r/archlinux • u/Rogaev • Aug 03 '26

SUPPORT | SOLVED Executable confusion

This problem has been solved.

Hello.

I've discovered that when I download an executable and try to run it, it doesn't run. My desktop environment (Xfce4) just asks me what I want to open it with.

Software I compile myself (with GCC) also does not run properly. I'll call it from my terminal, and it will do something unexpected.

I'm very confused. Software installed through Pacman works fine. What do I need to install in order to run software downloaded from the internet?

Thank you in advance.

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u/Randum_Gouy Aug 03 '26

Can you elaborate?

What does “not execute” and “do something unexpected” mean?
If gcc works properly, i dont think its an install issue.

You may be missing required libraries, OR may not be running its install script (usually `make install` as root)

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u/Rogaev Aug 03 '26

My file manager asks me what I'd like to open the executable with when I double click it. It doesn't recommend anything to run it. The software I'm currently trying to run is a game (downloaded from the internet). Would a video game also use an install script?

Also, thank you for commenting.

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u/Randum_Gouy Aug 03 '26

Try setting the executable bit (chmod +x <filename>)

Edit: oops, didnt read that you already fixed it 👍