Cannot open desktop icons or create valid shortcuts


  1. Posts : 5
    win 10
       #1

    Cannot open desktop icons or create valid shortcuts


    Since the last win 10 update, my desktop Folder icons do not work right. When I left click I get this
    Cannot open desktop icons or create valid shortcuts-2clkicon.jpg

    when I right click I get this
    Cannot open desktop icons or create valid shortcuts-cmdrightclk.jpg
    The only way I can open a folder (such as Downloads) is to right click, then select open.

    I have tried creating new shortcuts and they do not work. Regular program shortcuts work fine.
    If I create a new short cut to a file, (ie a photo), I have to right click and select OPEN to view the file, then when I create a shortcut, it does not work unless I right click and select open.

    I restored system to earlier date and all is well. When restarting computer I get force fed update.
    Selecting NEW from context menu was not there. I fixed that. Why come I get cmd when I try to open a folder??

    All assistance will be gratefully appreciated.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 68,677
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello Chuck, and welcome to Ten Forums. :)

    If you like, download and merge the .reg file for the listed lnk item in OPTION TWO of the tutorial. It will restore the default associations and registry entries for shortcuts (LNK files) that hopefully fix this for you.

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/8...dows-10-a.html
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 5
    win 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I followed the instructions and all to no avail. I did find I could not open any folder anywhere on the computer with the usual left double click. I keep getting
    Cannot open desktop icons or create valid shortcuts-2clkicon.jpg.

    and the "cmd" is still the top word if I right click.

    any thoughts on what can cause this?

    Thanks
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 68,677
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #4

    Since this is happening with folders and not with shortcuts, download and merge the .reg files for the listed folder and directory items in the same tutorial instead. :)
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 5
    win 10
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Problems solved


    Something messed up my registry really bad, at any rate, thanks to your assistance, my system is now in working order. I did save almost all your .reg files in my utilities folder. The problem affected the desktop icons, no matter what they were. Even the shortcuts to the drives did not function.
    You should be elevated to Windows Saint Brink
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 68,677
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #6

    Great news.
      My Computers


 

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