Lnk files in start menu are blank.

[Chio]

I've read other solutions on this forum, like this one:

https://www.google.com/url?q=http:/...ds-cse&usg=AFQjCNEB_A69a8b6tKo2av-NDG12nndVvQ

but it didn't work for me which is the only reason I'm asking for help. I've even deleted the .lnk sub folder (I've backed up my registry before deleting) in the HKey_Classes_Root folder and then merging the .lnk registry file posted in the link above. I've also tried the Rebuild Icon batch (which was also posted on this forum) and none these solutions fixed it.

The exact problem is that it doesn't launch the program when I click on it. Nothing happens. (Attached picture)

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[lehnerus2000]

Have you scanned your PC for malware/viruses?


Check the "Target:" in the shortcut properties (right click on the shortcut and choose "Properties")

The "Target:" for "Default Programs" should be:

%windir%\system32\control.exe /name Microsoft.DefaultPrograms

​

The "Target:" for "Windows Update" should be:

%windir%\system32\wuapp.exe startmenu
​

 

[Chio]

This is all it shows for both shortcuts.

I don't doubt it'll be mal-ware but I highly doubt since I was trying to fix some settings for my Windows Firewall and Defender so the game I was playing wouldn't have any problems. In the process, I disabled all services (at one point and re-enabled all) and I think that's when it caused all sorts of different problems.

 

[NoN]

This is all it shows for both shortcuts.

I don't doubt it'll be mal-ware but I highly doubt since I was trying to fix some settings for my Windows Firewall and Defender so the game I was playing wouldn't have any problems. In the process, I disabled all services (at one point and re-enabled all) and I think that's when it caused all sorts of different problems.

Try this little .reg file to repair registry.

Download & Unzip the folder, inside the folder right click the .reg =>properties=>unblock=>exit.

Right click again on the .reg then "Merge".
If prompt command, accept. Log off - Log on or reboot to see if it has repair LNK shorcuts.

If you're also using Java update 7, could be good at least to clean the cache.

 

[Chio]

This is all it shows for both shortcuts.

I don't doubt it'll be mal-ware but I highly doubt since I was trying to fix some settings for my Windows Firewall and Defender so the game I was playing wouldn't have any problems. In the process, I disabled all services (at one point and re-enabled all) and I think that's when it caused all sorts of different problems.

Try this little .reg file to repair registry.

I've tried that before, didn't work unfortunately.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Weird

That is what you see when you right click on the "Start Menu" shortcut and select "Properties"?

This is what mine looks like.

​

Have you made sure that your machine is free of malware/viruses?

If you disabled your Firewall and then used the Internet to play games, something could have got in.
A lot of modern malware disables "Windows Update".

Once you have scanned your PC, try using the System File Checker.

Open the "Command Prompt" and execute:

sfc /scannow
​

Tutorial:
SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

 

[NoN]

This is all it shows for both shortcuts.

I don't doubt it'll be mal-ware but I highly doubt since I was trying to fix some settings for my Windows Firewall and Defender so the game I was playing wouldn't have any problems. In the process, I disabled all services (at one point and re-enabled all) and I think that's when it caused all sorts of different problems.

Try this little .reg file to repair registry.

I've tried that before, didn't work unfortunately.

OOps! didn't saw the link.

What's about java cache. It had happen to me once and cleaning did the trick.

 

[Chio]

That is what you see when you right click on the "Start Menu" shortcut and select "Properties"?

This is what mine looks like.

View attachment 233811

​

Have you made sure that your machine is free of malware/viruses?

If you disabled your Firewall and then used the Internet to play games, something could have got in.
A lot of modern malware disables "Windows Update".

Once you have scanned your PC, try using the System File Checker.

Open the "Command Prompt" and execute:

sfc /scannow
​

Tutorial:
SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

Unfortunately, that "Shortcut" tab isn't available for the two programs I high-lighted (Default Programs and Windows Update) in my first attachment. What I see is the second picture I attached.

As of now, I'm using the sfc /scannow command.

 

[Chio]

The scan finished and says it did not find any integrity violation.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Do those programs still run from the "Control Panel"?

If so, make new shortcuts.

 

[Chio]

Do those programs still run from the "Control Panel"?

If so, make new shortcuts.

They still work from the Control Panel. It just stumps me why this error is difficult to fix.

 

[Chio]

I found this alternate solution:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...rams-windows-7-restore-default-shortcuts.html

and it fixed the shortcut problem. I guess the two old shortcut was corrupted or something and couldn't be repaired. The only way was to replace them.

Thanks everyone for contributing to this thread!

 

[lehnerus2000]

Thanks for highlighting the solution that fixed your problem.