Hello! I think every user at least once saw such an error: “the program is not a Win32 application” (the application is not win32).

We fix the error: "the program is not a Win32 application" (the application is not win32).

It often happens that when you start a program, the system throws you a message stating that "the program is not a Win32 application." As a result, the program does not work. Question: Why does this message appear? And the second question: how to solve the problem? We answer in order. So!
The Win32 error crashes, it may crash due to the fact that a virus famously worked with your registry, or you have a low-quality OS assembly (“pirated”), or a system failure, or a conflict between programs and applications. In general, there are many options.

But the solution to this problem is very simple: for this you just need download the special Win32.reg file. You can download it from our website: http://yadi.sk/d/E6-yfOgeQUbf2 (the file is on a Yandex disk and downloads in a second). And then, it remains just to run it. You will see a message box telling you that "Adding information may result in changes or deletions blah blah blah…" - just click on "Yes". After the change process is over, you will need to restart your computer. After that, the problem with the Win32 error will disappear. By the way, if you often ask yourself the question: check my ip at work, then on this service you can do it quickly and for free, I often use the ip checker.

Tip: before you run the Win32.reg file, scan your system for viruses! One of the best scanners is Dr. Web Cureit (CureIT), you can download Cureit, which updates itself from our website:.

And the last thing: if the Win32 error caused problems with logging into the Internet (the browser also does not start, referring to Win32), then do this: start the browser with Administrator rights and everything will work!

Fixing the error: "the program is not a Win32 application" (the application is not win32) - for developers

It happened to me that my program (c#, c++) does not start on another computer, there may be several reasons and they are solved very simply:

• The program was created with MS Framework 4.5, but the computer does not have this version, solution: install this version;
• The program was created with MS Framework 4.5, but the computer does not have this version and cannot be (windows server 2003) - rebuild the program with framework 4;
• Everything is OK with the Framework, but the program does not start, go to the project settings and select the "build application" option not for "Any CPU" (any processor), but for x86

no comments

Let's discuss such a moment as installing and running EXE files that execute applications that are responsible for installing software, utilities, and other installation packages.

It seems that everything was done correctly, according to the installer's instructions, however after launching the error "The program is not a win32 application" appears, although there were no prerequisites for this.

Error example:

There can be plenty of reasons and there is no single right solution to the problem.

We will try to give the most comprehensive answer to most of the inconsistencies and try to figure it out on our own without reinstalling the system, as many people like.

Causes of win 32 error:

There may be several symptoms of a pop-up window. The most common situations are:

• The file is damaged;
• the application was originally created NOT for Windows;
• it is a modified virus;
• there is no necessary software for correct operation;
• antivirus does not allow the program to fully work.

We will act by the method of exceptions, trying to use different techniques in order to achieve the maximum result.

Installer file corruption:

Antiviruses not only help users, but also harm periodically, without realizing it. It is likely that initially EXE file was genuine, but then the malware "modified" it, after which your NOD/Kaspersky/Dr.Web eliminated the threat in their own way. They got rid of the "trojan" and did their job, thereby removing the executive element required for the correct download.

In such cases, a full check of the system for malicious components saves.

Then it re-downloads the installer, since it is no longer possible to use the previous version. We disable all antiviruses, install the package and observe the situation. If everything works, then we perform the same actions with anti-virus software enabled.

Is the error repeating? Downloading a file from another resource.

File not for Windows:

As far as you know, although some may not guess, there are 3 main operating systems on the market, among which, in addition to Windows, is there some more linux(a huge family of distributions for developers and enthusiasts) and macOS(Own OS for desktop PCs and laptops from Apple). Needless to say, everyone has a different file system, and the approach to designing the system itself is radically different.

Another thing is that the vast majority of all software on the Internet was created specifically for Windows, which makes this OS so popular. The system is installed on 75-80% of PCs worldwide. So that you do not have further problems with downloading programs, be sure to look at their extension:

Windows - EXE

macOS - DMG

Linux - DEB.

Fighting viruses:

How does malware work? It modifies the system registry (a Windows component that organizes and controls running and installed programs) so that the modified application opens when the OS or a specific product starts.

