(cross-post added to Vista General)
"Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:A597878C-5DB1-4089-9B67-6CA765196F56@microsoft.com...
> Thanks, Don. I guess it's a unique problem that hasn't come up anywhere
> before.


Other Vista users have reported problems with their desktop.ini files
but as long as you are seeing your Favorites menu (e.g. with Alt-a)
and Links bar I think that your symptom probably means something else.

Also, one thing I recently became aware of is that there are two instances
of file type Internet Shortcut in the File Types dialog, one for extension
(NONE) and one for extension .URL The only difference that I can see
is that the first one is blank for its Opens with: field. If they are different
and if you have IE using one while MS Word uses another that might account
for that one of your observations. However, I think it is more likely that
MS Word is just using the DDE command to get ieframe to open the
tab directly. BTW does MS Word also cause an iexplore.exe to be
launched if you don't have one already running?


FWIW what I would do is try to get some insight from ProcMon
for your two cases. In addition you could simulate what you expect
IE to be doing using the Run... dialog and trace that too.
E.g. open the Run... dialog with Win-R, paste the first part of
that Internet Shortcut Open action template into the Run... dialog

rundll32.exe ieframe.dll,OpenURL

leave a space and then paste on the name of the Favorite that you
want opened. (BTW looks like you have to do that in three
steps if you use a Favorites item's right-click Properties:
first the path, then the filename, then. append (type) .URL)
The template makes no provision for quotes, so don't use any.
Once the entire command is assembled, press Enter.
What happens?

FWIW I don't have Vista so I can't say whether this is still
a valid test there. I just proved it still works in XPsp2.


HTH

Robert Aldwinckle
---


Cross-posting to Vista General.
Complete discussion for the benefit of new readers here:

http://www.microsoft.com/communities...0-eaa8da3c84ce


>
> Looks like I'll just have to adapt to some other browser.
>
> I appreciate your efforts.
>
> --Joe
>
> "Don Varnau" wrote:
>
>> Sounds like the Data column wasn't visible in regedit. But, the data in that
>> key is correct.
>>
>> If you manage to delete or move the Favorites folder, in Vista, you will
>> probably have to reset the Integrity Level:
>> http://www.winhelponline.com/blogs/4...ows-Vista.html
>> http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/un...-to-favorites/
>>
>> Sorry, this sounds, to me, like a file association problem with Internet
>> Shortcut (URL) files, but I don't know what else to try.
>>
>> Don
>> [MS MVP- IE]
>>
>> "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:2EAF0E82-4A18-4DA9-B54C-B6B270A6C543@microsoft.com...
>> > My error. Please ignore my previous response. (I'm not sure if I can
>> > recall/delete it)
>> >
>> > Yes, "rundll32.exe ieframe.dll,OpenURL %l" is in the command (it only says
>> > "Default" in the right pane, but when I double-clicked it, it already had
>> > that value.
>>
>> > "Don Varnau" wrote:
>> >
>> > > Hi,
>> > > Run regedit and take a look at this registry key:
>> > >
>> > > [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\InternetShortcut\Shell\Open\Comm and]
>> > >
>> > > Is the String Value (Data column) in the right pane
>> > >
>> > > rundll32.exe ieframe.dll,OpenURL %l
>>
>> > > "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> > > news:6D485F51-B645-44AA-8757-5479A3EA1957@microsoft.com...
>> > > > Nope, still no joy. Problem persists in safe mode.
>> > > >
>> > > > I wonder what would happen if I just renamed the Favorites folder to
>> > > > something else and created a new one from scratch? Would IE track the
>> > > > renaming and just follow the links to the new spot (in other words, do
>> I
>> > > have
>> > > > to delete the folder altogether in order to test the theory?--guess I
>> > > could
>> > > > move it to a USB flas drive temporarily)
>> > > >
>> > > > I think I'll try that and try setting up as a new user on my PC.
>> > > >
>> > > > After that, I'll probably just give up and learn a new browser.
>>
>> > > > "Don Varnau" wrote:
>> > > >
>> > > > > SFC (System File Checker) is the closest you can get to
>> > > > > reinstalling/repairing IE7 in Vista.
>> > > > >
>> > > > > There is a test we haven't run... You should not use Safe Mode with
>> > > > > Networking any longer than necessary because security programs will
>> not
>> > > be
>> > > > > running.
>> > > > >
>> > > > > Startup in Safe Mode with Networking.
>> > > > > Start Vista in Safe Mode
>> > > > >
>> > >
>> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...904a11033.mspx
>> > > > > or
>> > > > > http://snipr.com/vistasafe
>> > > > > If the problem goes away, a program which didn't load in Safe mode
>> is
>> > > > > causing it.
>> > > > > You won't always be able to connect to the internet in Safe Mode
>> > > > > (DSL-PPPoE - for example) This article explains
>> > > > > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936214
>>
>> > > > > "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> > > > > news:FE27E073-6D16-4034-97A7-DB2E128CE671@microsoft.com...
>> > > > > > No joy. I followed those steps, but the condition remains. (I
>> was up
>> > > all
>> > > > > > night, uninstalling and reinstalling McAfee AV software as well,
>> > > hoping that
>> > > > > > might fix the problem.)
>> > > > > >
>> > > > > > I guess "resetting" IE7 is the best I can do under Vista? I see
>> no
>> > > way to
>> > > > > > uninstall it so I can reinstall from scratch.
>> > > > > >
>> > > > > > I am totally frustrated.
>>
>> > > > > > "Don Varnau" wrote:
>> > > > > >
>> > > > > > > Hi,
>> > > > > > > 1. With the warning that a reset will delete autocomplete data,
>> such
>> > > as
>> > > > > > > passwords and you will have to reinstall browser add-ons, use
>> the
>> > > Reset
>> > > > > > > button in Internet Options> Advanced.
>> > > > > > > What this will do:
>> > > > > > >
>> > >
>> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...fe1771033.mspx
>> > > > > > > If you don't have AutoComplete passwords recorded/backed up,
>> this
>> > > > > program
>> > > > > > > will allow you to extract and save them:
>> > > > > > > IE PassView- NirSoft:
>> > > > > > > http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/interne..._password.html
>> > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > 2. Generally not a good idea to use a Restore Point more that a
>> few
>> > > days
>> > > > > > > old, but if this is a very recent problem you might try a System
>> > > > > restore.
>> > > > > > > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936212/en-us
>> > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > 3. Same article, http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936212/en-us...
