Typing Exponents With the Alt Code

You can type the exponents with keyboard shortcuts known as the Alt codes. You’ll have to place your cursor where you want to type an exponent, press the ALT key on your keyboard, and while holding it insert a specific numeric code. Unfortunately, this method works only for the exponents 1, 2, and 3, and you’ll have to use the numpad on your keyboard. Here are the alt codes:

Typing Exponents in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word has a pretty straightforward way to type exponents. All you have to do is enable the superscript feature.

1. Open your MS Word document.
2. Type the expression you want.
3. Go to the Home tab, and in the font section click on the superscript icon represented as X².

4. Write the exponent next to the base number.

You can also use the computer keyboard shortcut. Press Ctrl + Shift + = to quickly enable and disable the superscript function.

Note, you can also write the exponent after a caret symbol instead of using the superscript feature.

Typing Exponents in PowerPoint

1. Open your Microsoft PowerPoint document.
2. Type your whole expression and select the number you want to make a superscript.

3. Go to the Home tab, and click on the small arrow in its front section.

4. When a font tab opens, tick the Superscript box under the Effects section, and select OK.

Typing Exponents in Excel

1. Open your Excel sheet.
2. Type your expression in a cell.
3. Select the number you want to be an exponent and right-click it.
4. Select Format Cells.

5. Under the Effects section in the dialog box, tick the Superscript and press the OK button.

Typing Exponents in Google Docs

1. Open the Google Docs page.
2. Place your cursor where you want to type an exponent.
3. Select the Insert tab from the toolbar at the top of the page.

4. Select the Equation.

5. Type your exponent.

Bonus – Keyboard Shortcut for Exponents on Mac

If you also have a Mac laying around, here’s how you can type exponents on it:

1. Place your cursor where you want to insert an exponent.
2. Press Shift + Cmd + + (plus symbol) to activate the exponent format.
3. Type your exponent.

If you want to return to normal mode press Shift + Cmd + + (plus) key combination again.

Typing exponents on your Chromebook or Windows PC can be a tricky task, especially when you’re in a time crunch. Luckily, with the instructions and hotkeys provided in this article, you can get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Some other reasons you can’t install your app and get the above error are that your setup wizard isn’t compatible with your Windows version, your setup file is faulty, you already have the app that you’re trying to install, Windows’ temporary files are interfering with your installation process, and more.

Run Your App Installer With Admin Rights

One quick fix you can apply to potentially fix your “Error opening file for writing” issue is running your app’s setup file with administrative privileges. Doing so grants the installer all the permissions it needs to make changes to your system and resolve your problem.

1. Locate your app installer in a File Explorer window.
2. Right-click the installer and choose Run as administrator in the context menu.

3. Select Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
4. Continue with your app installation.

Use the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

Windows 10 and 11 include many troubleshooters to help you fix various system issues. One of these is a Program Compatibility troubleshooter that allows you to fix compatibility issues with your files, including your app installers.

It’s worth using this troubleshooter to find and fix any compatibility issues with your setup file.

1. Right-click your app installer and choose Properties.
2. Select the Compatibility tab and choose Run compatibility troubleshooter.

3. Select Try recommended settings to begin fixing your issue.
4. If your issue is unresolved, choose Troubleshoot program in the tool to resolve your problem.

Use an Admin Account to Run Your Setup File

Another fix you can use to solve your issue is running your app installer from a different admin account on your PC. Doing so ensures your account issues aren’t causing the installer to fail to launch or install your app.

1. Open the Windows Start menu, select your profile icon, and choose Sign out.

2. Select an admin account on the list, enter the account password, and press Enter.
3. Run the same setup file from this new account to install your app.

Change Permissions for Your App Folder

You can get an “Error opening file for writing” error because you don’t have permission to install apps in your specified folder. You can fix this by giving yourself full access to that folder.

1. Find the folder where you want to install your app in File Explorer.
2. Right-click your folder and choose Properties.
3. Select Security, choose your username in the Group or user names section, and select Edit.
4. Choose your username in the Group or user names section, enable the Allow checkbox next to Full control, and choose Apply followed by OK.

