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A .exe file is an executable file, which means that it will start all by itself. For example, when you insert a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM into the drive on your computer, the drive spins, and the computer looks for a file called "setup.exe". When it finds it, it starts the program automatically and installs the new software or game.

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An exe actually will not always self execute. There are many executable files (.exe) which will only run when a user tries to open them. They will only automatically start when something else tells the system to do so. This can be an autorun.inf file or a CD/DVD, or a startup entry in the registy, scheduled tasks, or other startup locations.

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10y ago

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