Why might a software application not run on a computer?

Question

I'm nearly to chicken to admit that I'm studying to be a computer service technician when I'm struggling with troubleshooting like this, but everyday's a school day and I've only started a month ago ;) Anyways, my friend is unable to run a software program that is used to calculate taxes etc. The program has been downloaded from the government website, so there should be no problems with the application itself. I am unsure how I would go about fully fixing the problem... As a guess...

1) Uninstall the software application
2) Remove the application's registry files using regedit
3) Check that her system meets the minimum software requirements
4) Reinstall the latest version of the software

That's all I can think of really :(

Answer 1

make sure it is the right OS

make sure it is the right bit ie 32Bit or 64Bit

scan computer for viruses

Answer 2

Make sure she meets the necessary system requirements is a must. For example, some programs for example are simply not built to work with XP but will work with XP SP2.



Another thing is if a program says it needs a minimum amount of RAM to run properly (eg: 512MB) and she only has 1GB she probably doesn't have enough because normal operation of the computer including security products and operating system will eat up RAM possibly not leaving enough available. Other applications such as open web browsers, messenger, games, etc also eat up RAM. Increasing Virtual Memory might help in such a case but when there is a lack of RAM, the best best is to buy more.



Another possibilty is that a security product is disrupting or corrupting the download thus blocking its complete installation. You may want to temporarily disable the firewall and antivirus during the download and installation to see if you can get it working successfully. Programs such as the one you describe often contain executables (.exe) and many security products block such file types. Don't forget to re-enable the security products afterwards.

Answer 3

Your on the right track by fully uninstalling and reinstalling.

Please take my words seriously for this next part thought.

If your new to the Technician game, be very careful what your do in regedit. Delete or edit the wrong value in there and your tax program will be the least of your worries.

Answer 4

check to see if there is a virus on it that is preventing it from starting up. go into safemode and run MSCONFIG. disable all and try reinstalling after performing steps 1-4 in your question.



if it is a windows7 machine, try running as an admin / switching the compatibility to xp service pack 3



More can be done if I can personally contact you through Windows live ([e-mail]) because this information is just not enough in my opinion.