You may not be aware that there is a third-party worm on your system unless you do a thorough virus scan. However, here you need to know a few common truths:

• you need to constantly monitor the relevance of virus databases;
• security software does not give a 100% guarantee of penetration of Trojans;
• you need to have an additional 1-2 auxiliary “cleaning” products on hand.

As it was written above, cleaning can “kill” the desired file, because it was infected and the antivirus simply deleted it, thereby violating the integrity of the system. What's left to do?

There are 3 perspectives here:

1. download a special file exefix.reg, which automatically fixes the required keys, bringing the file into the proper state.
2. use a utility from Kaspersky called CleanAutoRun.
3. edit registry keys by hand.

The first two methods do not need a special introduction, since everything happens automatically here. You need to download the files, install, run and wait. If one does not help, we insure another.

The manual cleaning option is more complicated, but if all else fails, then there is nowhere to go. You need to open the registry itself. To do this, press the combination Win+R (For WinXP, Vista, 7, 8, 10) and prescribe "regedit"(quotes are not needed).

The registry opens. You need to open the next section.

Here we see several executable files (most often one - "by default"). Next to it is the value "%one" %*.

See anything that doesn't match the standard?

Double click on the file and change the value manually.

Save and reload.

Missing required software:

How to fix "Not a win32 application" error if all the previous steps have been taken, but there is no result?

You need to download or update the system software. Every application needs helper programs that either provide access to certain libraries, or process internal requests, or allow much faster processing of data streams.

Almost every component Windows 3 elements are required for correct operation:

1. Microsoft Visual C++ 2010;
2. Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5;
3. DirectX.

The latter is not required, but if you are going to play, it is better to update the libraries to the current state.

Install these three programs, which can be found on the official Microsoft portal for free.

Download, install, reboot, watch.

Legacy Software:

Quite often you have to deal with program incompatibility. Those who felt great Windows XP, are permanently frozen in newer versions. You can try running the package in compatibility mode for the new OS.

To do this, right-click on the EXE file, click "properties".

Here you need to check the box in the place shown in the screenshot and select the OS that is currently on your PC.

Save and try again.

If you do not know which version of Windows is installed on your computer, then double-click on the "My Computer" icon and then click on "system properties".

The selected areas show comprehensive information about the serial number and bit depth of the OS.

More about Win32:

What is Win32. Actually? Here it is worth touching on the Windows API - a development environment for programmers who want to write programs for this OS. In order not to delve into details that few people will understand besides the developers themselves, let's just say that at the moment there are 4 key subspecies of this API:

1. Win16;
2. Win32;
3. Win32s;
4. Win64.

The first version was used in all initial versions of Windows until the advent of Windows NT, where it was replaced by the newer and more promising Win32, which is currently the most popular version.

The version with the S prefix was a transition between 16 and 32-bit, because it added some Win16 libraries and features from a more advanced version. The latest at the moment Win64 is already sharpened for the current and future platforms of Microsoft Corporation, which are rapidly gaining momentum.

Finally about the win32 application:

As you can see, if the EXE file does not want to run, then there are several reasons to fix this shortcoming. Be careful when downloading the installer, carefully check the sources so as not to run into viruses and make sure that the program is written specifically for Windows, since "cross-platform" applications do not exist in nature.

If they are named the same, then the source code for Windows and Linux completely different, as is the resolution of the final installation package. Be careful.

Today I want to talk about a common problem that occurs with users who have the Windows operating system. It looks something like this: "The program is not a win32 application". I must say right away that this 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 it appears for various 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 of the necessary files, and also, these same files are damaged. 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 select "Run this program in compatibility mode" and select from the list, for example, an earlier OS.

And the last solution to the problem is to download the Microsoft .NET Framework package. If it is not there, you should definitely install it, and if it is already there, check if there is a newer version.

Try checking Windows for updates, most often there are NET Framework updates. To fix the problem, you can download the ready-made Win32.Reg file and simply run it. 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 have resolved this issue. Be sure to share the article with your friends.

Results

So friends, let's summarize and briefly indicate what needs to be done to get rid of the error "The program is not a win32 application".

