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File Extensions

What are file extensions and how to deal with them when your files wont open.

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Can I remove exe files?

Susan Keenan Removing or deleting exe files is as simple as deleting any other type of file from the computer in most scenarios. It is a simple matter of selecting the exe file that I wish to get rid of and then selecting delete. Perhaps the most important step that I must take prior to deleting any type of file at all is to determine whether I actually want to delete that specific file.

Quite a few files appear similar. In some situations, the letters and numbers are the same in some spots within the filename. Therefore, I need to take my time to ensure that I am selecting the correct exe file to delete. Plus, I also need to ensure that I actually want to delete this particular exe file. After all, exe files are often shared among programs or specific tasks that the computer uses to function. If I inadvertently delete a file that is needed by some software application or program that I am going to need, I could be creating more problems with my computer than I want to handle. Once I make the decision to delete the file, I can follow the instructions as explained below.

In order to delete an exe file, I simply right click on the file and select Delete. If this action does not delete the file, then one of two different scenarios might be playing out on my computer. With either case, a message typically pops up stating that the file is in use. This is a clue to me that I should verify that I actually want to delete the file. If I still believe that I do, I can continue with this course of action.

The first scenario that occurs when I am unable to delete a file involves the possibility that the file is open and running on the computer at the time that I am trying to delete it. If this is the case, then I can follow this path: Click “Control,” “Alt,” and “Delete” at the same time. Performing this action will open the Windows Task Manager. Once this happens, I can look to see if the file that I am trying to delete is listed there. If the file is listed as actively running, I need to highlight the file and click on “end process.” Now, I should be able to delete the file by right clicking on the file.

If I still cannot delete the file, then it is possible that the file is actually a virus. If this is the case, then I need to run anti-virus software to delete this file from my computer. Fortunately, lots of anti-virus programs exist that are relatively easy to use. Once the anti-virus program does its work, this file should no longer exist on my computer.

Additionally, I might be able to use the Add/Remove Program utility to delete exe files. This can be found in the Control Panel.

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How can I tell if an .exe file is safe?

Susan Keenan The possibility of an infection by a computer virus looms ever larger as the virus makers continue to find new ways to infiltrate our computers. A simple email from a close relative or friend with an attachment could potentially harbor an undesirable computer virus. The simple fact that the email came from someone in the family does not mean that the attached file is safe.

Some viruses can use the information stored in an address book to issue emails to each individual listed in the address book. Exe files attached to the emails include some type of virus. In fact, since exe files can execute code and put a program in action, exe files are filled with the potential to cause harm. Potentially dangerous emails exhibit easily recognized clues. These clues include generic subject lines that do not offer much information.

The world of technology has expanded so much that today, computer users can share any number of items. Files containing different types of data are shared among lots of people including photos, word documents, videos, games, and more. Many of these data types can be shared in the form of exe files. Unfortunately, just as readily and easily, exe files are being used to implement malicious code into unprotected computers. Anything the mind can think up to do in regard to computers, an exe file can probably be used to do it.

Unfortunately, most viruses enter silently, infecting a computer without the computer owner even being aware of it. In most cases, I would not be able to identify this type of nefarious file unless I knew more about it. In some cases, a virus could be tacked onto a legitimate exe file as a double extension. Recognizing the filename as legitimate, I might not suspect that anything is amiss. In fact, unless I could view the double extension, I might not catch the fact that a virus is attached.

To spot double extensions, make sure that your computer is set up to display extensions. This way, you can see a file arriving named “report.txt” may actually be “report.txt.exe” - a clear sign that you shouldn’t open it. Go into Windows Explorer, click Tools, Folder and Search Options, View, and then make sure that “hide extensions for known file types” does NOT have a check mark beside it.

If I want to discover whether a specific exe file is safe, I need to take a proactive approach. It is possible to research exe files to discover whether they are safe or not. However, virus makers often name their malicious files after legitimate system files so you can never be completely sure based on name alone.

