This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

When I download a program, it says "it's not an executable file". How can I get around this? I have Linux, recently installed.

  • 2 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 3 views
  • Last reply by justme088

more options

I would like to download a Google program, but when I try to open it, I get a message saying I can't because it is "not an executable file." The Google site says it now has SketchUp for Linux, but apparently my computer won't allow certain programs from other sites. I've had this message with many other programs I've tried to download and open.

I would like to download a Google program, but when I try to open it, I get a message saying I can't because it is "not an executable file." The Google site says it now has SketchUp for Linux, but apparently my computer won't allow certain programs from other sites. I've had this message with many other programs I've tried to download and open.

All Replies (2)

more options

Make sure that you have the executable flag set in the permissions of that file, otherwise you can't run that program (script). Easiest to do that is to use a File Manager like Krusader or Nautilus.

more options

I don't know what or where an "executable flag" is, or where "the permissions for that file" are.

I have looked into every help I have, and the directions don't match what I have on my computer. I looked into Nautilus, but nothing there helps. I downloaded it to a laptop, but it looks horrible - nothing like the website shows.

I appreciate your help, tho'.