Problem possibly with Windows Explorer though I am unsure.

[Stiophan]

Hi,


I have several problems with my Laptop. They are -

The 'Search Box' in 'Computer' doesn't work. When I type in a Search and press Enter, nothing happens...The 'Search Box' for other Folders works fine.

When I right-click on any Folder and click 'Restore previous versions', I am told, ' There are no previous versions available'. But I know there are Previous Versions available.

When I have made a search and I click 'Computer' under 'Search again in:', nothing happens.

BUT

When I try to do all of the above problems in the Window that appears through the 'Open'/'Save As' options in Microsoft Excel for example, it works, The Searches work and my Previous Versions appear but only though said 'Open'/'Save As' Window.


I have no idea how these problems could have started.

 

[file3456]

On its face I'm suspecting there are services that are not running or you have core Windows files corruption. That's just my preliminary assessment based on what I could gather from your description.


Lets try this first. Download the attached batch file (it's safe) and run it by double clicking on the batch file. It will (or should) create two files on your desktop named; ServicesListRunning.txt and ServicesList.txt

Take both of those text files and Zip them in a single Zip archive and upload that Zip archive here so that I can have a look. You should be able to right click and copy the Zip archive and then right click here inside the post box and paste. The Zip archive should automatically attach to your post. If not, use the Go Advanced button below the post box and use the Manage Attachments option.



View attachment reg export.bat

 

[Stiophan]

View attachment Desktop.zip

 

[file3456]

Okay, just chiming in here to let you know I briefly went through the logs you provided. Unfortunately, I'll have to go through them in more detail latter on tomorrow your time.


In the mean time three things stuck out right away that might be the vector to your issue. Now, this is going to be a broadsword approach to things, but it's really the only way to be sure and to rule it out. From the following list, and in chronological order, remove and/or investigate each software and reboot after each uninstall. Then see if the issue still persists. I'd apt for the use of Revo Uninstaller (they have a free version). Just make sure Revo Uninstaller creates a system restore point prior to software uninstall and you only delete registry keys directly related to the program. If you're not that computer savvy then it may be more about looking at the name given for the keys and comparing that to the name of the program being uninstalled. Probably not necessarily required to remove the left over registry keys, but it can... Sometimes Revo Uninstaller doesn't show all programs that can be removed. In which case just use Windows' built-in Add/Remove facility found in the Windows Control Panel.

1) Windows Live (Now a defunct piece of software).

2) Magic Desktop

3) Comodo

I'm thinking Magic Desktop could be the issue, but I'm not proof positive on that. If it is, I could offer alternative solutions and considerations.

 

[Stiophan]

No change after Uninstalling all three using Revo Uninstaller.

 

[file3456]

Okay, the one reason why you may not see a file that may have a version history to restore is because Volume Shadow Copy wasn't on. By default Volume Shadow Copy's service (VSS) is set to manual. Try changing it to automatic. To do so go to the Start orb and in Search enter services. In the Services list find Volume Shadow Copy. Double click and set to automatic (not delayed). Now over time you should see previous versions of files that can be restored.


The search ability under "My Computer" may not bet functioning correctly due to one of several possibilities. The first could be Windows corruption. Another could be due to some program and its DLLs or something messing around with things. That's why I thought perhaps Magic Desktop might have been the issue since it may mess around with Explorer. But I don't know since I've never used that software, but reading about it seems it may. Even after it was uninstalled there could be damage. But that's just a hypothesis at this point.

With that said, I'd like to see your event logs. As before run this batch file on your desktop. It'll generate two text files on the desktop named, application_log.txt & system_log.txt. Zip those two log files and upload here.

I'd like to get an idea of your running computing environment. For that run a Microsoft program called Autoruns. Wait till Autoruns scans everything and says "Ready." Then above in Autoruns click File and save the .arn file (or click the save icon). Zip that file as well and upload here. (You can put the .arn file in the same Zip file for the Event viewer logs).


To help see if there is any Windows corruption, go to the Start orb and in the search box enter cmd. Right click the command prompt and run as administrator. Now in command prompt enter sfc /scannow. Were there any reported errors? Anything get fixed?

A last resort is an in place reinstall.


View attachment Event_viewer_Application_and_System.bat

 

[kixtter]

Hello,

Open command prompt as admin and type this command

sfc /scannow


this should scan for corrupted files and it will resolve them, don't forget to restart the pc after it finishes.

let me know if the issue is resolved