Probably, it is not necessary to explain that many users often at the most inopportune moment observe a message on the monitor screen that some kind of executable file Let's see what Win32 is and why architecture errors occur or file system. By considering these two questions, it will be possible to find a solution to the problem of non-compliance of the application with this standard.
What is Win32
If we talk about the concept as a whole, it is usually referred to the architecture of the "OS" and the applications supported in it for launch and operation.
From the history of the creation of operating systems, it is known that at first they were 8- and 16-bit, a little later they were transformed into 32-bit and, finally, into 64-bit. Along with the evolution of the principles of operation of the operating systems themselves, file systems have also changed. Until recently, it was considered the most common. It has gained such popularity that until now the developers of the IT giant Microsoft do not exclude its support in the latest versions of Windows.
By the way, the concept of what Win32 is is equally applicable to “OSes” like XP and Vista, because even with the replacement of FAT32, the OS versions themselves remained 32-bit in terms of architecture.
FROM advent of Windows 7, a transition was made to the 64-bit architecture, however, for custom installation you can also find a 32-bit version of any of the four assemblies of the "seven".
Why Errors Occur
Now let's consider the question of concern to everyone, what is "Not a Win32 application" (such and such an installation or executable component). Firstly, the simplest reason is the file itself, created, for example, in Linux or Mac OS X, which, of course, is simply not recognized in all Windows systems due to the fact that the “OS”, so to speak, does not know what this is for the component and how to open it. Very often, such situations can be observed when working with disk images of the .dmg type or some archived data.
On the other hand, errors can also occur with "native" Windows applications. Answering the question about Win32, it is worth noting that this is a program dynamic library or a driver originally created using the 32-bit architecture. Now, probably, it is clear that a 64-bit application or driver will not work in a 32-bit system.
Rare opening errors executable files or archives. Here the problem may be that the file was not downloaded (copied) in its entirety, or failures occurred. In this case, the system in the same way can issue a message about the format or type of the file being opened does not meet the requirements of the system itself.
The simplest methods for troubleshooting
However, there are many ways to troubleshoot such problems. The simplest solution may be to download a specialized Win32.reg file from the Internet and then run it.
What is a file system registry, which adds specific entries and keys to it to simplify the process of opening problematic applications.
Sometimes the situation can be related to mismatch of file systems. In this case, you will need to format the disk or partition using, for example, FAT32 (especially when switching from a 64-bit to 32-bit OS).
There are situations where it is required Microsoft update.NET Framework, where in the platform settings you need to specify support for absolutely all processors, including x86. In general, there are quite a few examples.
If it's a virus
The most unpleasant case of failures of this nature is the impact of viruses and malicious codes that masquerade as system services, which are responsible for launching or calling 32-bit applications like rundll32, svchost, etc.
Consider one of the most famous threats. What is Trojan:Win32 (Gatak or some other modification)? Yes, an ordinary computer that, using security holes, tries to gain access to a computer remote user for the purpose of stealing information or gaining complete control over a computer terminal.
Here you definitely need to have a quality regular antivirus or the most powerful system checker in (for example, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool or Rescue Disc) because sometimes standard methods it is not possible to track the appearance of a threat in the system.
Conclusion
Here, in fact, albeit briefly, we examined the question of what Win32 is. Of course, the information is presented in a compressed form, but an ordinary user does not need to climb into the jungle of programming and understanding the principles of using the architecture of the "OS" or the file system. In extreme cases, it is enough to find out the problem of errors and choose a method for eliminating them.
Question from one of the users
Hello.
I'm trying to install some game, everything seems to be fine, but when I start it, I get the error "...Launcher.exe is not a Win32 application.".I've been struggling with this for the second day already, tell me what to do with this error, can it be somehow eliminated with "little" blood...
Good day!
This error is not uncommon, and it can occur in the most different applications, including in games. It is difficult to indicate what could be the reason in your particular case, especially since even the name of the game is not indicated... 👀
Nevertheless, in this short note I will give some tips that will help eliminate the most common causes of such an error.
Causes of the error ("...Win 32.")
Usually, this error occurs immediately after launching an application. Looks roughly like in Fig. 1. The only thing that can distinguish your version of the error is a different EXE file (those. not launcher.exe) .
Rice. 1. Typical type of error when starting the game // Not a win32 application
Reason number 1: the file with the game is not loaded, or it was damaged during copying
The most common reason for such an error is haste. Those. many gamers can't wait to get a game up and running and often end up installing or running a game that hasn't even finished downloading!
