The causes that will trigger the apparition of the These files can’t be opened error are diverse and can originate from a couple of places. By investigating the issue, we managed to compile a list with the most common culprits that will trigger the These files can’t be opened error:
The user has downloaded a file over the internet that was automatically blocked by IE’s download checker – in this case, the solution is to unblock it from the Properties menu.Executable is blocked by a Windows piracy protection feature – in this case, most users have managed to avoid the error by changing the name of the executable.A User Account Control setting is blocking the opening of what the operating system determines as an unsafe application or file – this can either be resolved by relaxing the Internet Security Options or by imputing the series of commands in an Elevated Command Prompt.The error is caused by an Internet Explorer setting – if this is the cause, the problem can be fixed by resetting Internet Explorer settings.The issue is caused by a glitched Windows account profile – in this case, the resolution is to either create a new administrator account and use that or import it’s new Internet Settings key to your regular account and continue using your old one.
If you’re struggling with the These files can’t be opened error, we have prepared a collection of fixes that other users in a similar situation have used to resolve the issue. Please follow each fix in order until you encounter a method that resolves the problem in your particular situation. Let’s begin!
Method 1: Unblock the file from the Properties menu
The most common cause for the apparition of this issue is a blocked attribute in the properties menu. If you’re only getting the These files can’t be opened error with several executable, it’s possible that they refuse to open because they are blocked. This typically happens if you copy an executable over the internet or if you transfer it from one computer to another. Luckily, you can easily modify the properties on each blocked file so you can open it without the These files can’t be opened error. Here’s a quick guide on how to do this: If the file was already unblocked or you encounter this issue with all executables, move down to the method below.
Method 2: Change the name of the executable
If you used Method 1 to check if the files were blocked (and it wasn’t), it could be that you’re the victim of a rudimentary protection mechanism that some Windows versions use. This was meant as a protection mechanism to limit the reach of pirated software, but it often ends up creating issues with freeware applications created by independent developers. To test this theory, right-click on the executable, choose Rename and grant it a different generic name. Once you rename the executable, save your changes and open the executable again. You should be able to open it without the These files can’t be opened error. If you’re still struggling with the same issue, move down to Method 3.
Method 3: Allowing “unsafe files” via Internet Properties
Depending on your internet settings, you might have different security levels that might not allow you to open applications that are considered unsafe by your operating system. If you get the These files can’t be opened error while opening an executable that you consider to be safe, you can lower the Security level for unsafe applications so that the Windows Security prompt will no longer appear. But keep in mind that going this route will leave your system open to other security attacks if you’re not careful which applications you download and open on your pc. Here’s a quick guide on how to lower security settings in order to allow applications and files that are considered unsafe: If you’re still encountering the These files can’t be opened error when opening certain applications, move over to Method 4
Method 4: Allowing “unsafe files” via an Elevated Command Prompt
All the most recent Windows versions have protection mechanism that is supposed to make it harder for the end user to install an application that could jeopardize the security of the system. However, the system is flawed and might end up blocking applications that are safe from being used. One way to tackle this problem is to use deploy a simple Registry hack via an Elevated Command Prompt. Here’s a quick guide on how to use a few commands in a Command Prompt to get around the These files can’t be opened error: If you’re still seeing the These files can’t be opened error when you try to open certain applications, move down to the method below.
Method 5: Resetting Internet Explorer
As some users have pointed out, this issue might also be caused by Internet Explorer if you’re using it as the default browser. Users in a similar situation have managed to finally resolve the These files can’t be opened error by resetting IE’s settings. Here’s a quick guide on how to reset your Internet Explorer settings: If you’re still struggling with the These files can’t be opened error, move down to Method 6.
Method 6: Import Internet Settings key from a new admin account
Apparently, the These files can’t be opened error can also be attributed to corruption within the Registry keys of Internet Settings. Some users struggling with the same type of error have managed to resolve the issue by creating a new user admin account, exporting the internet settings key and then importing the same key back into their regular account. Here’s a quick guide on importing the Internet Settings key from a new admin account: If you’re still struggling with the same error, move over to the final method.
Method 7: Using a System Restore point
If all of the methods above have proven to be a bust, you have one more shot before you can begin contemplating a clean Windows install or reset. System Restore is a built-in Windows mechanism that will allow you to restore your computer to a previous state in time. If you only started to get the These files can’t be opened error recently, you can use a system restore point dated before the issue first started occurring to restore your computer to a healthy state. Here’s a quick guide on using a System Restore point to go around the These files can’t be opened error:
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