>> > > > > > > SFC (System File Checker) is worth a try.
>>
>> > > > > > > "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> > > > > > > news:0B082A25-6B55-478A-9917-2BC19B5F3322@microsoft.com...
>> > > > > > > > Thanks, Don.
>> > > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > > I followed your steps (IE was already the default, and .url
>> was
>> > > > > already
>> > > > > > > > associated with IE, but I redid them anyway), but it didn't
>> change
>> > > > > > > anything,
>> > > > > > > > so far as i can tell.
>> > > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > > For instance, I just set a favoriets link for this page--when
>> I
>> > > click it, I get:
>> > > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > > [DEFAULT]
>> > > > > > > >
>> > >
>> BASEURL=http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/list/en-us/default.a
>> > > > > > >
>> > > > >
>> > >
>> spx?pg=2&cat=en_us_28cca3eb-7037-4d4f-bde1-d8efee1f1420&lang=en&cr=us&guid=&
>> > > > > > > sloc=en-us&dg=microsoft.public.internetexplorer.general&fl tr=
>> > > > > > > > [InternetShortcut]
>> > > > > > > >
>> > >
>> URL=http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/list/en-us/default.aspx?
>> > > > > > >
>> > >
>> pg=2&cat=en_us_28cca3eb-7037-4d4f-bde1-d8efee1f1420&lang=en&cr=us&guid=&sloc
>> > > > > > > =en-us&dg=microsoft.public.internetexplorer.general&fl tr=
>> > > > > > > > IDList=
>> > > > > > > > IconFile=http://www.microsoft.com/favicon.ico
>> > > > > > > > IconIndex=1
>> > > > > > > > [{000214A0-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}]
>> > > > > > > > Prop3=19,2
>> > > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > > <frustrated>
>> > > > > > > > Joe
>>
>> > > > > > > > "Don Varnau" wrote:
>> > > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > > > Hi,
>> > > > > > > > > Try this...
>> > > > > > > > > Go to Control Panel> Default Programs.
>> > > > > > > > > * In Set your default programs, set IE as default.
>> > > > > > > > > * In Associate a file type, associate type URL with IE
>> > > > > > > > > * In Set program access and computer defaults, set IE as the
>> > > default browser.
>> > > > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > > > I asked about AV scans because AntiVir used to damage
>> Favorites
>> > > > > > > (Internet
>> > > > > > > > > Shortcuts) if allowd to scan the Favorites folders. McAfee
>> > > doesn't
>> > > > > cause that problem.
>>
>> > > > > > > > > "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
>> message
>> > > > > > > > > news:DD46D37A-FDD0-47F0-9EA6-4FCF152D073F@microsoft.com...
>> > > > > > > > > > Oops, sorry.
>> > > > > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > > > > Vista Home Premium, IE7.
>> > > > > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > > > > I have McAfee AV, but I've never been able to operate it
>> > > > > manually--it
>> > > > > > > > > SEEMS
>> > > > > > > > > > to work fine in the background, and it seems to update
>> itself
>> > > > > > > regularly, but
>> > > > > > > > > > the Security Center screen is always empty (plain white
>> > > window), and I'm not
>> > > > > > > > > > sure if that's right or not..
>>
>> > > > > > > > > > "Don Varnau" wrote:
>> > > > > > > > > > > Hi,
>> > > > > > > > > > > Which version of Windows?
>> > > > > > > > > > > Which version of Internet Explorer?
>> > > > > > > > > > > Do you have an antivirus program scanning the entire HD
>> > > > > (including the
>> > > > > > > > > > > Favorites folder) regularly?
>>
>> > > > > > > > > > > "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
>> > > message
>> > > > > > > > > > >
>> news:ECFDAF00-7FCA-4595-BD00-EAA8DA3C84CE@microsoft.com...
>> > > > > > > > > > > > First off, all my links stopped working, except to
>> give me
>> > > a
>> > > > > > > security warning
>> > > > > > > > > > > > that the publisher was not recognized (when I truied
>> to
>> > > > > continue, the dialog
>> > > > > > > > > > > > box closed with no furhter action).
>> > > > > > > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > > > > > > I set out to recreate all my links. But the new ones
>> I
>> > > added behave
>> > > > > > > > > > > > differently. Here is an example of what I get when I
>> > > click
>> > > > > one of the new links I created:
>> > > > > > > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > > > > > > [DEFAULT]
>> > > > > > > > > > > >
>> BASEURL=http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/ch/
>> > > > > > > > > > > > [InternetShortcut]
>> > > > > > > > > > > > URL=http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/ch/
>> > > > > > > > > > > > IDList=
>> > > > > > > > > > > > [{000214A0-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}]
>> > > > > > > > > > > > Prop3=19,2
>> > > > > > > > > > > >
>> > > > > > > > > > > > What is going on???
>>
>>