5. Select Apply and then OK in Properties.
6. Run your installer.

Redownload Your App Setup File

If you still have trouble installing your software, your installer file may be corrupt. This corruption usually happens when your file download is interrupted. An easy way to fix this issue is to re-download the setup file.

You can do that by heading to your software maker’s website and selecting the download option. Then, run the newly-downloaded setup file to install your application on your Windows PC.

Delete the Existing App Version From Your PC

You may get an error message if your Windows PC already has an old or another version of the app you’re currently trying to install. In this case, remove the existing app version from your PC before using your installer file.

1. Open your PC’s Settings app by pressing Windows + I.
2. Select Apps > Apps & features in Settings.
3. Choose the three dots next to your app and select Uninstall in the menu.

4. Select Uninstall in the prompt to confirm your choice.
5. Restart your PC.
6. Run your app installer.

Delete Microsoft Windows’ Temporary Files

Many apps and system services create and store temporary files on your PC. One or more of these files may interfere with your app installation, causing your PC to display the above error message.

Clear all Windows temp files in this case, and your issue should be resolved.

1. Open the Run dialog box using Windows + R.
2. Type the following in the box and press Enter:
   %temp%

3. Select all files in the folder by pressing Ctrl + A.
4. Right-click a chosen file and select Delete (a trash can icon).

5. Open the Start menu, find Recycle Bin, and launch the utility. Right-click any blank space in the Recycle Bin and choose Empty Recycle Bin.
6. Restart your PC and run your installer.

Temporarily Disable User Account Control (UAC) on Your PC

The User Account Control prompt appears when an app tries to make changes to your system. When you have issues running an app installer, it’s worth turning off this prompt to see if that fixes the error.

You can turn User Account Control back on any time you want.

1. Launch Control Panel on your Windows PC.
2. Select User Accounts > User Accounts > Change User Account Control settings.
3. Drag the slider all the way down and choose OK.

4. Select Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
5. Run your installer file.

Disable Controlled Folder Access on Your PC

The Windows Security app offers a feature that protects your computer files from unfriendly applications. This feature prevents your apps from changing specific files on your system.

The app installer may need to make changes to those files during installation. In this case, turn off the feature in your Windows Security app to resolve your issue.

1. Open the Windows Security app on your PC.
2. Select Virus & threat protection in the app.
3. Choose Manage ransomware protection.
4. Disable the Controlled folder access toggle.

5. Launch your app’s setup file.

Various Ways to Resolve App Installation Errors on a Windows PC

You get an “Error opening file for writing” message on your Windows PC for various reasons. Since the error message doesn’t tell you exactly what’s causing the problem, you’ll have to follow all the troubleshooting tips above to fix all the items that can cause this problem.

Once you’ve done that, your error should be resolved, and you can install your favorite app without any issues.

Some situations where you can get the above error are that your Windows Update feature is broken, your update cache is corrupt, you don’t have permission to make changes to your folder, your archive extraction tool doesn’t support encryption, and more.

1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter to Fix Windows 11/10 Update Issues

If you get an error code 0x80004005 while trying to update your Windows operating system, your update feature may have issues. In this case, run your PC’s built-in Windows Update troubleshooter to find and fix problems with the feature.

This troubleshooter runs on its own for the most part; you only have to select a few options here and there in the tool to detect and resolve your update problems.

1. Open your PC’s Settings app by pressing Windows + I.
2. Select System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters in Settings.
3. Choose Run next to Windows Update to open the troubleshooter.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions in the troubleshooter to fix your issue.

2. Turn Off Your Antivirus Software

If you get the above error while accessing an item, such as a file or app, your antivirus might be the culprit. Your antivirus tool might have detected your item as a potential threat, blocking your access to the item.

In this case, turn off your antivirus protection to fix your issue. Note that you should only do this if you trust the file or app you will open. If your item is indeed infected with a virus or malware, you’ll spread that virus or malware to many other files on your PC.

1. Select the Start button, find Windows Security, and launch the app. You can also press the Windows key to open the Start menu.
2. Select Virus & threat protection in the app.
3. Choose Manage settings under the Virus & threat protection settings header.
4. Disable the Real-time protection toggle.

