Windows 10: File Explorer problem and "fix"

This isn't a question but a mysterious solution. I couldn't find a thread about this that wasn't already closed, so I'll enter it here for whatever it's worth.

I discovered today that File Explorer wouldn't open if clicking on the icon in the Taskbar but would if clicking the icon in the Start menu (it worked in Safe Mode though). I searched for solutions which included doing some things in the Command Prompt, but that wouldn't open either (that wouldn't even open in Safe Mode unless I chose the Command Prompt option). I tried a bunch of things, and then accidentally did something that worked.

Since the icon in the Start menu worked, I went about creating a shortcut to put on the desktop. That involved finding the location of File Explorer *in* File Explorer and copying the path to the clipboard, then right-clicking the desktop, choosing New, then clicking Shortcut. For some reason, Windows automatically named the shortcut "File Explorer (2)" even though there isn't another FE icon on the desktop. I clicked on it and FE opened. That was good. But not wanting to give up on the taskbar yet, I clicked on the icon there and FE opened! Then I tried the Command Prompt, and it worked too.

I have no clue why this action fixed it (apparently; time will tell whether it really did), but now I am going to create a System Restore point while things are working well (and I have to do that because Microsoft inexplicably doesn't inform users that the Restore points they've created get wiped out with updates; why don't they pop up a message about that to remind people?).

If nothing else works for you, try this mysterious "fix."

:)

 

Explorer Crash FIX!

Our old Dell Inspiron N5110 got this problem also.
Taskbar keeps refreshing. Thanks many hints from guys above pointed me the direction to fix it.
From Reliability History Monitor I found Explorer keeps crashing because of IDTNC64.CPL (type reliability history at Start)
1. the issue was from IDTNC64.cpl, the sound driver,
but I could not successfully to uninstall it from device manager nor control panel or rename the file or the folder.
2. uninstalled High Definition Audio Device few times, problem remain
3. tried to uninstall within Control Panel > Program file, yet Control Panel only open 2, 3 seconds then closed automatically.
4. finally solved Control Panel shut down problem by going to msconfig>services>and disable Windows Error Reporting Service. see below sequence:
Click window + R keys, type msconfig, Enter to open msconfig, click Services Tag and look for Windows Error Reporting Service. Unchecked it, then apply, ok then reboot system when it suggests.
5. After this, open Control Panel by clicking Start > type Control Panel. Then my Control Panel open and stay put, won't shut down by itself.
6. In Control Panel > Programs > I found IDT Audio and successfully to uninstall it.
7. No more taskbar refresh or Windows Explore shut down after uninstalled IDT and Sound still works great!!!
8. repeat step 4 to check Windows Error Reporting Services by clicking it. OK then follow system suggestion to reboot.
9. Control Panel still able to open and remain open. Sound still works and no more refresh.
10. From Reliability History monitor found no more Windows Explorer crashing.
I am happy and hope above steps help

 

"This file can't be previewed" problem in explorer

Hi Deborah,

For us to provide an accurate resolution, kindly elaborate the issue by answering the questions listed below:

• Since when have you been experiencing this issue?
• Were there any changes on your PC before this happened like software or updates installed?

For initial troubleshooting, we suggest that you follow the steps listed below:

• Open File Explorer.
• Access this link
  
  C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
• Delete all the files.
• After deleting the files kindly try and see if there's a thumbnail preview of your files.

We're looking forward to your response.

 

File explorer icon from taskbar dissappears while working on it

Hi,

To assist you with your concern, we suggest you pin the File Explorer from the Start Menu by following these steps:

• Click the Start Menu.
• Right-click File Explorer.
• Choose Pin to taskbar.

If you need further assistance, feel free to reply to this post.