Thanks, Robert. Your thoughts made me see something I never noticed before
{blush}. Although I'm not supposed to be able to remove the shortcut arrow
from my shortcut icons, NONE of them have it! Also, when I set to display
file extensions, the extensions for the shortcuts do not display, although
the "Properties" dialog says they are .lnk files.

At least it's opened up another avenue for me to pursue.

"Robert Aldwinckle" wrote:

> (cross-post added to Vista General)
> "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:A597878C-5DB1-4089-9B67-6CA765196F56@microsoft.com...
> > Thanks, Don. I guess it's a unique problem that hasn't come up anywhere
> > before.
>
>
> Other Vista users have reported problems with their desktop.ini files
> but as long as you are seeing your Favorites menu (e.g. with Alt-a)
> and Links bar I think that your symptom probably means something else.
>
> Also, one thing I recently became aware of is that there are two instances
> of file type Internet Shortcut in the File Types dialog, one for extension
> (NONE) and one for extension .URL The only difference that I can see
> is that the first one is blank for its Opens with: field. If they are different
> and if you have IE using one while MS Word uses another that might account
> for that one of your observations. However, I think it is more likely that
> MS Word is just using the DDE command to get ieframe to open the
> tab directly. BTW does MS Word also cause an iexplore.exe to be
> launched if you don't have one already running?
>
>
> FWIW what I would do is try to get some insight from ProcMon
> for your two cases. In addition you could simulate what you expect
> IE to be doing using the Run... dialog and trace that too.
> E.g. open the Run... dialog with Win-R, paste the first part of
> that Internet Shortcut Open action template into the Run... dialog
>
> rundll32.exe ieframe.dll,OpenURL
>
> leave a space and then paste on the name of the Favorite that you
> want opened. (BTW looks like you have to do that in three
> steps if you use a Favorites item's right-click Properties:
> first the path, then the filename, then. append (type) .URL)
> The template makes no provision for quotes, so don't use any.
> Once the entire command is assembled, press Enter.
> What happens?
>
> FWIW I don't have Vista so I can't say whether this is still
> a valid test there. I just proved it still works in XPsp2.
>
>
> HTH
>
> Robert Aldwinckle
> ---
>
>
> Cross-posting to Vista General.
> Complete discussion for the benefit of new readers here:
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/communities...0-eaa8da3c84ce
>
>
> >
> > Looks like I'll just have to adapt to some other browser.
> >
> > I appreciate your efforts.
> >
> > --Joe
> >
> > "Don Varnau" wrote:
> >
> >> Sounds like the Data column wasn't visible in regedit. But, the data in that
> >> key is correct.
> >>
> >> If you manage to delete or move the Favorites folder, in Vista, you will
> >> probably have to reset the Integrity Level:
> >> http://www.winhelponline.com/blogs/4...ows-Vista.html
> >> http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/un...-to-favorites/
> >>
> >> Sorry, this sounds, to me, like a file association problem with Internet
> >> Shortcut (URL) files, but I don't know what else to try.
> >>
> >> Don
> >> [MS MVP- IE]
> >>
> >> "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> news:2EAF0E82-4A18-4DA9-B54C-B6B270A6C543@microsoft.com...
> >> > My error. Please ignore my previous response. (I'm not sure if I can
> >> > recall/delete it)
> >> >
> >> > Yes, "rundll32.exe ieframe.dll,OpenURL %l" is in the command (it only says
> >> > "Default" in the right pane, but when I double-clicked it, it already had
> >> > that value.
> >>
> >> > "Don Varnau" wrote:
> >> >
> >> > > Hi,
> >> > > Run regedit and take a look at this registry key:
> >> > >
> >> > > [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\InternetShortcut\Shell\Open\Comm and]
> >> > >
> >> > > Is the String Value (Data column) in the right pane
> >> > >
> >> > > rundll32.exe ieframe.dll,OpenURL %l
> >>
> >> > > "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> > > news:6D485F51-B645-44AA-8757-5479A3EA1957@microsoft.com...