5. Select Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
6. Try to access your file or app in File Explorer.

3. Fix Error Code 0x80004005 by Changing Your Folder Permission

If you get a 0x80004005 error while making changes to a folder, you likely don’t have the required permission to perform that action. In this case, give yourself full access to the folder, and you can make all the changes you want.

1. Right-click your folder and choose Properties.
2. Access the Security tab and select Edit.
3. Choose your username in the Group or user names section, enable the Allow option for Full control, and select Apply followed by OK at the bottom.

4. Choose Apply and then OK on the Properties window.
5. Try to make changes to your folder.

4. Fix Windows Update Error by Deleting the Update Cache

Windows Update’s cache can cause your PC to display a 0x80004005 error. In this case, you can clear the faulty cache to resolve your problem. Deleting the Windows Update’s downloaded files doesn’t remove your personal data.

1. Open Run using the Windows + R keyboard shortcut.
2. Type the following in the Run box and press Enter:
   services.msc
3. Find Windows Update on the service list, right-click this service, and choose Stop.

4. Keep the Services window open and launch a Run box using Windows + R. Enter the following path in the Run box and press Enter:
   C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download
5. Select all the files in the open folder by pressing Ctrl + A.
6. Right-click a chosen file and select Delete (a trash can icon).

7. Return to the Services window, right-click the Windows Update service, and choose Start.

5. Get Around Windows Error Code 0x80004005 by Updating Your Windows 10/11 PC

The 0x80004005 error usually results from using an outdated operating system version. You can resolve this and many other system bugs on your PC by updating your Windows version.

It’s quick, easy, and free to update Windows, and here’s how to do that.

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Select Windows Update in the left sidebar.
3. Choose Check for updates on the right pane.

4. Download and install the displayed updates.
5. Reboot your PC.

6. Remove Your Temporary Files

Your installed apps and many Windows system services create temporary files on your PC. If your PC has accumulated many of these temp files, that may be why you’re getting a 0x80004005 error.

Clear all your temporary files in this case, and your issue will be resolved.

1. Open Run using Windows + R.
2. Type the following in the Run box and press Enter:
   %temp%
3. Select all files in the folder by pressing Ctrl + A.
4. Right-click a selected file and choose Delete (a trash can icon).

5. Open your desktop, right-click Recycle Bin, and choose Empty Recycle Bin.

7. Use an Archiver That Supports Encryption

When you try to extract a password-protected archive (such as ZIP or RAR) with an archiver tool that doesn’t support encryption, you may get a 0x80004005 error. Fixing this issue is easy; all you have to do is get an archiver supporting password-protected files.

One of the best free tools you can use is 7-Zip. It’s free and open-source, allowing you to unarchive all your encrypted archives with a few easy clicks. Other tools that you can use include WinRAR and WinZip.

You can download 7-Zip from its official website, install the tool, and then use it to access and extract your ZIP file or another archive’s contents.

8. Re-Register All DLL Files on Your System

If you get the above error while trying to launch an app, it’s possible a DLL file that your app wants to use is not registered in your Windows system. Since the error doesn’t tell you what DLL file is unregistered, register all the available DLL files on your system.

1. Launch the Start menu, find Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Choose Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
3. Enter the following command in CMD and press Enter:
   for %1 in (*.dll) do regsvr32 /s %1

4. Wait for Command Prompt to register all your DLL files.
5. Open your app.

Many Ways to Fix an Unspecified Error 0x80004005 on a Windows PC

Windows’ 0x80004005 error is extremely frustrating as you don’t know why the error has occurred. Use the methods outlined above to fix the issue in various situations.

Once you’ve done that, your files and apps will open, you’ll be able to make changes to your folders, and your encrypted archives will extract just fine.

Other reasons you can’t launch your file may include faulty File Explorer, corrupt temporary files, a virus infection on the PC, and other installed apps interfering with your file.

Disable Your Antivirus Protection

When you encounter the “Operation did not complete” error, turn off your antivirus protection and see if your file opens. This should resolve the issue if your antivirus has recognized your file as a suspicious item.