1. Install the program from another source, since there is always a possibility of damage to the installer or the archive with files.
2. Find an installer for your operating system version and architecture (64 or 32 bit).
3. Update all computer drivers using at least automatic driver installers.
4. Update or install the latest versions of the Microsoft .NET Framework, Microsoft Visual C++, and other components.
5. Run the program in compatibility mode ( Helps the most).

On Windows computers, there is one problem that is quite common. The error occurs when you try to install an application that is not intended for Microsoft software. In this case, the system notifies that it is not a Windows application, and therefore cannot be installed. This problem can be fixed, but not in all cases.

What is Win32?

Windows API is a package of basic functions for Microsoft operating systems. And Win32 is one of the API versions, the most popular today. If you encounter this error, do not rush to remove the program to the trash. You can try to find a way out of this situation. If it's all about architecture, there are two possibilities. If the program is created on a 64-bit version of Windows, it must run on 32-bit APIs.

And if it is created for another operating system, for example, OS / 2, then the program will not be installed on Windows systems. But here you need to make sure that the application really has a different architecture than Windows. Perhaps it's not an API mismatch, but the fact that the program files have damage, errors, or they are not fully loaded. There is another possible option that creates this problem - the presence of viruses on the computer.

How to fix "Not a win32 application" error?

Let's start the search for options for fixing the error with the simplest. If the program is unzipped, but the EXE file does not run, download it from an alternative link. If the installation is successful, but the program does not start, remove it using the system tools and reinstall it.

If the application was created for a different OS, there may be a version for Windows as well. Write the name of the program in the search bar, go to the developer's resource and see which operating systems are supported.

Compatibility mode can help. The tab is in " properties" programs. Select the appropriate item and click a different system version.

If all the previous options are unsuccessful, let's try to edit the registry. Download win32.reg to your PC and run it.
After restarting the computer, check the installation and launch of the desired program.

And finally, the last solution that can help solve this problem. Must be installed on the computer. AT " Finding and removing programs» Make sure the package is up to date. If the software platform is not available, download it from PC Updates or the Microsoft website. At the same time, update the JRE (Java Runtime) and MSVC (Visual C++) package.

Greetings!

In an operating system of the Windows family, when starting any already installed program or a distribution kit that has just been downloaded or taken from the disk, an error may occur "...is not a Win32 application".

Let's take a closer look at why this error is displayed and how to resolve the issue with an application that is not working because of this, or a distribution kit for a program or game.

"Not a Win32 application" - causes of this message

Based on the message that is given in the text of the error, we can draw a very definite conclusion: according to the operating system, this file cannot be launched, because. although it is executable, for one reason or another it is not intended for the 32-bit version of the Windows operating system.

But these reasons why the operating system came to such a conclusion can be quite a lot. Let's look at them in detail:

• Crash in Windows OS- if the system has been working for some time, resource-intensive applications have been launched in it, programs have been installed, then it makes sense to restart the PC in order to refresh the system environment.
• The program or distribution was created exclusively for a 64-bit system- in this case, it is worth downloading a version of the utility or distribution kit of the program, which is designed for the 32-bit version of the operating system.
• Non-Windows Program/Distribution There are other operating systems besides Windows. It can be a long-obsolete MS-DOS, as well as Linux or Mac OS. Be sure to make sure that the utility is designed to work under the Windows family system.
• File damaged by a virus- a fairly common occurrence when malicious elements in an attempt to infect legitimate executable files eventually lead to the complete inoperability of the latter.
• Antivirus actions- some antiviruses, when malware is detected in a file, completely block access to it from the operating system. As a result, the operating system cannot access the file and concludes that it is not an application created for it.
• Error in the registry of the Windows operating system- in the settings of the OS itself, the parameters that are responsible for interacting with executable files have been changed. This is often caused by viruses and other malware.
• Missing files that are part of the program- programs and installation distributions sometimes have many files that make them up. And the inaccessibility of these files, when trying to run the main executable, can lead to the described error.
• Windows is missing system components- some applications require additional components to work, which may not be in the operating system by default. Among them: Net Framework, Visual C++ libraries, Java.
• The executable file has an error in its structure- is also a fairly common occurrence when a file or distribution downloaded from the Internet was downloaded with an error. Exactly the same is true for files launched from disks and other not very reliable storage media.
• Unlicensed Software- if you download so-called unofficial auto-installers, software kits and the like from the Internet, then be prepared for the fact that when you try to install or use such things, you will eventually encounter a parsed error.
• Installed version of Windows OS- if you have installed on your PC or laptop some assembly of Windows (which is not official), then this error may also be observed in it, along with other manifestations of instability in work.

