Help - Explorer Window Closes ...

[MilesAhead]

... If you mean this problem we are on then I don't understand.

Yes, the problem as per OP.

So as it stands now the only thing that happens is you get the error dialog? I'm lost. If Explorer windows are "restored" it sounds like they don't close so...

 

[MourningStar]

I'm lost. If Explorer windows are "restored" it sounds like they don't close so...

I seem to have confused you when I mentioned the mod I did regarding the explorer title-bar. I undid the mod and 'restored' the explorer windows to default display. I apologize for my presumption that the mod 'may' have had some effect to this issue. It turns out it did not and confused you in the process. All is still as per the OP at present.

 

[MilesAhead]

OK. Thanks for the clarification.

I would look for stuff here:
HKCR\Directory\background\shell\cmd

You could use ShellExView to disable one at a time to see if the error disappears. My feeling is that it's a shell background context menu command that's a runaway.

 

[Callender]

Agree

OK. Thanks for the clarification.

I would look for stuff here:
HKCR\Directory\background\shell\cmd

You could use ShellExView to disable one at a time to see if the error disappears. My feeling is that it's a shell background context menu command that's a runaway.

I'd use ShellExView for x64: ShellExView - Shell Extension Manager For Windows and check any non MS items. Also if you see any software in the list that you no longer use - unistall it. It wouldn't hurt to check for updates for anything else!

 

[MilesAhead]

OK. Thanks for the clarification.

I would look for stuff here:
HKCR\Directory\background\shell\cmd

You could use ShellExView to disable one at a time to see if the error disappears. My feeling is that it's a shell background context menu command that's a runaway.

I'd use ShellExView for x64: ShellExView - Shell Extension Manager For Windows and check any non MS items. Also if you see any software in the list that you no longer use - unistall it. It wouldn't hurt to check for updates for anything else!

I think the first location should be the area of the folder blank spot right click since it's so touchy about the explorer background. There should only be about 1/2 dozen entries. If no joy then I'd branch out to the other handlers.

 

[Callender]

ShellExView

Go with MilesAhead's advice! I only got involved with this thread as I thought there was a good chance that I knew of the tweak that you'd made. I might pop back if I can think of anything useful!

 

[MourningStar]

I am afraid that the techno-speak in the last 3 posts is above my pay-grade. I will need a step-by-step (in noob-speak with pics, animations, etc. ). I presume the first step is to d/l & install shellexview from that link?

 

[MilesAhead]

I am afraid that the techno-speak in the last 3 posts is above my pay-grade. I will need a step-by-step (in noob-speak with pics, animations, etc. ). I presume the first step is to d/l & install shellexview from that link?

Yes. Next step, press Winkey r and type
regedit

press control f
select all chech marks
paste HKCR\Directory\background\shell\cmd

for the search string.
See what programs are listed. You can try those first. It may save you going through all the context menu handlers. It may not. But it should be a very short list and therefore worth a try.

 

[MourningStar]

... See what programs are listed. ... But it should be a very short list and therefore worth a try.

Nothing listed.

 

[MilesAhead]

... See what programs are listed. ... But it should be a very short list and therefore worth a try.

Nothing listed.

I ran my W7 in VM and it showed the same as W8

 

[MourningStar]

... See what programs are listed. ... But it should be a very short list and therefore worth a try.

Nothing listed.

I ran my W7 in VM and it showed the same as W8



View attachment 329716

I don't understand this response.

 

[MilesAhead]

Nothing listed.

I ran my W7 in VM and it showed the same as W8



View attachment 329716

I don't understand this response.

You said that registry key was empty on your system. It should have an entry for default as shown in the screen shot.

The key I;m referring to is:
HKCR\Directory\background\shell\cmd

 

[MourningStar]

You said that registry key was empty on your system. It should have an entry for default as shown in the screen shot. ...

ah, ok - yes, it is empty, this was the result of the search, as prescribed.

 

[MilesAhead]

I would try adding that default value as in the screen shot. It shouldn't hurt anything.

 

[MourningStar]

I would try adding that default value as in the screen shot. It shouldn't hurt anything.

How do I do that?

 

[MilesAhead]

How to Use Regedit: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow

 

[MourningStar]

attached is an image of the regedit search results from your earlier instructions. I have visited the how-to link you provided. I have made a backup of the registry. I have the regedit window open. What should I do next?

 

[MilesAhead]

I can't see anything in that screen shot. The link provided is step by step how to use RegEdit. I don't see how me rewriting it is beneficial. If that page doesn't explain it well enough my suggestion would be to search until one appears more to your liking.

Edit: Perhaps this will make is easier:
http://superuser.com/questions/115854/open-registry-directly-to-a-given-key

 

[MourningStar]

ok - thx.

 

[Callender]

Something to try

I wonder if you get the same issue if you try an alternative to windows file explorer?

If you're interested try downloading this: https://explorerplusplus.com/

It's portable so it doesn't require installation. Just run explorer++ and browse to a photo then try to open the photo. Does it work?



This is just out of interest. I'd suggest that you don't choose the option to replace explorer if you manage to find it!

Tip: You can just delete the Explorer++ folder to remove the program.