Windows 10: Certain .exe files will not open

Hello! I have a slightly odd problem. Certain .exe files (seemingly ones that don't require an install to run) on my laptop refuse to open, responding to different commands in different ways.

When I first run them, I get a SmartScreen Filter alert. After pressing 'Run Anyway' (scans reveal them to be safe), they will appear to begin to load, but never actually open. This happens every time I try to open them subsequently, although without the SmartScreen alert. I can close the container folder and try again.

If I try to Run as Administrator, however, the folder freezes entirely. I can use other folders, but it takes a File Explorer restart to make the crashed instance disappear. I have tried deleting one of these applications after attempting to open it, and not been allowed to until a full restart, implying they are running constantly after I attempt to start them.

I had assumed this was a problem with SmartScreen, but even after turning it off, the problem persists.

Most other .exe files do work (regedit, games downloaded from Steam, etc.), so I can't understand what's making this small set of files unable to load. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Joe

:)

 

Windows 10 Open Certain .exe Files Will freeze Folder and File Wont Open

Unfortunately I have tried that as well and the issue still persists.

 

Windows 10 Open Certain .exe Files Will freeze Folder and File Wont Open

Hi,

Thank you for the update.

We apologize for the delay in response and the inconvenience caused to you.

What is the kind of software that the issue persists with ?

Please follow the bellow steps to troubleshoot:

Step 1: Run the Microsoft Safety Scanner.

The Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free downloadable security tool that provides on-demand scanning and helps remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It works with your existing antivirus software. Please refer the below link to download
and run the Microsoft Safety Scanner.

http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx

DISCLAIMER: The Microsoft Safety Scanner expires 10 days after being downloaded. To rerun a scan with the latest anti-malware definitions, download and run the Microsoft Safety Scanner again.
The Microsoft Safety Scanner is not a replacement for using an antivirus software program that provides ongoing protection.

If the issue persists, please follow the below step.

Step 2: Clean boot.

Putting your system in Clean Boot state helps in identifying if any third party applications or startup items are causing the issue. You need to follow the steps from the article mentioned below to perform a Clean Boot.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/929135


Disclaimer: After troubleshooting, refer to this section "How to reset the computer to start normally after clean boot troubleshooting".

Please let us know if the issue got resolved or you need any further assistance

 

Need some info on the ones that won't run. What are there, where did you download them from? If they are benign can you zip one of them up and upload here (or provide a link to it) so I (we?) can try it