Vista - Files downloaded with EFW extension

I trying to download this program. When I do it saves it as a EFW file extension. This just started when downloading stuff with this ext. on the end of files. Now I cant open and run nothing. How can I fix this ext. file problem?

Hi bassfisher6522,

I had this problem a while back. It was being caused by a third party AV program (CA Security). You can fix the file extension by renaming the file with the correct ext. (Example-.exe). Should work fine.

Hope that helps.
Gary

So how do I go about doing that. I'm not sure, could use some step by step instructions. Thanks.

If you haven't already saved the file to your HD, then go to the site to download the file. In the save as box that comes up you can change the .EFW to what it is supposed to be (probably .exe in this case) and hit save.
If you have already downloaded the file with the EFW extension, then open the folder where the file resides, highlight the file, press F2 (or right click and select 'rename'). Delete the EFW and type in exe, hit enter, click on yes or ok. The file should now function properly. The EFW extension seems to be a safty feature to prevent running programs that may be unsafe.

Gary

I followed your steps and I still cant get it to open. I must be doing something wrong but I have no idea. I tried changing to exe file after download. That didnt work. Then tried changing the file ext. before downloading, it wont let me do that. So I am still stuck.

Hmmm, bummer. Didn't have Object Dock installed so tried it . Downloaded and installed fine. I had to change the ext. in the save as box. What AV and Firewall are you using? Found this link from a google for 'efw': EFW File Extension - Open .EFW files. It says that it is caused by the AV, but I have disabled CA anti virus and use AVG free for my real time scanner. I still get the .EFW extension. If I disable CA firewall, (the windows firewall comes on automatic for me, but you might want to check 'security center' and make sure it did come on) and try the download, the file ext. comes up correct. No changes needed.
I have no idea why the file won't run once you change the file extension to '.exe' unless it is corrupted??? You might try disabling the firewall and see what happens.

Good luck,
Gary

Gary

I'm using CA security suite 2007. Anti virus, spam, firewall and Anti spyware. I found the same site that you listed. My problem is I am not being allowed to change the file ext. at all. I tried in both IE7 and FF. When the save as window pops up I cant do anything with it except save or run. When I try to change file ext. after down loading it, it still show as a efw file. So apparently I haven't change it. I right clicked, deleted it, rewrote file name with new ext. and double clicked to run. Still nothing. When I click on file after change, it show up at the bottom left and say file name then EFW ext. below file name. So I must not have change the file name but I retyped it so I know I changed it. Sill freaking lost. I never had a problem before downloading files. I'll keep plugging along and asking what next. What next....

Have you tried disabling the AV and then change the file name? Maybe the firewall also. Try disabling the firewall and downloading the file. If you have the CA icon in the notification area, you can right click and snooze the AV and also disable the firewall.

Gary

Finally I got it. Yeah I had to disable AV/Firewall and it came in as an exe file extension. Thanks man, it would have taken me awhile to finally realize that my security suite was the problem. I have it installed and looking good. Thanks again.

Your welcome. Glad you got it working.
Gary