You can disable the real-time protection in most antivirus tools by launching the tool and selecting the option to turn off protection. If you use Microsoft Defender Antivirus, the following steps will help you temporarily disable your virus protection.

1. Open the Start menu, locate the Windows Security app, and launch the app.
2. Select Virus & threat protection in the app.
3. Choose Manage settings under the Virus & threat protection settings header.
4. Toggle off Real-time protection.

5. Select Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
6. Launch File Explorer and access your file.

Add Your File to Your Antivirus’ Exclusion List

If you continue to receive an error message while trying to launch your file, add your file to your antivirus program’s exclusion list. Doing so will remove all the program’s restrictions on your file.

The way you do that depends on what antivirus you use. You can use the following steps for Microsoft Defender Antivirus.

1. Access the Start menu, find Windows Security, and launch the app.
2. Select Virus & threat protection in the app.
3. Choose Manage settings under the Virus & threat protection settings header.
4. Scroll down the page and choose Add or remove exclusions.

5. Select Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
6. Choose Add an exclusion and select the kind of item you want to add to the list. We’ll choose File.

7. Select the file you have trouble launching and choose Open.
8. Quit the Windows Security app.
9. Open your folder and double-click your file.

Fix Windows’ Corrupt File Explorer

Like all other tools, Windows’ File Explorer can go corrupt, causing various random issues. Your virus error may have resulted from Explorer’s corrupt functionality.

In this case, use your PC’s built-in System File Checker (SFC) tool to fix File Explorer.

1. Open the Start menu, search for Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Choose Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
3. Type the following in the CMD window and press Enter: sfc /SCANFILE=C:\Windows\explorer.exe

4. Next, run the following command: sfc /SCANFILE=C:\Windows\SysWow64\explorer.exe

5. Wait for SFC to fix your File Explorer tool.
6. Try to launch your executable or other file.

Delete Windows’ Temporary Files

Your installed apps and services create various temporary files on your machine. Sometimes, these files interfere with Windows’ system tasks, causing random problems.

One way to fix that is to delete all your temporary files. This shouldn’t affect your installed apps, as your apps will re-create the required temporary files.

You can use Windows 10’s built-in Disk Cleanup tool to automatically remove your junk files.

1. Open Start, find Disk Cleanup, and launch the tool.
2. Select your Windows installation drive and choose OK.
3. Let Disk Cleanup analyze your drive’s contents.
4. Select the file types you’d like to remove and choose OK.

5. Launch your problematic file when Disk Cleanup has cleared the junk.

Run a Virus Scan on Your PC

A potential reason you get the “Operation did not complete” error is that your PC is infected with a virus or malware. In this case, the virus causes the system not to launch your file.

You can fix that by running a full virus scan on your system, using either a third-party antivirus program or the built-in Microsoft Defender Antivirus. You can run the full scan in the latter antivirus software as follows.

1. Open Windows Security on your machine.
2. Select Virus & threat protection.
3. Choose Scan options.
4. Select Full scan and choose Scan now.

5. Reboot your PC when you’ve scanned the system.
6. Launch your file.

Clean Boot Your Windows Computer

One reason your system displays an “Operation did not complete” error is that your installed apps are interfering with your file. There are malicious apps that tend to do this.

In this case, you can boot your PC in a clean environment where only the essential system files and drivers are loaded. This helps you isolate your apps and find the culprit item.

Clean booting a Windows 10 PC is as easy as selecting a few options. Here’s how.

1. Open Start, search for msconfig, and select System Configuration in the search results.
2. Navigate to the Services tab, select Hide all Microsoft services, choose Disable all, and select Apply.

3. Access the Startup tab and choose Open Task Manager.

4. Select all Enabled items in Task Manager’s Startup tab, then choose Disable.
5. Select OK in System Configuration’s Startup tab.
6. Reboot your PC.
7. Try to launch your file.

If your file opens without any issues, one or more of your installed apps may be the culprit. In this case, remove the recently added apps and see if that fixes your issue.

Reset Your Windows System

If you haven’t had any luck resolving the issue, reset your PC to the factory settings and see if that fixes the problem. Resetting your PC fixes all the bad system configuration and brings all your setting options to the factory defaults.

