Solved Odd folders in tree structure

[Ronin51]

I know this may be trivial, but I cannot figure out why I have a bunch of folders in my 'user' tree structure that look like shortcuts, but cannot be accessed.

I recently built a new computer and installed W7 64. I reinstalled my files partly from an external HD and partly from Mosy online. All my files appear fine and the normal folders are accessible. However, in the structure I also have a number of folders that have a small 'arrow' in the bottom left corner (like a shortcut). Some are one is a duplicate; I have a normal 'My Documents' folder and right below a My Documents folder with the arrow. The normal folder is fine and works. If I click on the 'arrow' folder I get an error message' 'C:\Users\GB\My Documents is not accessible' 'Access denied'. Again the regular folder works fine. (weird - while I was typing this I left the error message on and the folder with arrow started to be searched (little magnifying glass), when I closed the alert box the search ended and the arrow reappeared.

Some of the other 'arrow' folders are Application Data (the AppData file is normal), Cookies, Local Settings, My Documents, NetHood, PrintHood, Recent, SendTo, Start Menu, and Templates. Again I cannot access any of the arrow folders.

My most basic questions are what are these arrow folders and how did a get them. Secondarily, can I just delete them.

 

[logicearth]

They are Junctions, they are for broken applications. See the links in my signature.
But this is easy, go to Folder Options > View > check Hide protected operating system files, they are now gone.

 

[Ronin51]

Your directions worked. Thanks. One thing that might help others duffers; you have to update the folder window to see the changes. I know it sounds obvious, but I almost sent you a note saying 'hide protected operating system files' (hposf) didn't work.

I probably unchecked the hposf when I was making sure I could see hidden folders - without actually knowing what hposf did. Unchecking hposf also caused a couple of 'desktop.ini' icons to show up on my desktop. I found a post that said exactly what you suggested and I reactivated the hposf. The desktop.ini icons disappeared instantly. But, my folder window was still open. So the Junctions didn't change and I missed the connection. When I got your post and found the hposf was checked I was scratching my head. Then I closed and reopened the folder window - Junctions gone.

Thanks - duffers like me need to be told to refresh the windows sometimes.