> >> > > > Nope, still no joy. Problem persists in safe mode.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > I wonder what would happen if I just renamed the Favorites folder to
> >> > > > something else and created a new one from scratch? Would IE track the
> >> > > > renaming and just follow the links to the new spot (in other words, do
> >> I
> >> > > have
> >> > > > to delete the folder altogether in order to test the theory?--guess I
> >> > > could
> >> > > > move it to a USB flas drive temporarily)
> >> > > >
> >> > > > I think I'll try that and try setting up as a new user on my PC.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > After that, I'll probably just give up and learn a new browser.
> >>
> >> > > > "Don Varnau" wrote:
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > SFC (System File Checker) is the closest you can get to
> >> > > > > reinstalling/repairing IE7 in Vista.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > There is a test we haven't run... You should not use Safe Mode with
> >> > > > > Networking any longer than necessary because security programs will
> >> not
> >> > > be
> >> > > > > running.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Startup in Safe Mode with Networking.
> >> > > > > Start Vista in Safe Mode
> >> > > > >
> >> > >
> >> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...904a11033.mspx
> >> > > > > or
> >> > > > > http://snipr.com/vistasafe
> >> > > > > If the problem goes away, a program which didn't load in Safe mode
> >> is
> >> > > > > causing it.
> >> > > > > You won't always be able to connect to the internet in Safe Mode
> >> > > > > (DSL-PPPoE - for example) This article explains
> >> > > > > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936214
> >>
> >> > > > > "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> > > > > news:FE27E073-6D16-4034-97A7-DB2E128CE671@microsoft.com...
> >> > > > > > No joy. I followed those steps, but the condition remains. (I
> >> was up
> >> > > all
> >> > > > > > night, uninstalling and reinstalling McAfee AV software as well,
> >> > > hoping that
> >> > > > > > might fix the problem.)
> >> > > > > >
> >> > > > > > I guess "resetting" IE7 is the best I can do under Vista? I see
> >> no
> >> > > way to
> >> > > > > > uninstall it so I can reinstall from scratch.
> >> > > > > >
> >> > > > > > I am totally frustrated.
> >>
> >> > > > > > "Don Varnau" wrote:
> >> > > > > >
> >> > > > > > > Hi,
> >> > > > > > > 1. With the warning that a reset will delete autocomplete data,
> >> such
> >> > > as
> >> > > > > > > passwords and you will have to reinstall browser add-ons, use
> >> the
> >> > > Reset
> >> > > > > > > button in Internet Options> Advanced.
> >> > > > > > > What this will do:
> >> > > > > > >
> >> > >
> >> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...fe1771033.mspx
> >> > > > > > > If you don't have AutoComplete passwords recorded/backed up,
> >> this
> >> > > > > program
> >> > > > > > > will allow you to extract and save them:
> >> > > > > > > IE PassView- NirSoft:
> >> > > > > > > http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/interne..._password.html
> >> > > > > > >
> >> > > > > > > 2. Generally not a good idea to use a Restore Point more that a
> >> few
> >> > > days
> >> > > > > > > old, but if this is a very recent problem you might try a System
> >> > > > > restore.
> >> > > > > > > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936212/en-us
> >> > > > > > >
> >> > > > > > > 3. Same article, http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936212/en-us...
> >> > > > > > > SFC (System File Checker) is worth a try.
> >>
> >> > > > > > > "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> > > > > > > news:0B082A25-6B55-478A-9917-2BC19B5F3322@microsoft.com...
> >> > > > > > > > Thanks, Don.
> >> > > > > > > >
> >> > > > > > > > I followed your steps (IE was already the default, and .url
> >> was
> >> > > > > already
> >> > > > > > > > associated with IE, but I redid them anyway), but it didn't
> >> change
> >> > > > > > > anything,
> >> > > > > > > > so far as i can tell.
> >> > > > > > > >
