I can't open .exe files

[lkinsler]

Help! I don't know what to do. Thanks!

[krimson]

VPC?

[agreenster]

I'm going to assume you are new to the Macintosh:

A .exe file is an "executable" file for Windows (kind of like an Application in Mac OS, or Program in Windows) You can't open them on a Mac, period. If you are using a Windows emulator (Virtual PC) you can, since it is emulating (or running) Windows simulataneously with Mac OS. This is a seperate piece of software, and it slows the computer down significantly.

What exactly are you trying to do? There may be a Mac alternative.

[lkinsler]

yes, I am a new mac user.
My friend made a copy of a program related to a class I am taking and the install document is a .exe file.
thanks

[Giaguara]

Use it on virtual pc, or hope that there is a version of it for os x (or freebsd).

[dukemeiser]

Originally posted by lkinsler
yes, I am a new mac user.
My friend made a copy of a program related to a class I am taking and the install document is a .exe file.
thanks

Or if you don't want to buy/use VPC, then their might be a Mac alternative. What specific software is it?

[Sun Baked]

Originally posted by lkinsler
yes, I am a new mac user.
My friend made a copy of a program related to a class I am taking and the install document is a .exe file.
thanks If it's a PC program, then you need a PC to run it on or a program like Virtal PC -- since the Mac OS can't run PC programs.

If they send you the data files, like a Word document -- you'd be able to run open it on the Mac using Word for Mac.

However some documents, like WordPerfect files may need to be translated/converted using products like MacLink Plus.

But not being able to run a .exe file is a good thing since they may be hidden viruses inside documents and e-mails.

---

Though we can still plagued by the Word Macro virus, but those are easy -- just make sure Macros are off in Microsoft Office.