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Windows 7 Windows Fax and Scan does not open.

Anonymous
2010-01-08T04:41:52+00:00

Message: Windows Fax and Scan cannot run as if cannot access your documents folder.  How do I fix this.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Apps

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2010-01-09T03:24:18+00:00

Hi djblake,

This behavior occurs if:

• You've relocated the Documents folder to a network or removable drive earlier, and the path is currently unreachable. (OR)

•  The Documents folder is pointing to a Root folder of a fixed drive (example, D:)

If you’ve relocated the Documents folder to a network or removable drive earlier, and the path is currently unreachable, follow the steps mentioned below to fix the issue:

This happens if the corresponding shell folder was relocated earlier and is pointing to an invalid location. For instance, if an user relocates the Documents folder to a removable hard drive and then disconnects the removable hard drive at a later stage, this problem is seen. If you wish to reset the shell folder paths to the default location, use the following steps:

  1. Click Start, type regedit.exe and press ENTER
  2. Navigate to the following location:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ User Shell Folders

  1. Double-click the registry value associated with the shell folder.
  2. Set its value data accordingly.

   For example, to reset the Documents folder path, double-click Personal and set its data to %USERPROFILE%\Documents

Importantly, make sure that the Value type is REG_EXPAND_SZ, as we're using an expandable string (%userprofile%) in the Value data. If the value is already set as REG_SZ, delete it and create a new value of the correct type.

  1. Exit the Registry Editor.

Registry Disclaimer:

Important The above section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

How to back up and restore the registry in Windows**http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756**

If the Documents folder is pointing to a Root folder of a fixed drive (example, D:), follow the steps mentioned below:

Revert the Documents folder to its original location, or relocate it to a folder which is at least one level deep from the Root folder (Example: D:\Documents, or D:\Users\Documents etc). To do so, follow these steps:

    * Create the destination folder first

    * Click the Start button

    * Right-click Documents, and choose Properties

    * Select the Location tab

    * Click Move and select the target folder

    * Click Apply

    * Click Yes when you're prompted to move the files to new location

    * Click OK

Hope this helps!

Regards,

Gokul - Microsoft Support

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-08-07T21:53:01+00:00

    This worked.

    THANK YOU

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-04-26T14:34:39+00:00

    I have exactly the same issue. but i got old HP1220 prenter/scanner but its also says you should use windows fax and scan but same deal, I am on network and cannot change registry info. FAx and scan software fails to open with the usual statement that it cannot find the documents folder. I can create a fake one, but that makes no diffference, I also disabled the fax and scan feature from Windows and then -re-enabled. It made no difference. i think this windows feature needs a re-think for us network based folk so it does not trot off to find a directory that you cannot specify and then just falls over when its not there. Bit rubbish actually..  anyone any ideas on this????

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-04-17T16:44:58+00:00

    I am not permitted to change regedit on my work PC which is on a network and the Documents folder must remain where it is.  I need to use the Scan software in Windows with my HP Color Laserjet 2840.  Is there another solution so I can use the scanning capabilities; I do not need the faxing capabilities.  HP's help on this issue is to use the Fax/Scan software that comes with Windows Operating system.  Thanks, Karen

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-06-24T14:36:06+00:00

    Windows Fax and Scan does not open. Using Windows 7 Ultimate. It used to work and I was able to send a fax using modem and telephone line.

    Click Start / All Programs / Windows Fax and Scan. Little circle (hourglass) spins for a few seconds then nothing happens.

    From any document. Click Print / Move drop down to Fax / Click Print. Nothing happens

    Tried removing the printer and uninstalling printer driver.

    Tried uninstalling and reinstalling Windows Fax and Scan as follows:

    Go to "Turn Windows features on or off", "Print and Document Services" uncheck "Windows Fax and Scan" then check OK to uninstall. Reverse procedure to reinstall.

    Looked at regedit.exe stuff see Personal  REG_EXPAND_SZ  %USERPROFILE%\DocumentsHow to make Windows Fax and Scan open?

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