Thread: Can't Run an Application

What Should I Do If I Can't Run an Application?

Problems in this section deal with software you have just recently installed and software that has been installed and operating for quite some time but won't run now. Here's what you can do:

• Application shortcut:

Make sure the shortcut is pointing to .the correct executable file. You can do this by following these simple instructions:

1. Right-click the application's startup icon.

2. Select Properties.

3. Check the Target field and make sure it cr.nt'lins the name of the correct executable fi,e.

• Software expiration:

The trend with software these days is that you pay money online and then download the software from the Internet. The software will typically run for a year or so and then expire. If you have a program that suddenly stops working, make sure you check to see that the software hasn't expired. If it has, you'll need to visit the company's website and renew your software.

• Administrative privileges:

Some applications will not run unless you have administrative privileges on the computer you are running it on. This may not be apparent at first. You may be allowed to start the program and work with it a little and then all of a sudden it may stop while you are doing some tasks. It may be accompanied by an "access denied" error message. You must provide your account administrator rights or have your system administrator do it for you.

• Repair:

Some programs allow you to repair an installation by running a special utility. They basically reinstall all of the critical files that are a part of your application.

• DLLs:

Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLsl are common files that applications 'share to provide familiar functionality. Things like the Save As, Print. and Open File dialog boxes are the work of DLL files. The problem with them is that they can be replaced with a different version by a recent file install. This can make programs that are dependant upon them not work properly. Contact your software's manufacturer if you suspect DLL problems.

• Reinstall:

If everything we have suggested up to this point has failed, you will probably have to reinstall the software.