A variety of databases list legitimate executable programs or exe files. Most of the databases will also include a description of the purpose of the application along with its location, the potential effect it can have on a computer, and whether it is a threat to a computer that it becomes installed on.

Additionally, I can run a virus scan of any downloads that I have completed. This is perhaps the easiest way to ensure that an executable file or exe does not have a virus attached to it.

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What is an .exe file extension?

Susan Keenan When I first became familiar with computers, I learned about computer files and programs. However, I was not familiar with file extensions and what they meant. Since then, I have learned that file extensions are not quite as mysterious as I thought. In fact, file extensions are easy to understand.

A file extension is the suffix that is attached to the end of a filename with thousands of known possibilities. The suffix is preceded by a period and is typically three letters long though many are longer and some use a mix of alpha and numeric characters.

The .exe file extension is used for executable files which are used for running a computer program or performing a specific action on a computer. It contains executable code that causes an action to occur when the exe file is opened or activated.

Executable files are commonly referred to as programs. These programs are activated or opened by double clicking on the file. The part of the filename that occurs prior to the period and string of characters is the file’s root name.

Since thousands of computer files exist, their extensions provide a means of categorizing these files according to type or similarity. Once categorized, it becomes easier to locate a specific file when necessary. Each specific suffix indicates the file’s format, providing clues about the file’s contents or how the data is stored.

Extensions make it easy to identify the program required for opening the file. In addition, this can help computer users identify potential threats. Certain file types should not include an .exe file extension such as text documents. Therefore, if a text document ends with an .exe file extension, be aware.

Computer files ending with an .exe file extension perform some type of action when they are opened. This is why they are referred to as executable files. This executable action affects the computer in some manner. File extensions are often invisible because Windows comes with options for hiding or showing file extensions.

Regardless, the computer identifies a file’s extension and determines which program is needed to open the file. Sometimes, the computer cannot determine which program to use. When this occurs, a prompt appears asking the user to identify the program for opening the file. If the appropriate program is not present or selected, the file won’t open or run.

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Should I download .exe files?

Susan Keenan Whether or not to download .exe files is a question that many people have asked. I know that I have. After all, with so many suspicious files and programs in cyberspace, it is only natural to wonder how safe exe files are. However, in general, many exe files are necessary for the everyday running of my computer. Exe files are important facets for computers. They are responsible for so many of the activities that take place on them including such events as running a software program, running a specific routine, and installing a program, just to name a few.

Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to download exe files on many occasions. If the specific exe files that are part and parcel of some application are not available at the time I attempt to run a specific program or function, then nothing is going to happen. Maybe this isn’t the worst event that can happen to me, but it sure isn’t a pleasant one. The plain and simple truth here is the fact that exe files are the rulers of the computer. Without these files, very little activity would take place on computers. Therefore, it is necessary to download these files.

However, since exe files can be infected with malicious code, it is important to become familiar with the source of the file or at least to be comfortable that the file does not contain anything that it shouldn’t. Downloading exe files from legitimate, known sources are generally safe and are usually downloaded with relatively little fear that something might be amiss. However, all exe files have the potential for becoming infected by an outside source. Therefore, it can also prove beneficial to scan exe files with an anti-virus scanning program prior to downloading them. If the program lets you know that the file is squeaky clean, then you have nothing to worry about.

Noticing file types before downloading often helps you realize that the file could be potentially dangerous. For example, if the file that I am planning to download should contain informational data only and yet it has an .exe file extension, I might wonder what else is going on. After all, exe files typically perform a function, run a series of code, or create some other type of activity on the computer.

Why would a data only file end with an .exe file extension? No good answer can be given to this question. Data files that include exe suffixes are definitely worth avoiding. If I feel comfortable that a specific exe file has a useful purpose and that it comes from a safe source, then I am ready to download it.

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What are exe files?

Susan KeenanAn exe file, one type of computer file, is also referred to as an executable file. It is pronounced by the letters as e-x-e. It is pronounced exactly as each letter is spoken. This type of computer file is easily recognizable since it ends with .exe. An executable file is one that the computer’s operating system can execute in a direct fashion. In general terms, executing the file directly equates to running it, causing it to run and perform a specific action, or running a command.