You’ll get to keep your files when you reset your machine. However, your customized setting options will be lost.

1. Open Windows Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Select Update & Security in Settings.
3. Choose Recovery on the left.
4. Select Get started under Reset this PC on the right.

5. Select Keep my files.

6. Follow the instructions displayed on your screen.
7. Launch your file when you’ve reset your machine.

Make Inaccessible Files Accessible on Your Windows 10 PC

It’s frustrating to get an “Operation did not complete” error when you’re trying to launch an important file on your Windows computer. Luckily, you don’t have to do much to resolve the issue. Tweak a few options here and there as described in the guide above, and your issue will be resolved.

Modern computers—those manufactured in the last several years—are powered by 64-bit processors and operating systems and are only natively capable of running 64-bit applications. This is why software shipped these days is almost exclusively 64-bit. You will still run into some 32-bit apps (especially if you’re running older apps), and running them on a 64-bit version of Windows is usually pretty seamless. So, how does it all work? Let’s find out.

Can You Directly Run 32-bit Software On a 64-bit Machine?

Understanding how a 64-bit architecture differs from a 32-bit system is a complicated topic that is beyond the scope of this article. Just know that a 64-bit processor (and OS) doesn’t just process more information at once but does so in a radically different manner than a system with older architecture.

So while apps designed for a 32-bit computer might appear to run just the same on a 64-bit machine, there is more going on under the hood than just changing the compatibility mode. The environment expected by a 32-bit app doesn’t exist in a 64-bit version of Windows, which makes it impossible for such an application to interface with the hardware directly.

The fix? Emulation. The only way to get a 32-bit program working is to emulate the old-school architecture and provide the app with the same interface it is built for.

The Default Option: WOW64

Microsoft is well aware of the issue with running 32-bit apps on a 64-bit OS. This is why modern operating systems with 64-bit architecture like Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 10 come with a built-in emulator called WOW64.

WOW64 is a Windows subsystem designed to run 32-applications on a 64-bit machine. WOW64 simulates the environment of a 32-bit operating system, providing older applications with the interface found in previous Windows versions.

This compatibility layer is lightweight, powerful, and works right out of the box. This means you can just double-click on the EXE file of any 32-bit application and let Windows take care of the rest.

An Expensive Alternative: Virtualization

Virtual Machines are a well-known method of running different architectures and operating systems on hardware not designed to support it. You can install and run apps meant for Linux or Apple’s macOS on a Windows PC with an Intel processor without any drastic changes.

You can use the same technique to run an older, 32-bit version of Windows on your modern PC. This will let you run legacy applications on your system even if your current processor is 64-bit.

Remember, though, that this method involves a lot of work and is frankly unnecessary. It is much easier to use the built-in WOW64 emulator than to hunt for a copy of 32-bit Windows XP.

Installing 32-bit Apps On a 64-bit Computer

There is no difference in installing a 32-bit application on a 32-bit OS versus a 64-bit version of Windows. Whether you have a CD-ROM or a setup file, you just run the installation and let the operating system sort it out.

Windows deals with 32-bit versions of programs by putting them in a different directory. There is the standard Program Files folder, which holds all 64-bit software you have installed, and a Program Files (x86) that is home to apps meant for a 32-bit machine.

The software present in the x86 directory is run by emulating a 32-bit version of Windows using WOW64. This process is completely automatic, so you can run apps present in both Program Files without any difference.

Can You Run 32-bit Apps On a 64-bit CPU?

Many people believe that old programs can only run on a 32-bit processor. While it is true that only a 32-bit computer can natively run these apps, all modern system types can run such programs just as well.

For most users, this boils down to simply running the said app, as Windows will take care of the technical details of emulating it through WOW64 by itself. If you want to take a different approach (perhaps if the utility isn’t working for you), you can use virtualization.

Services like VirtualBox or VMWare allow you to emulate a 32-bit virtual machine, which can run any 32-bit apps directly. This is a complicated process, even with tutorials, so you are better off getting WOW64 working on your Windows installation normally.