A way to stop "broken shortcuts" from disappearing?

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  1. Xenoid
    Posts : 47
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
       New #1

    A way to stop "broken shortcuts" from disappearing?


    Hello!

    Recently, after I install a program update or new program, all my "broken shortcuts" in taskbar (shortcuts leading to disconnected drive) are removed. It all started with VirtualBox update, when I updated from 5.0.0 to 5.0.10 version, all my "broken shortcuts" got removed on last installation stage. I had to do system restore in order to restore them back. Reinstalling VirtualBox 5.0.0 didn't removed them, so it started to happen somewhere between these version. And now I wanted to update LibreOffice to the latest version and again, on last installation stage all my "broken shortcuts" got wiped out. Both of them use "Windows Installer", so I am quite sure, it has to do with one of the changes to it and it calls for "clean broken shortcuts". For particular reason, the disconnected drive in question cannot be connected to this computer at the moment.
    If there is a way to stop that, I would appreciate any help.
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  3. RolandJS
    Posts : 2,774
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
       New #2

    With the same problem, I had to make a work-around: I created a folder called zDsktp, all the shortcuts from desktop are copied into that folder. Desktop with folders loaded with shortcuts the world over are copied into zDsktp, i.e. geekNtech folder as is copied into zDsktop folder, which reside on data logical drive [partition] D.
    And, those copied desktop shortcuts and desktop folders go into zDsktp's ZIP file, each computer has its own zip file.
    Bimonthly backups of OS C and data D keep zippies pretty safe. Why zip files: some disk cleaners are very good at sniffing out "broken shortcuts" regardless of being on C or D. Don't password zip files, not worth the hassle.
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  4. Brink
    Posts : 72,046
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       New #3

    Hello Xenoid, :)

    This would be a feature of System Maintenance Troubleshooter. Turning it off should stop this for you.

    System Maintenance Troubleshooter - Turn On or Off
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  6. Xenoid
    Posts : 47
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    Brink said:
    Hello Xenoid, :)

    This would be a feature of System Maintenance Troubleshooter. Turning it off should stop this for you.

    System Maintenance Troubleshooter - Turn On or Off
    Hello, Brink!

    Thank you for the reply!
    I did the following:
    1) turned off System Maintenance Troubleshooter using the guide you provided
    2) restarted computer (just in case)
    3) verified, that System Maintenance Troubleshooter is turned off
    4) started the installation of LibreOffice
    5) my "broken shortcuts" were removed from taskbar during the "Removing files" phase

    Unfortunately, the solution didn't help me. Thanks anyway!
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  7. RolandJS
    Posts : 2,774
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
       New #5

    ...and let's try my idea :)
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  8. Xenoid
    Posts : 47
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       New #6

    RolandJS said:
    ...and let's try my idea :)
    Hello, RolandJS!

    Sorry, I didn't start with your solution, Brink's solution looked more easy and professional
    Anyway, I did the following:
    1) made screenshot of my taskbar to have shortcut position backup
    2) made a copy of "C:\Users\<USER NAME>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar" folder
    3) started LibreOffice installation and "broken shortcuts" got removed
    4) restarted the computer
    5) went back to "TaskBar" folder and all shortcuts were there, but they were missing from taskbar itself
    6) did system restore

    Unfortunately, it didn't help either. Thanks for the help anyway!
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  10. RolandJS
    Posts : 2,774
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
       New #7

    That taskbar folder is not always completely "honest," or accurate with current taskbar placements. Some of my thingies have served me well since Windows for Workgroups 3.11, but, hey, do what you believe is best. :)
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  11. Brink
    Posts : 72,046
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       New #8

    Xenoid,

    Did the shortcuts get broken due to a drive letter change? If so, changing the drive letter back to what it was should sort it.
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  12. Xenoid
    Posts : 47
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       New #9

    Brink said:
    Xenoid,

    Did the shortcuts get broken due to a drive letter change? If so, changing the drive letter back to what it was should sort it.
    No, the drive is physically disconnected and used in another computer, I am unable to connect it right now. And this happens not with all installations, just with most recent ones, which use "Windows Installer".
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  13. Brink
    Posts : 72,046
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       New #10

    Unless they were deleted, the shortcuts should return when the drive is connected again.

    I'm not sure it's possible to stop them from being hidden when the source is disconnected.
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