Mar 1

I've removed the .exe file extension from the Blocked File List in SharePoint Central Admin (Security > Define blocked file types). This allowed me to upload .exe files to document libraries but when I click on the .exe file to download it, I get a 404 Page not found error. I can download it if I click the drop down and select download, or if I go into Explorer view, but it's a Page not Found error when I click on the .exe file itself.

The issue is not with SharePoint. I found that the problem is with IIS.

If you are using IIS6, then to resolve, you do the following:

  1. Open IIS
  2. Right click on the website in question
  3. Click Properties
  4. Choose the Home Directory
  5. Look for the Execute Permissions drop down list
  6. Set it to "Scripts Only"

If you are using IIS7, then to resolve, you do the following:

  1. Open IIS
  2. Select the website in question
  3. Double Click on Handler Mappings
  4. Click on Edit feature permissions (on the right navigation)
  5. Uncheck the Execute checkbox
  6. Click OK

This will automatically recycle the app pool and you can now click on the executable file and you will be prompted to download it.

WARNING: There are some shortfalls to this method, click here to read more and for a way to circumvent the shortfalls.