not a valid win32 file

win32 Applications" are programs which are built with the Win32 API(Application Programing Interface). Computers running operating systems capable of executing Win32 Applications are referred to as Win32 platforms. So if you downloaded a 16 bit application, then you won't be able to open it. Microsoft has been using win32 since version 1.0.

First off--- http://www.the-it-mercenary.com/forums/Help/posts/4572.html -- I suggest you run an anti-virus program over these files that you downloaded. They may be infected with a virus.

Second -- change your video resolution down and see if you can run either of these programs. Some older programs require a specific video setting before they will run.

Third -- try downloading the files again. They may have been corrupted during the download.

To run programs that are 'not win32' you'll need to run them at a DOS command prompt.

Create a folder off of your 'C:' drive and put both the files there (or place in two seperate folders for less confusion later).

Then get to a DOS prompt, change to the folder where you put your file by typing CD followed by the name of the folder.

Then all being well you just type the name of the file to get it running (or extracting).

If nothing happens and you get an error message instead you may well have a corrupted download (try downloading again) or the files weren't meant for Windows or DOS anyway.

P.S. Anna correctly mentions a fault in windows that can bring up that message after some types of virus infection, if it were so it would error all .exe files you double click on. This would mean you need to fix a registry error.

This question was closed by the author