Image Creator Component - setup.exe not running

When you download and launch the Image Creator Setup.exe installer for OS Deployer, it fails to launch or appears unresponsive. The two primary root causes are file-blocking by Windows security and corrupted Windows registry entries for .exe file associations. This guide explains how to fix both.

Problem

Manually downloaded image creator setup.exe is not running.

Cause

1. Windows security restrictions in the target computer have blocked the downloaded file - setup.exe from running.
2. Corrupted or Incorrect registry settings

Resolution

Check if the file is blocked

1. Right-click on the ZIP file, and open Properties.
2. At the bottom of the dialog, click the Unblock button → Apply → OK. Then extract and run setup.exe again.

Change registry setting to default

This issue can also occur if a third-party application has changed or corrupted default registry settings. Ensure the following:

1. Click Start and type regedit in the search box.
2. Right-click Regedit.exe and select Run as administrator.
3. Navigate to the following keys and verify/correct their default values:

            HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe
            Default value should be: exefile
            HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile  (This is a core system registry key that defines how executable files (.exe) are handled by Windows.)
            Default value should be: "%1" %*
            HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open
            Default value should be: "%1" %*
            

4. Close Registry Editor and restart the computer.
5. Try running the setup.exe again after these steps.