1. Check for viruses and malware
You can use anti-virus and anti-malware programs to scan your system and identify any threats. If you do find any viruses or malware on your computer, use the program to quarantine or remove them as soon as possible.
2. Update the program
If the program has an available update, you should try installing it. Updates often contain bug fixes and performance improvements, so updating the program may help resolve the issue.
Most Windows programs will notify you when an update is available, but you can also check the program’s website or support page to see if there are any new versions available.
3. Reinstall the program
If updating the program doesn’t solve the issue, you may need to reinstall it. This will delete all of the program’s files from your computer, which may help fix any corrupted files or settings that could be causing the problem.
Before reinstalling the program, make sure that you have all of your activation codes and registration details, as you may need them to install the program again.
4. Run the program in compatibility mode
If the program is an older version, it may not be compatible with the latest version of Windows. In this case, you can try running the program in compatibility mode.
To do this, right-click on the program’s shortcut, select Properties, and then go to the Compatibility tab. From here, you can select an older version of Windows that the program may be compatible with.
5. Check the Task Manager
If the program is still not opening or running, you should check to see if it is listed in the Task Manager. To do this, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Task Manager.
If the program is listed here, you can try ending the task and then reopening the program. This can help reset the program and help resolve any issues.
6. Check the Event Viewer
If ending the task in the Task Manager didn’t work, you should check the Event Viewer for any errors related to the program. To do this, click Start, type “event viewer” into the search bar, and press Enter.
In the Event Viewer, look for any errors related to the program you’re having problems with. If you find any errors, note down the error code and use it to search online for a solution.
7. Check the program’s requirements
It’s also possible that the program you’re trying to open or run isn’t compatible with your system. It may require software, hardware, or system settings that your computer doesn’t meet.
You can usually find out what the system requirements are by checking the program’s website or support page. Compare your system against the requirements to make sure that it meets or exceeds them.
8. Disable any third-party programs
Third-party programs such as security and optimization tools can interfere with the operation of other programs. If you have any third-party programs installed, try disabling them and then see if the program starts working.
9. Perform a System Restore
If none of the above steps work, you can try performing a System Restore. System Restore will roll back your computer to an earlier point in time, which can help fix any errors or corrupted files that could be causing the issue.
To perform a System Restore, click Start, type in “system restore”, and press Enter. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.