Cannot open any files in file explorer

Question

Hello, recently my file explorer has stopped working, whenever I try to open anything in the file explorer, on my C: or D: drives, it just shows the following error:

how can I fix this?

Answer 1

The configuration looks correct with no failures flagged.

If the fixes to restart Explorer and roll back before the problem started with System Restore do not help, then you can 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...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

If nothing else helps you can run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows in about an hour while saving your files, apps and most settings, solves many problems while also bringing it up to the latest version 1809 which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

But I would be concerned about possible drive failure so if they are not properly backed up first copy out your files to USB using this method to rescue them: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Then once files are safe I would also Test the hard drive with diagnostics: https://www.lifewire.com/free-hard-drive-testin.... Best is Seatools bootable Long Test which works on all models:

http://blog.nowherelan.com/2013/04/04/boot-seat....

https://www.seagate.com/manuals/software/seatoo...

Follow that up with a full Disk Check, from the Command Prompt if necessary: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/check-hard-dri...

If the drive has failed I'd replace it with an SSD which is the best Upgrade one can have - lightning fast, faster than a new higher-end PC without one, especially if you do the gold standard Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible install which will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given, has zero reported problems, and is better than any amount of money could buy: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

If the drive passes both tests then at any time you can also cut your losses and reinstall. Make sure during the booted install to follow the illustrated steps to delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, then click Next to let it auto-create the needed partitions, format them and begin install - this makes it foolproof. You will get and keep the best possible install to the exact extent you stick with the steps, tools and methods in the linked tutorial.