Error - Failed to expand shell folder constant "userappdata" when try to install software.

Question

Original Title: Failed to expand shell folder constant "userappdata"

while instaling software this error massane is showing Internal error: Failed to expand shell folder constant "userappdata"

operating system window7

Answer 1

Hello Esh,

Have you already attempted all of the troubleshooting in Debleena's post?

If so, I would suggest creating a new thread on this issue to better get the attention of the community:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows\_programs

Answer 2

Hi, Shashikala 

Well i am having the same problem. It would be a great help if you could help me to.

1. i am trying to install wondershare
2. nop not yet
3. yes i used the following steps

Click on “Start-Run, type “regedit” (without the quotes) 

Navigate to this registry path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER --> Software --> Microsoft --> Windows --> Current Version --> Explorer --> User Shell Folders

Clear the key: Recent (right mouse click on the key/folder, choose “Delete”) 

Close the Registry Editor and restart the computer.

If this fails to correct your problem, the question is - how long has this been a problem?  If it has just recently surfaced, you might try a System Restore to a point in time before the problem started. Here are the steps:

The System Restore tool

If the issue that you are experiencing started occurring recently, you can use the System Restore tool. By using this tool, you can restore the computer to an earlier point in time. Using the System Restore tool may not necessarily help you determine the issue. When you use System Restore to restore the computer to a previous state, programs and updates that you installed are removed.

To restore the operating system to an earlier point in time, follow these steps:

1.     Click Start, type system restore in the Start Search box, and then click System Restore in thePrograms list. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type your password or click Continue.

2.     In the System Restore dialog box, click Choose a different restore point, and then click Next.

3.     In the list of restore points, click a restore point that was created before you began to experience the issue, and then click Next.

4.     Click Finish.

The computer restarts, and the system files and settings are returned to the state that they were in at the time that the restore point was created.

Answer 3

Hi Shashikanta,

1.        Which application are you trying to install?

2.        Do you receive this error message for any particular application or all?

3.        Did you make any software or hardware changes on the computer prior to this issue?

You may follow the steps suggested by ‘Dave_D Support Engineer’ on 10 June 2009 in this link.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_vista-security/internal-error-failed-to-expand-shell-folder/469b0600-9c3c-4e96-98e0-b4342c40df2c

Note: The operating system mentioned in the link is Windows Vista however it holds good for Windows 7 as well.

Hope the information helps.

Please post back and let us know.