Quick Access Menu Resets to Defaults After Restart

Hi Greg,

Thanks for trying to help but I spent 40 minutes going through the first half of that checklist and have already wasted at least an hour trying to research this issue.

I restarted my computer and I'm not getting that "you don't have access" warning anymore, so I think I'll just deal with the 20 second inconvenience each time I restart. 

I can't believe that no one else is experiencing this glitch and that there's no easy solution.  It seems like it would just be a simple settings change. 

I'm a bit disturbed that my brand-new computer would be "corrupt" and that brand new computers would need to be wiped clean and have hours of work done on them to be functional and trustworthy.  Pretty disappointing.

If you ever find out an answer to what might cause this that doesn't involve hours of work, please let me know!  But as it is I'm feeling like I'm much better off just resetting my Quick Access menu once every few days.

1a. When (approx. date) did you purchase the HP computer?

about 2 months ago

1b. Where or from whom did you purchase the HP computer?

Best Buy

1c. Was the computer sold to you as a brand-new, never-been-used-by-anyone-else computer or as a used (refurbished) computer?

Brand New

2. Did the computer come with Win10 preinstalled, did you do a clean install of Win10, or did you upgrade a Win7 computer or a Win8.1 computer [<=PICK ONE!] to Win10? 

Win10 preinstalled

3. Has a Norton application or a McAfee application EVER been installed on the computer since you bought it? 

Yes, it came with both on it.  Both have been uninstalled

4. Have you ever run the Norton Removal Tool and/or the McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool? 

I assume that was what the Control Panel used when I uninstalled them both but I'm not sure specifically. 

5. What Version & OS Build of Windows 10 is currently installed?   

Version 1709 (OS Build 16299.19)

6. Are you in the habit of using "registry cleaners"? 

I'm using Webroot Secure Anywhere which runs a "system optimizer" which does go through "registry entities".

Hi Greg,

At first, this seemed to have worked...  Now though, my Quick Access is totally unusable and contains nothing (This folder is empty). 

If I drag a folder to it, it just gives me a red circle with a line through it.  If I right click on Quick Access, with a folder highlighted, and select "Pin this folder to Quick Access" I now get an error from explorer.EXE and says "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file.  You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item".

I went back in to the settings you suggested and changed it back.  This too seems to have made no difference in the new issue I'm having.

I'm Greg, a volunteer and 8 year Windows MVP here to help you.

You can change the default view from Quick Access. Open File Explorer, click on View tab, then Options, then Change Folder and Search options. At top of General tab change the drop down to Open File Explorer to This PC, Apply and Save.

If any further problems go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

But remember that Factory or Upgrade installs are inferior installs which most enthusiasts won't even run because they'd expect endless issues. Consider doing the Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible install that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

There is also an automated Refresh that reinstall WIndows but sheds corrupting factory bloatware, saving your files, but doesn't clear the drive to get it cleanest: https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.