Now that we have figured out the main reasons why the “Not a Win32 Application” error occurs, we will move on to fixing it.

Fixing "Not a Win32 Application" Error

Because There are a lot of reasons for the error that has arisen, then we will solve it progressively, carrying out step-by-step actions, the list of which is below. One of these will most certainly solve the problem with the "Not a Win32 Application" error completely.

1. It is worth starting with a simple one, namely restarting the computer. It is quite possible that the excessive loading of the PC, its prolonged operation, had a negative impact on the processes occurring in the bowels of the operating system and its interaction with the hardware components of the system.
2. Check the requirements of the program or game being launched. If you have a 32-bit operating system (), and the requirements indicate the mandatory presence of 64-bit, then, of course, nothing will work. Only reinstallation to the 64-bit version of Windows will help here.
3. It is worth checking if all the files of the program to be launched are available. If you are not sure, then simply reinstall the program, knowingly downloading the distribution kit from a reliable source, for example, the official site.
4. Scan your operating system for viruses. Always use the latest version of the antivirus with up-to-date antivirus databases. If you do not use an antivirus or it does not find anything when scanning, then it will not be superfluous to check the system with some additional portable antivirus scanner. Well proven - use it.

   

5. Check if the antivirus is blocking the file you are launching or other files, without which the performance of the utility or game being launched is impossible. To do this, temporarily disable your antivirus.
6. Try running the "problematic" file as administrator. To do this, click on it with the right mouse button and select the appropriate item in the context menu.

   

7. It is also worth trying to launch the file of interest, which under normal conditions gives an error, in compatibility mode with an earlier Windows operating system. To do this, open the properties of the file \ shortcut, right-click on it and click on the item Properties. In the window that appears, go to the tab Compatibility and there check the box next to the corresponding item, select an earlier version of the OS from the drop-down list just below and click OK to save the setting.

   

   Try running the file again.

8. Check the file extension, it is possible that you are trying to launch a program that is not designed for Windows. The most popular and, accordingly, frequently encountered extension for executable files is - exe.

   Note: if your system does not display file extensions, then the material will help you.

9. It is worth checking the system registry, in particular the line responsible for associating the launch of executable files in the system. Open the registry editor () and follow the path:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\exefile\shell\open\command

   There should be two values, which are detailed in the image below:

   

   If in your case there are significant differences, the paths to some files are indicated, then correct these entries and enter the values ​​\u200b\u200bthat are indicated above.

10. Check all Windows system files, this is done in the Windows command line window, which must be run as administrator ().

    Enter command CHKDSK /F(without quotes), click Enter and wait for the procedure to finish.

11. There may be missing/outdated additional components in the system. Be sure to download the components from the Microsoft website Microsoft.NET Framework and Microsoft Visual C++.

    When downloading, you may need to specify the bit depth. In the case of a 32-bit version of the OS, specify x86, and in the case of a 64-bit one - x64.

    If you have a 64-bit OS, then install components for both 64-bit and 32-bit versions at the same time.

12. If the downloaded file\distribution gives an error, then it makes sense to try to download it through another browser, from another Internet resource, another version of it, or with the antivirus turned off. The latter is relevant for those antiviruses that check all Internet traffic and neutralize everything suspicious at the download stage.
13. In cases where an already installed program refuses to work, issuing “Not a Win32 application”, then in this case the regular system recovery function can help. Execute in which this problem was not observed.
14. Don't use different builds of Windows. The stability of these solutions is unpredictable, especially after installing official Windows updates, which, of course, have not been tested with all the modifications to the system files that were made by the authors of a particular Windows build.

Summary

As we can see, there are a lot of reasons why a window with the error “Not a Win32 application” appears. However, with a competent and thoughtful approach, any user is quite capable of defeating this problem. It is only necessary to follow the detailed instructions that are posted in this comprehensive material.