In general, it is best to pay attention to hash sums files. If someone does not know, then this is a special algorithm that gives each file its own unique set letters and numbers (for example, from 32 characters). Those. if the files differ by only 1 byte, they will have a different hash sum!
Hash sums are very useful when transferring files over the network - by comparing the original amount with the amount of the downloaded file, you can assess whether it is not damaged (hence they have another name - checksums) .
There are several algorithms for determining checksums, the most popular are: CRC, MD5, SHA1. When downloading many files (including on torrents), checksums are always specified (example in Fig. 2).
Rice. 2. Checksums
To determine the checksums of the downloaded file (including the game file) - just run Total Commander, press menu "File" and count the sums (see Fig. 3).
Total Commander
One of best commanders designed to replace the conductor. Allows you to easily and quickly work with files, archives, FTP servers, disks, etc. And, much more convenient conductor! Many users install this program one of the first, after installing Windows ...
Rice. 3. Total Commander - checksum calculation
By the way as for the game: if you have the game on a disk, try reinstalling it; you can also download the game from another source if your downloaded copy refuses to run (perhaps just broken file was posted by the developers/distributors initially).
Reason #2: Not a Windows Application
Often this error (note: with Win32) appears due to the fact that on Windows they are trying to run an application that is not intended for this system! For example, this application may be DOS, perhaps for PDP-11, ZX-Spectrum, BSD, or, in general, garbage.
The easiest option is to read the description on the Internet about this game (file, program). Perhaps just needed emulator ?
emulator- this special program, which can recreate a specific environment in Windows. For example, there are DOS emulators that will allow you to run applications that refuse to run on Windows.
By the way, built into Windows special function, which is designed to ensure the compatibility of old programs with new operating systems.
If a program does not work for you, just click on it right click mice and context menu select "Properties".
Then open the tab "Compatibility" , tick "Run this program in compatibility mode" and select an older Windows OS where the program worked well before. Save the setting and try running the program again - in many cases it helps (see Fig. 4).
Rice. 4. Compatibility mode in Windows
To help!
How to start old Windows(and programs in it) in the new operating system: setting virtual machine virtualbox-
Reason #3: The file is corrupted by a virus / antivirus
If, when starting several programs / games, you get similar error, there is a high chance that you have contracted the virus. The fact is that a virus, when it infects a file, violates its integrity. (And checksum also by the way). Therefore, in this case, you can also check the checksum of the file (note: I talked about this at the beginning of the article).
By the way, the culprits of the error can be antiviruses: when they heal, they often maim. The fact is that by "cutting" the virus code from the infected file, the antivirus spoils the program itself - it stops working. And when you run it, you will see an error related to Win32...
To help!
Reason #4: No NET Framework
The absence of the NET Framework package, which is used in many applications, can also cause a similar error.
Generally, in system requirements many programs (games) always indicate which package net framework they need. If desired package you don't have it - just install it (different packages are available at the link below - can be downloaded from the official Microsoft website).
To help!
Microsoft .NET Framework and errors in games, programs. How to Update or Reinstall Microsoft .NET Framework -
How to find out which Net Framework is on Windows
Open , then tab " Programs/Programs and Features ", on the left, on the side, open the link "Turn Windows features on or off" .
Rice. five. Net packages Framework
Today I want to talk about a common problem that occurs with users who have an operating system. Windows system. It looks something like this: "The program is not a win32 application". I will say right away that given error will occur when installing programs that are not designed for Windows. Naturally, this error can be corrected, but not always.
What is Win32?
If you have an error of this kind, then do not be afraid, but you should immediately try to solve the problem. Let's start with the fact that she appears on different reasons. Let's say that we have Windows 8 or Windows 7 64-bit, anyway, such a system will support applications that are designed for 32-bit systems.
But if the program does not correspond to the desired architecture, then there is already a problem. The program could have been created in another OS, for example, in Linux, and is intended for it, or, there is a shortage necessary files and also, these very files are corrupted. Also, viruses can play an important role, it is worth checking the computer with an antivirus.
How to fix "Not a win32 application" error?
If you have successfully unpacked the program and run the installer, and this error appears, then you should try downloading it from another source. If you successfully installed it, but an error occurs during startup, then uninstall it, and then reinstall it. Banal tips, but they can help, so let's start with the simplest.
If nothing helped again, then try to find this program for the OS that you have. Be sure to look in the description of the program which operating systems it supports.
