How to Repair a Corrupted EXE File in Windows

Executable (.exe) files are essential components of the Windows operating system, allowing you to run programs and applications. However, these files can become corrupted due to various reasons, such as malware infections, system crashes, or improper shutdowns. When an EXE file is corrupted, it can cause programs to malfunction, fail to launch, or even prevent your computer from booting up properly. In this article, we’ll explore several methods to help you repair corrupted EXE files in Windows.

Using the System File Checker (SFC) Tool

The System File Checker (SFC) tool is a built-in utility in Windows that can scan and repair corrupted system files, including EXE files. Here’s how to use it:

Open an elevated Command Prompt by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This command will scan all protected system files and replace corrupted files with a cached copy.
Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupted files are found, SFC will attempt to repair them automatically.
If the scan finds files that cannot be repaired, you may need to use a Windows installation media or a network share as a repair source. To do this, run the following command instead:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess

Replace C:\RepairSource\Windows with the location of your repair source.

Using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Tool

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is another built-in utility in Windows that can be used to repair corrupted system files. Here’s how to use it:

Open an elevated Command Prompt.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This command will use Windows Update to provide the files needed to fix corruptions.
Wait for the command operation to complete, which may take several minutes.

Using a Third-Party Tool

If the built-in tools don’t work or you’re unable to access the Command Prompt, you can use a third-party tool to repair corrupted EXE files. One such tool is File Extension Fixer, which is designed to fix executable file associations and run programs even when the extensions are damaged. Here’s how to use it:

Download and install File Extension Fixer from the official website.
Launch the tool and select the file extension you want to repair from the dropdown menu. If all file extensions are corrupted, select “All”.
Click the “Fix selected” button to repair the selected file extension(s).
If the .exe file extension is corrupted, you can download and run the .com version of File Extension Fixer instead.

Restoring a System Restore Point

If you have created a System Restore Point before the EXE file became corrupted, you can restore your system to that point to fix the issue. Here’s how:

Open the Start menu and search for “System Restore”.
Click on “Create a restore point” and select “System Restore”.
Follow the on-screen instructions to select the restore point you want to use and complete the process.

Reinstalling the Affected Program

If the corrupted EXE file is associated with a specific program, you can try reinstalling the program to fix the issue. Here’s how:

Open the Start menu and search for “Add or remove programs”.
Click on “Apps & features” and locate the affected program in the list.
Click on the program and select “Uninstall”.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
Download and install the program again from the official website or installation media.

In conclusion, there are several methods you can use to repair corrupted EXE files in Windows. The System File Checker (SFC) tool and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool are built-in utilities that can scan and repair system files, while third-party tools like File Extension Fixer can help fix file associations. If these methods don’t work, you can try restoring a System Restore Point or reinstalling the affected program. By following these steps, you should be able to resolve most EXE file corruption issues and get your system back to normal.