Windows 7: Lost abilty to open files with windows explorer

Something weird is going on..no malware or virus according to ESET and Malwarebytes.

Windows 7- I have lost the ability to open 'vanilla' file folders with explorer I have also lost the ability to search in the start box..this was posted but was not resolved although thread show it was....anyone any ideas

I seem to have my posts solved as I post them..the last two have been designated as solved but in fact they were not and one, the last one was only up as a post an hour and then designated as solved without any response at all....help please .. Brink?

Within that thread you said thank you and didn't ask for further assistance until hours later (after it was marked solved).

I'm sure you'll get the help you need in this thread if you just wait a little. I'll try and help you out and I'm sure others will respond. Let me look into your issue and I'll be back

Did you run this: SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

Not sure what you mean by 'vanilla' file folders. Could you be more specific? A screenshot would be helpful also.

As for your Start menu search issues, have you checked to see if the index is running or complete, or is it paused or stopped? You can check via Control Panel/Indexing Options, as per the screenshot (note the red dots):



I would advise starting a new thread with the resulting info so that we can focus on the Explorer issue here.

James

Thanks for the response...I was saying thank you to 'Joules'..on on doing what he suggested it was set correctly as he dictated...which left me back to square one..

I still can not use the search facility in the start box...that's a more accurate description of what happening and my screen shot give the message as I posted.. If I say say type in regedit I get a plain white screen panle with programs and documents only in the panel ..if I then click on any one of them I get the screen I posted..

I did check that issue earlier today all was fine.....when I just checked it it tell me index is not running..I went to advanced and checked rebuild and will wait..


EDIT: Amazing..after typing the message just above I went back to indexing and it was back on..with start menu and user as files shown..nothing else...I selected start and then advanced and rebuild..will wait

Also make sure Windows Search service is running and set to Automatic.

Click on the Start button, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Services.
Locate the Windows Search service, and double click on it.
On the General tab locate Startup type: and select Automatic.
Click Apply then the Start button and then the OK button.

Ignore this if those are the current settings.

Thank you Ztruker

I have the setting as you and Joules suggested..

Artinusa,

Are you able to open folders in Windows Explorer yet?