Cannot open a downloaded executable file

[Iggy2jj]

I'm new to the use of Macs. I am using Mac OS 10.5.7.

I recently sucribed to a movie downloading site. To be able to move files to a dvd for later playing, they supplied a link to an executable file (exe extension). The file was placed in the download folder. When I double click on the file, the text editor box comes up. I tried draging the file to Applications, but still cannot get the file to run.

I tried getting help from the support team at the website, but they only restated the steps that were on the website.

I tried several searches to find an answer on installing application, but non help with downloading executable files.

What steps am I missing to get this file to run?

 

[r.j.s]

It's a Windows app ... you need Windows to run it.

BTW, if a "movie download site" is insisting you install an .exe file, there is a good chance it is malware/spyware.

 

[sushi]

An exe file is an executable file which will run under the Windows environment but not under the Mac OS environment.

That's why Macs are not affected by typical PC malware that is distributed as exe and other common Windows files.

If you want to run Windows on your Mac, then you will need to install Windows via BootCamp or use Parallels or VMware Fusion to run a Virtual Machine with Windows installed.

BTW, if a "movie download site" is insisting you install an .exe file, there is a good chance it is malware/spyware.

Good point!

This is especially true if they say it is a CODEX that needs to be installed to let you view the video.

 

[lamadude]

you might be able to run that exe under crossover, but I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[old-wiz]

Usually these sites are full of pirated movies and the exe is almost always a trojan or malware. I would not even install the exe in bootcamp.