You can try to run the program in compatibility mode, to do this, right-click on the application icon and select "Properties", then go to the tab "Compatibility" and choose "Run this program in compatibility mode" and select from the list, for example, an earlier OS.
It is possible that the above methods did not help, then let's try to make some changes to the registry, for this you will need to download the win32.reg file, run it, and preferably restart the computer. The problem should be resolved.
AND last option problem solving - download Microsoft package.NET framework. If it is not there, you should definitely install it, and if it is already there, check if there are more a new version. You can try checking Windows for updates, most often there are NET Framework updates.
You need to update and install not only the platform that I indicated, this also applies to Java or Microsoft Visual C++.
That's actually all. I hope you decide this problem. Be sure to share the article with your friends.
Sometimes win32.exe and other errors system errors EXE could be related to problems in the Windows registry. Several programs can use the win32.exe file, but when those programs are uninstalled or changed, sometimes "orphaned" (invalid) EXE registry entries are left behind.
Basically, this means that while the actual path to the file may have been changed, its incorrect former location is still recorded in the Windows registry. When Windows tries looking up these incorrect file references (file locations on your PC), win32.exe errors can occur. In addition, malware infection may have corrupted the registry entries associated with Third-Party Application. Thus, these invalid EXE registry entries need to be repaired in order to fix the root of the problem.
Manually editing the Windows registry to remove invalid win32.exe keys is not recommended unless you are PC service professional. Mistakes made while editing the registry can render your PC unusable and cause irreparable damage to your operating system. In fact, even a single comma in the wrong place can prevent your computer from booting up!
Because of this risk, we highly recommend using a trusted registry cleaner such as %%product%% (Developed by Microsoft Gold Certified Partner) to scan and repair any win32.exe-related registry problems. Using a registry cleaner, you can automate the search process damaged records registry, links to missing files (for example, causing an error win32.exe) and broken links inside the registry. Before each scan, an automatically created backup copy, which allows you to undo any changes with one click and protects you from possible damage computer. The best part is that fixing registry errors can drastically improve system speed and performance.
A warning: If you are not experienced user PC, we do NOT recommend editing the Windows registry manually. Incorrect use of the Registry Editor can lead to serious problems and require reinstalling Windows. We do not guarantee that problems resulting from misuse of Registry Editor can be resolved. You use the Registry Editor at your own risk.
Before manually restoring Windows registry, you need to create a backup by exporting a part of the registry related to win32.exe (eg. Third-Party Application):
- Click on the button Begin.
- Enter " command" in search bar... DO NOT PRESS YET ENTER!
- Holding keys CTRL-Shift on the keyboard, press ENTER.
- An access dialog will be displayed.
- Click Yes.
- The black box opens with a blinking cursor.
- Enter " regedit" and press ENTER.
- In the Registry Editor, select the win32.exe-related key (eg. Third-Party Application) you want to back up.
- On the menu File select Export.
- Listed Save to select the folder where you want to save the Third-Party Application key backup.
- In field File name enter a name for the backup file, such as "Third-Party Application Backup".
- Make sure the field Export range value selected Selected branch.
- Click Save.
- The file will be saved with .reg extension.
- You now have a backup of your win32.exe-related registry entry.
Next steps for manual editing registry will not be described in this article, as they are likely to damage your system. If you want to receive more information about editing the registry manually, please see the links below.
Then they remembered a similar error " is not an applicationwin32", and found out more about it. Having collected some information, it was decided to write this article with the reasons for the appearance and ways to solve the error "the program is not a win32 application".
Reason: file is corrupted or not found
Incorrect file association set
On Windows, each file extension (.exe, .jpg, .txt, etc.) is associated with specific program, which will be used as the default application to open this type of file. It's possible that the file you want to open is incorrectly defined as executable and Windows is trying to open it. Check the file association settings for the file you need, opening which writes the error "is not a win32 application". What to do in this case? Just change the settings you need.
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It's also possible that a virus or malware infection on your computer has caused Windows to incorrectly think that certain types of files are executable programs. It will not be superfluous to run a virus scan with your antivirus to rule out this cause.
The file is not intended for your version of Windows
When you try to run programs that are not designed to run on your Windows versions, an error message may also appear. And while many old/new programs may work in different versions Windows, non-working applications are also enough.
For example:
- The program is an older MS-DOS application or an early Windows program.
- The program is designed for 64-bit version of Windows, and you run it on a 32-bit system. It won't work and will throw an error.
The file is a virus, worm or other malware
Also this error can be generated by a file that is
