If you are getting a cannot execute binary file: exec format error on your Linux machine, this means the executable that you tried to run is not recognized.
This is most often due to a mismatch between the architecture of the system and the architecture of the file that you are trying to run.
Cannot Execute Binary File: Exec Format Error on Linux
How do I Fix Exec Format Error in Linux?
One of the most frustrating errors that you can get on your Linux machine is a ‘cannot execute binary file: exec format error’. This happens most often on 32-bit versions of the operating system, but thankfully there are several simple solutions to this problem.
First and foremost, you need to make sure that you have the correct version of the kernel installed.
Also read: “The Concept of 7 Degrees of Separation: What Does It Mean?”
Also, you need to make sure that you are running the most up-to-date version of the operating system and that the requisite security updates have been applied.
Finally, you need to check your firewall and anti-virus software for any outdated / out of date patches that may have been applied inadvertently. Once you have these items under control, the rest of the process should be a breeze.
Why can’t I Execute a Binary File?
If you’re trying to execute a binary file and are getting an error message, the most likely reason is that the binary file is compiled for a different architecture than your computer. This is a common problem with Linux and can be fixed by using a simple command line tool to check the architecture of the binary file.
A binary file is a type of data file that is stored in a format that can’t be interpreted or read by humans. It contains formatting information that only certain applications or processors can understand.
Generally, these files are compiled for specific operating systems and will not run on other systems. This includes Windows and macOS, but also Linux.
A binary file is a continuous sequence of bytes that stores data as a series of 0s and 1s, instead of using text. This can save disk space and increase performance by eliminating the need to convert data between text representations.
What Does Exec Format Error Mean?
Exec format error means that the file you are trying to execute is not recognized by the system as an executable or shell script. This can be because it is for a different architecture than the one you are running, or that it has some other format error.
To fix the error, you will need to add a shebang line at the top of your script. A shebang is a combination of the characters number sign and exclamation mark (#!) that possesses a specific meaning in scripting.
A shebang line is usually included in every shell script, right at the beginning of the script. This is to ensure that the kernel will know how to run the script without any issues.
In addition, you will need to ensure that the script has functioning executables and execution permissions. You may also have to check if the path to either ffmpeg or ffprobe is incorrect. Finally, you will need to make sure that the Werkzeug version being used is supported.
How do I Fix Exec Format Error in Ubuntu?
If you’re lucky enough to have a 64-bit capable processor, you may want to boot into that. This is a particularly good idea if you’re running a live kernel or are using a virtual machine to run your favorite desktop Linux or Windows applications.
The same goes for if you’re using a virtual machine to test out a new desktop operating system or app. Thankfully, there are many ways to remedy this problem so that your favourite apps and games don’t go down the drain.
Firstly, you need to check out the specs on your new shiny and make sure it has the requisite ram and disk space. Next, you need to make sure it is not locked by another app or a user.
