Python IDLE is not starting on Windows 7

Question

I used to use Python 2.7 and then IDLE was working. I uninstalled it and installed Python 3.1.
Right now Idle cannot launch. What should i do to get it running?

NOTE: I tried c:\Python31\pythonw.exe c:\Python31\Lib\idlelib\idle.py
i uninstalled 3.1 and installed back 2.7, not working neither...

Answer 1

In the past, I've often found that when I had some issues with the python.org version of some Python release, specifically on Windows, installing instead the activepython version of the same release, from ActiveState, made the problems go away. So, in your shoes, the first thing I would try would be ActivePython (I don't think they have a 2.7 yet -- it's probably been around for too short a time yet -- but they definitely do have a 3.1).

EDIT: Versions 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4 have been added.

Answer 2

Run python setup program, change python 2x, choose to entirely remove tcl/tk, proceed, then run setup again, change python again, on the tcl\tk choose entire feature will be installed, proceed.

It worked for me.

Answer 3

Delete the .idlerc directory as suggested above, run the python installer again and choose repair. If needed associate the .py files with the python.exe executable in Python27 folder. This worked for me after removing python 3.7.

Answer 4

I too faced the same problem. But at last solved like this -->

Run Python\Lib\idlelib\idle.py as admin, i got the error that the file "recent-files.lst" can't be opened.

So go to your home folder, show hidden files, click on .idlerc and delete the file named "recent-files". Now IDLE is working...

Answer 5

Even I was facing same issue with my code, But It is resolved now. I was using 2.6 which was having old version of Xlrd, so I updated xlrd in 2.7 using pip and I opened my file with 2.7 and it works.

Answer 6

I ran into this weird situation also, and did a bit of troubleshooting. As a rigorous task, uninstalling, and re-installing the versions of python(2.6, 2.7, 3.1) and all my associated extensions and other site packages: in addition to the subsequent options that others have provided, that may have, or may not have, helped fix issues with the IDLE working properly. I found and error on my part, installing a 32 bit .msi on a 64 bit system causes a runtime .dll error with tkinter and therfore, causes IDLE to not start up properly, or not at all. Be mindful, and don't be a blind bat like me... :)