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Windows 7 favorites folder will not expand

Anonymous
2010-02-17T00:19:37+00:00

I have a new version of Windows 7 that came installed on a new machine. I am experiencing a strange bug. It's a problem with the Expand function under Navigation Pane's Favorites folder. Favorites folder "Expand" is greyed out.

Other folders like Libraries and Computer expand function is OK, only have problems with Explorer's Favorites folder.

Right clicking on Favorites and click "Restore favorite links" restores the clickable small triangle at the front of the line/row, and also restores the "Expand" title in black bold, but bothing else: the expand function still doesn't work when I click the small triangle, and after just one click the Expand line is greyed out again. There is no "Collapse" function at all, only "Expand".

Left click and open the Favorites folder all the links/shortcuts are still there and working, I just want to reach them as the Navigation Pane's Favorites folder expand list...

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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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  1. Anonymous
    2010-04-29T09:12:30+00:00

    Hi thwilsonjr and Tommyvin,

    Create a New User Account and check if the issue persists even in the new user account.

    Log on to the computer and create a new profile.

    To Create a user account

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/Windows7/Create-a-user-account

    If the issue is resolved you may have to fix the corrupted User Account. Follow the steps from the link to fix the corrupted user account.

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/Windows7/Fix-a-corrupted-user-profile

    Azeez Nadeem - Microsoft Support

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-01-17T15:33:59+00:00

    Hey thwilsonjr hi,

     I faced the same bug here, I guess you removed the shortcut arrow by changing registry file. I did the same (removed by changing registry for removing shortcut icon)and therefore faced unexpected result. I didn't really recognized what's the real problem.

    Do some simple steps:

    • Open regedit (start > Run > regedit)
    • Navigate to and highlight “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile”
    • Right click on the right hand pane and select “New” > “String Value”
    • Name the new value “IsShortcut” (without the quotes)

    I found the solution on http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/147638-favorite-links-empty.html.

    I Googled many way but didn't find any solution previously, And when I came across this post,

    You explained your question clearly. And I used your terms to Google, And that helped me, Thanks a lot. :)

    And obviously the answer given by forum moderator is like hammering on computer in my perspective using new user account is hectic way. who really like to remove personal settings and browser data.(I don't care about browser data because I use chrome).

    Anyway thanks. :)

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-03-07T17:21:11+00:00

    The scan process did not find any integrity problems. I also got a subsequent suggestion that also failed to correct the issue. I made the registry change and the favorites folder will still not expand.

    The suggestion was:

    Another user, Azeez N, has replied to a thread you have subscribed to in the Files, Folders, and Search Forum.

    Thread Title Windows 7 favorites folder will not expand

    Started by: thwilsonjr

    Reply:

    Hi thwilsonjr,

    Perform the steps given below and check if that helps.

    1. Open the Start Menu.
    2. In the white line (Start Search) area, type regedit and press Enter.
    3. Click on Continue in the UAC prompt.
    4. In regedit, go to:

    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile

    NOTE: The first letter of lnkfile is a L.

    1. In the right pane, right click on a empty area and click on New and String Value.
    2. Type IsShortcut and press Enter.
    3. Close regedit.
    4. Logoff and logon, or restart the computer to apply the changes.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2010-03-31T19:53:31+00:00

    This tinkering around with the registry didn't solve the problem. Is there anything else I can do or will I just have to live with the problem?

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-02-18T00:25:33+00:00

    Hi thwilsonjr,

    Perform the step given below and check if that helps.

    I would suggest you to try SFC scan. Follow the steps to perform a SFC scan.

    1. Click the Start button
    2. From the Start Menu, Click All programs followed by Accessories
    3. In the Accessories menu, Right Click on the Command Prompt option
    4. From the drop down menu that appears, Click on the 'Run as administrator' option
    5. If you have the User Account Control (UAC) enabled, you will be asked for authorization prior to the command prompt opening. You may simply need to press the Continue button if you are the administrator or insert the administrator password etc.
    6. In the Command Prompt window, type: sfc /scannow and then press Enter
    7. A message will appear stating that 'The system scan will begin'
    8. Be patient because the scan may take some time
    9. If any files require replacing SFC will replace them. You may be asked to insert your Vista DVD for this process to continue
    10. If everything is okay you should, after the scan, see the following message "Windows resource protection did not find any integrity violations"
    11. After the scan has completed, close the command prompt window, restart the computer and check.

    SFC scan : http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/929833

    Post back with the status

    Azeez Nadeem - Microsoft Support

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