of .EXE files.
    10. User error: In some cases, the problem may be due to user error, such as attempting to open an incompatible .EXE file or mistyping the file extension.
  • What are some troubleshooting steps to fix issues with opening .EXE files?
    1. Check for malware: Run a thorough scan of your computer using reliable antivirus software to ensure that the issue is not caused by malware or viruses.
    2. Update Windows: Make sure your operating system is up to date with the latest updates and patches. Sometimes, outdated Windows versions can cause issues with opening .EXE files.
    3. Check file associations: Verify that .EXE files are associated with the correct program. To do this, right-click on the .EXE file, select "Open with," and choose the appropriate program (e.g., "Windows Command Processor" or "Windows Shell Common Dll"). Check the box that says "Always use this program to open this type of file" and click OK.
    4. Reset default programs: If the file associations are correct, but .EXE files still won't open, you can try resetting the default programs in Windows. Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and click on "Reset" to reset the default apps to their original settings.
    5. Enable Windows Defender SmartScreen: If you're using Windows 10, ensure that Windows Defender SmartScreen is enabled. It helps protect your computer from unrecognized apps and files. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > App & browser control, and make sure "Check apps and files" is set to "Warn" or "Block."
    6. Disable conflicting software: Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus or security software you have installed, as they might be blocking the execution of .EXE files. If disabling them resolves the issue, consider adding the .EXE file or the associated program to the antivirus software's whitelist.
    7. Perform a system file check: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command "sfc /scannow." This will scan your system files for any errors or corruption and attempt to repair them.
    8. Create a new user account: If the problem persists, try creating a new user account and see if .EXE files open properly there. If they do, it indicates that the issue is specific to your user account, and you may need to troubleshoot further within that account.
    9. Restore system to a previous point: If the problem started recently, you can try using the System Restore feature to revert your computer to a previous state when .EXE files were opening correctly. Search for "System Restore" in the Start menu, open it, and follow the instructions to restore your system.
    10. Seek professional help: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it may be best to seek professional assistance from a computer technician or IT support personnel who can diagnose and fix the problem.
  • Are there any specific software or tools that can help in resolving problems related to opening .EXE files?

    Yes, there are several software and tools that can help in resolving problems related to opening .EXE files. Here are a few options:

    1. File Association Fixer: This tool helps fix file associations, including .EXE files. It scans the system for incorrect file associations and repairs them.
    2. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware: Sometimes, malware can cause issues with opening .EXE files. Malwarebytes is a popular anti-malware tool that can scan and remove malware from your system, potentially resolving any issues.
    3. Microsoft System File Checker (SFC): SFC is a built-in Windows tool that scans and repairs system files. Running SFC can help fix any corrupt or missing files that may be causing problems with .EXE files.
    4. Command Prompt: The Command Prompt can be used to run various commands that can help resolve .EXE file issues. For example, running the "sfc /scannow" command in an elevated Command Prompt can scan and repair system files.
    5. Registry Editor: The Registry Editor can be used to modify registry settings related to file associations. However, caution should be exercised when using the Registry Editor, as incorrect changes can cause system instability. It is recommended to backup the registry before making any changes.

    It's important to note that before using any software or tools, it is advisable to create a system restore point or backup your important files to ensure you can revert any changes if needed.

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