Re:because in windows broken security is a feature (Score 1)

If you haven't tried already, use a 32-bit version of Windows 7 or Windows 10. It's likely that "123.exe" is a 16-bit application. Alternatively, with Windows 7 you could use XP Mode; its integration feature allows you to create a desktop icon in the host OS. Downside to XP Mode is it's per-user set up and it isn't available in Windows 8 and later. Another option is DOSBOX.