> >> > > > > > > > For instance, I just set a favoriets link for this page--when
> >> I
> >> > > click it, I get:
> >> > > > > > > >
> >> > > > > > > > [DEFAULT]
> >> > > > > > > >
> >> > >
> >> BASEURL=http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/list/en-us/default.a
> >> > > > > > >
> >> > > > >
> >> > >
> >> spx?pg=2&cat=en_us_28cca3eb-7037-4d4f-bde1-d8efee1f1420&lang=en&cr=us&guid=&
> >> > > > > > > sloc=en-us&dg=microsoft.public.internetexplorer.general&fl tr=
> >> > > > > > > > [InternetShortcut]
> >> > > > > > > >
> >> > >
> >> URL=http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/list/en-us/default.aspx?
> >> > > > > > >
> >> > >
> >> pg=2&cat=en_us_28cca3eb-7037-4d4f-bde1-d8efee1f1420&lang=en&cr=us&guid=&sloc
> >> > > > > > > =en-us&dg=microsoft.public.internetexplorer.general&fl tr=
> >> > > > > > > > IDList=
> >> > > > > > > > IconFile=http://www.microsoft.com/favicon.ico
> >> > > > > > > > IconIndex=1
> >> > > > > > > > [{000214A0-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}]
> >> > > > > > > > Prop3=19,2
> >> > > > > > > >
> >> > > > > > > > <frustrated>
> >> > > > > > > > Joe
> >>
> >> > > > > > > > "Don Varnau" wrote:
> >> > > > > > > >
> >> > > > > > > > > Hi,
> >> > > > > > > > > Try this...
> >> > > > > > > > > Go to Control Panel> Default Programs.
> >> > > > > > > > > * In Set your default programs, set IE as default.
> >> > > > > > > > > * In Associate a file type, associate type URL with IE
> >> > > > > > > > > * In Set program access and computer defaults, set IE as the
> >> > > default browser.
> >> > > > > > > > >
> >> > > > > > > > > I asked about AV scans because AntiVir used to damage
> >> Favorites
> >> > > > > > > (Internet
> >> > > > > > > > > Shortcuts) if allowd to scan the Favorites folders. McAfee
> >> > > doesn't
> >> > > > > cause that problem.
> >>
> >> > > > > > > > > "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> >> message
> >> > > > > > > > > news:DD46D37A-FDD0-47F0-9EA6-4FCF152D073F@microsoft.com...
> >> > > > > > > > > > Oops, sorry.
> >> > > > > > > > > >
> >> > > > > > > > > > Vista Home Premium, IE7.
> >> > > > > > > > > >
> >> > > > > > > > > > I have McAfee AV, but I've never been able to operate it
> >> > > > > manually--it
> >> > > > > > > > > SEEMS
> >> > > > > > > > > > to work fine in the background, and it seems to update
> >> itself
> >> > > > > > > regularly, but
> >> > > > > > > > > > the Security Center screen is always empty (plain white
> >> > > window), and I'm not
> >> > > > > > > > > > sure if that's right or not..
> >>
> >> > > > > > > > > > "Don Varnau" wrote:
> >> > > > > > > > > > > Hi,
> >> > > > > > > > > > > Which version of Windows?
> >> > > > > > > > > > > Which version of Internet Explorer?
> >> > > > > > > > > > > Do you have an antivirus program scanning the entire HD
> >> > > > > (including the
> >> > > > > > > > > > > Favorites folder) regularly?
> >>
> >> > > > > > > > > > > "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> >> > > message
> >> > > > > > > > > > >
> >> news:ECFDAF00-7FCA-4595-BD00-EAA8DA3C84CE@microsoft.com...
> >> > > > > > > > > > > > First off, all my links stopped working, except to
> >> give me
> >> > > a
> >> > > > > > > security warning
> >> > > > > > > > > > > > that the publisher was not recognized (when I truied
> >> to
> >> > > > > continue, the dialog
> >> > > > > > > > > > > > box closed with no furhter action).
> >> > > > > > > > > > > >
> >> > > > > > > > > > > > I set out to recreate all my links. But the new ones
> >> I
> >> > > added behave
> >> > > > > > > > > > > > differently. Here is an example of what I get when I
> >> > > click
> >> > > > > one of the new links I created:
> >> > > > > > > > > > > >
> >> > > > > > > > > > > > [DEFAULT]
> >> > > > > > > > > > > >
> >> BASEURL=http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/ch/
> >> > > > > > > > > > > > [InternetShortcut]
> >> > > > > > > > > > > > URL=http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/ch/
> >> > > > > > > > > > > > IDList=
> >> > > > > > > > > > > > [{000214A0-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}]
> >> > > > > > > > > > > > Prop3=19,2
> >> > > > > > > > > > > >
> >> > > > > > > > > > > > What is going on???