An executable file is a computer file that contains all of the information or data that it needs to perform its intended action. This file performs a set routine when it is clicked on. This routine automatically executes code. In turn, the code sets several functions in motion. These functions can include such actions as running a program, installing a program, and running a routine. Exe files are responsible for much of the activity that takes place on computers.

Operating systems on computers typically recognize most exe files. Exe files are found on computers with either a DOS operating system or a Windows operating system. In both cases, exe files are executable files that include an .exe file extension. With DOS operating systems, an exe file might have a .com file extension. However, this does not change the file into a different type of file. It is still an exe file. Exe files are also found with the OS/2 operating system.

The exe file is simply one type of file format that can be found on a computer. Other examples of files that are commonly found on computers are text files, program files, zip files, directory files, and more. Text files contain or store text. Program files contain or store programs. Directory files store directories and so on.

Exe files are one of the most useful types of files on computers since they are responsible for running the programs that are used to make computers function or perform in the way that we want them to perform. This includes those programs that are run on a daily basis as well as those that are run less frequently. Each exe file performs a particular action when it is activated or opened.

It is important to understand that exe files should not be modified or edited. Changing the size of an exe file might make it inoperable. Plus, these files are protected by certain laws. Copyright laws typically protect exe files from undergoing any kind of modification. Each file should have a license agreement that has been issued by the author of the exe file. This license is typically linked to the file.

The only exception to this rule is the exe file that is part of the public domain area of software. Quite a variety of public domain software exists. Public domain software is open to everyone. Therefore, exe files that exist for use by the public can reasonably be modified or edited legally by anyone wishing to do so.

Be wary of clicking just any exe file that arrives in your inbox though as exe files can contain malicious code and are commonly used to transmit computer viruses and malware.

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Elizabeth Ann West

Today’s Internet loves variation in file extensions; a quick search will find .html, .xml, .php, and many others. Beginner web page writers can be confused by the differences between the various file formats. While all of them will show a website, each of them have different coding and abilities. The .xml extension, which stands for eXstensible Markup Language, is a document markup language used to structure information and data for a web browser.

XML needs another language to do something with the data for the website. For example, XML would be used to tag information from a contact form on a website. However, to send the information somewhere, say to the site owner’s email, a CGI script, Java script, PHP, or HTML commands are necessary.

If you are having problems with .xml file extensions for your website, either you are not using another programming language to do something with the data, or the coding is incorrect. Don’t forget, programming is completely unforgiving about typos or missing punctuation and commands. Find a parser or compiler that will scan the code for bugs, or take some time away from the project and check the code manually for mistakes one line at a time. A single element missing a closing tag can spell disaster.

As far as public file extensions go, .xml is fairly rare. The reason: XML is not meant for human eyes, but for the browser. Even when written correctly, XML tags display just like they were programmed, meaning not pretty. Another language like Java or HTML “dresses it up.” There is a language, blending both HTML and XML tags, called XHTML. Websites using XHTML uses the file extension .xhtml, not the .xml or .html extensions. A mix-match between the programming language and the file extension will confuse browsers.

Using XML has its advantages and disadvantages. One nice aspect of the language is it allows the writer to create unique element names for easy correlation with real world entities and a database. For example, you can take something like an application, and break it down into components. Another script could then:

* Allow a user to apply online

* Grant search capability to find potential candidates for a new position

* Process applications to see vital statistics and demographics of applicants

The beauty of XML is once you have the basic components set up, these building blocks of information can be processed, manipulated, stored, or analyzed in infinite ways. All without a single change to the original application! A disadvantage of XML is a user must learn how to program two different languages: XML and another web language.

Most WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) HTML editors will have XML functions built in so users can add functionality to websites. There are also many tutorials and free guides to learn XML programming. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) maintains and sets the standards for the Internet. Their website can help users learn how to program any web based language, and point to tools to fix bugs and common mistakes. It can also help you to determine the best website

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