Explorer does not display files for C:\

[Ben Fidge]

Hi

A friend of mines PC is running ME and for some reason, when looking at the
root of C: drive in Explorer, the right hand pane does not display any icons
or file details. This is ONLY happening in the root of C: drive and the
contents of any sub-folders, suchas as c:\windows or c:\program files
displays ok.

When C:\ is selected in the left-hand tree-view, the status bar at the
bottom will display "58 objects" and if I press Ctrl + A, it'll say "58
items selected", so I know there are files there.

When viewing c:\ with a command prompt, "dir" will display all files as
expected.

I've tried changing the view in Explorer from Icons, List, Details etc but
this doesn't have any effect.

Is this known behaviour of any known virus?

I've heard that desktop.ini can be used to force Explorer to not display
files in a given folder but cannot find any documentation regarding this on
MSDN.

Any ideas gratefully received.

Ben

 

[Gabe]

Does it do this in safe mode aswell? it is odd that all other folders
display fine.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Tell your friend he should consider upgrading to
Windows XP Home Edition for a superior eXPerience.

Windows XP Upgrade Advisor
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307726

System Requirements for Windows XP Operating Systems
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=314865

HOW TO: Prepare to Upgrade Windows 98 or
Windows Millennium Edition to Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;316639

HOW TO: Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316941&Product=winxp
--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.mspx

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| Hi
|
| A friend of mines PC is running ME and for some reason, when looking at the
| root of C: drive in Explorer, the right hand pane does not display any icons
| or file details. This is ONLY happening in the root of C: drive and the
| contents of any sub-folders, suchas as c:\windows or c:\program files
| displays ok.
|
| When C:\ is selected in the left-hand tree-view, the status bar at the
| bottom will display "58 objects" and if I press Ctrl + A, it'll say "58
| items selected", so I know there are files there.
|
| When viewing c:\ with a command prompt, "dir" will display all files as
| expected.
|
| I've tried changing the view in Explorer from Icons, List, Details etc but
| this doesn't have any effect.
|
| Is this known behaviour of any known virus?
|
| I've heard that desktop.ini can be used to force Explorer to not display
| files in a given folder but cannot find any documentation regarding this on
| MSDN.
|
| Any ideas gratefully received.
|
| Ben

 

[Kevin Moore]

Are you saying there is no 'repair' option ??

--

Tell your friend he should consider upgrading to
Windows XP Home Edition for a superior eXPerience.

Windows XP Upgrade Advisor
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307726

System Requirements for Windows XP Operating Systems
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=314865

HOW TO: Prepare to Upgrade Windows 98 or
Windows Millennium Edition to Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;316639

HOW TO: Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316941&Product=winxp

 

[Mart]

Odd, that it's only affecting the C: root folder. Sounds like a possible
registry issue. Try Start | Run and type "scanreg /fix" (no quotes and note
the space between g and /) in the 'Open' box and then click OK.

N.B. - Even if this doesn't fix it, running scanreg /fix won't cause any
harm.

However, you *might* find that one or other of these two options helps.

Repairing IE (Add/Remove Programs) will almost always fix this Windows
Explorer.exe problem. See "Description of the Internet Explorer Repair Tool"
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;194177
and run "Repair" on Internet Explorer.

Or take a look at: "All Folders" Pane Missing or Windows Explorer Is Blank
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q192315

HTH

Mart