Windows Explorer Doesn't Like Folder Names


  1. Roo
    Posts : 8
    Windows 7, 64 bit
       #1

    Windows Explorer Doesn't Like Folder Names


    I'm stumped. A certain folder or directory fails to display its contents. The scroll bar just blinks over and over like it's trying to update.

    Here's the weird stuff:

    1. When I rename the folder or upstream folders, the problem goes away for a while but eventually the problem returns.

    2. When I copy the folder to another location, the problems doesn't come up (yet).

    3. I have no problem looking at the folder through the Command Prompt Window.

    4. Scanning the hard drive turns up no problems.

    5. Defragmenting the hard drive has no effect.

    6. Does not seem to be a virus issue.

    I guess I could go on re-naming the folder or upstream folders occasionally, but I'd like to figure out what the heck is going on before it becomes worse.

    Thanks in advance for any advice.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 2,009
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86
       #2

    That looks to me like a rights issue. Did you change any rights from System files/folders or anything in that area?

    Give an example, in what path it doesn't work and where to do you copy it so it'll work again, please

    -DG
      My Computer


  3. Roo
    Posts : 8
    Windows 7, 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    SledgeDG said:
    That looks to me like a rights issue. Did you change any rights from System files/folders or anything in that area?

    Give an example, in what path it doesn't work and where to do you copy it so it'll work again, please

    -DG
    I haven't been messing with any rights issue. I'll have to investigate what that is.

    To answer your other question:

    Problem location:
    C:\web files\problem directory

    Non-Problem location:
    C:\data\backuplocation\problem directory

    Edit: I should mention that I have the same problem when I log in as another user-administrator.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 2,009
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86
       #4

    I just wanted to see if any special directories were involved (like the ones where the system usually has all rights on) but that seems not to be the case. Indifferent patterns like this can be caused if one takes over (away) rights from system programs/services.
    Are all your drives formatted as NTFS? If not, try to move one folder in question to a FAT32 Drive and then move it back to its original place that should take care of any rights issue.
    To make sure, explorer itself is ok please run this (in some cases it takes 3 or more subsequent runs)

    SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

    If that doesn't help my next option would be checking for malware for that purpose I suggest this one:

    Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware: Malwarebytes

    Have it update the scan strings and run a full scan...just in case. Since the free version is an "on demand" scanner it wouldn't interfere with any other AV solution you might have installed.

    -DG
      My Computer


  5. Roo
    Posts : 8
    Windows 7, 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks, Sledge, I will give these suggestions a try and see if anything comes up. :)
      My Computer


  6. Roo
    Posts : 8
    Windows 7, 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    SledgeDG said:
    .
    Are all your drives formatted as NTFS? If not, try to move one folder in question to a FAT32 Drive and then move it back to its original place that should take care of any rights issue.
    To make sure, explorer itself is ok please run this (in some cases it takes 3 or more subsequent runs)

    SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

    If that doesn't help my next option would be checking for malware for that purpose I suggest this one:

    Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware: Malwarebytes

    Have it update the scan strings and run a full scan...just in case. Since the free version is an "on demand" scanner it wouldn't interfere with any other AV solution you might have installed.

    -DG
    My drives are all NTSF. I gave your suggestions a try, and turned up nothing, unfortunately. At least this is eliminating stuff. This is proving to be a tough nut to crack.
      My Computer


  7. Roo
    Posts : 8
    Windows 7, 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Why did this solution work?


    I found something that worked, but I have no idea WHY it worked:

    In the problem folder, I clicked "View" then " Customize This Folder" then chose the "General" tab and then "Advanced". Then I unchecked the box "Allow files in this folder to have contents indexed in addition to file properties".

    Any ideas on why this should make any difference? Or should I just give up figuring out the why's and be happy with the result?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 2,009
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86
       #8

    That's an interesting approach. Even tho I don't have the slightest clue why indexing would change file availability or visibility for that matter. Since your system files are I.O. I would just deal with the way it's now. I personally have switched off indexing and use "Everything" If I have to search over all drives.
      My Computer


 

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