How do I make Ren'Py games work on my computer?

[visualnovelgirl]

Hello!
I've tried to play Ren'Py games on my computer but they won't work.
It always says it cannot execute the file.
I tried downloading the actual software too but it says the same thing (cannot execute the file).
Other kinds of visual novels work.
Thanks!

[Darkmoonfire]

What kind of computer do you have? For example, if you have a recent Mac, then you might have to change your security settings so they'll allow all applications to be opened rather than just applications from the Mac store or other recognized developers.

[visualnovelgirl]

What kind of computer do you have? For example, if you have a recent Mac, then you might have to change your security settings so they'll allow all applications to be opened rather than just applications from the Mac store or other recognized developers.

I have a Dell PC.
Thanks.

[fleet]

What operating system (for example Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, linux, Ubuntu) do you have installed?
What is the EXACT wording of the error message?

[Omniknight]

I have a strong feeling that she's trying to execute the raw .rpy or .py files and not the exe, either because distributions haven't been constructed yet or she just didn't click on the distributions.

So--

If you want to play a renpy game WITHOUT distributions (most of the time, it will be in .zip,) you need to run it from under "active projects" in the Ren'py software itself.