Hi Joe,

Click Start, type regedit.exe and press ENTER
Navigate to the following branch:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ explorer \ Shell Icons

From the file menu, choose "Export" and save it to a file (in .REG format)

Open the .REG file, copy the contents and post it here.


REF: http://www.winhelponline.com/article...ows-Vista.html
(This article tells you how to *remove* the shortcut overlay. Reversing the changes, you'll see the shortcut arrows.)

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
The Winhelponline Blog: http://www.winhelponline.com/blog
Windows® Troubleshooting: http://www.winhelponline.com

"Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:A49E9627-B4C2-473C-A5A2-66538A12C4BC@microsoft.com...
Thanks, Robert. Your thoughts made me see something I never noticed before
{blush}. Although I'm not supposed to be able to remove the shortcut arrow
from my shortcut icons, NONE of them have it! Also, when I set to display
file extensions, the extensions for the shortcuts do not display, although
the "Properties" dialog says they are .lnk files.

At least it's opened up another avenue for me to pursue.

"Robert Aldwinckle" wrote:

> (cross-post added to Vista General)
> "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:A597878C-5DB1-4089-9B67-6CA765196F56@microsoft.com...
> > Thanks, Don. I guess it's a unique problem that hasn't come up anywhere
> > before.
>
<snip>

Howdy Robert.

>> I just proved it still works in XPsp2.

I can confirm that the rundll32 command-line works fine in Windows Vista.

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
The Winhelponline Blog: http://www.winhelponline.com/blog
Windows® Troubleshooting: http://www.winhelponline.com

"Robert Aldwinckle" <robald@techemail.com> wrote in message news:e9QTzkRtIHA.1316@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
(cross-post added to Vista General)
"Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:A597878C-5DB1-4089-9B67-6CA765196F56@microsoft.com...
> Thanks, Don. I guess it's a unique problem that hasn't come up anywhere
> before.


Other Vista users have reported problems with their desktop.ini files
but as long as you are seeing your Favorites menu (e.g. with Alt-a)
and Links bar I think that your symptom probably means something else.

Also, one thing I recently became aware of is that there are two instances
of file type Internet Shortcut in the File Types dialog, one for extension
(NONE) and one for extension .URL The only difference that I can see
is that the first one is blank for its Opens with: field. If they are different
and if you have IE using one while MS Word uses another that might account
for that one of your observations. However, I think it is more likely that
MS Word is just using the DDE command to get ieframe to open the
tab directly. BTW does MS Word also cause an iexplore.exe to be
launched if you don't have one already running?


FWIW what I would do is try to get some insight from ProcMon
for your two cases. In addition you could simulate what you expect
IE to be doing using the Run... dialog and trace that too.
E.g. open the Run... dialog with Win-R, paste the first part of
that Internet Shortcut Open action template into the Run... dialog

rundll32.exe ieframe.dll,OpenURL

leave a space and then paste on the name of the Favorite that you
want opened. (BTW looks like you have to do that in three
steps if you use a Favorites item's right-click Properties:
first the path, then the filename, then. append (type) .URL)
The template makes no provision for quotes, so don't use any.
Once the entire command is assembled, press Enter.
What happens?

FWIW I don't have Vista so I can't say whether this is still
a valid test there. I just proved it still works in XPsp2.


HTH

Robert Aldwinckle
---


Cross-posting to Vista General.
Complete discussion for the benefit of new readers here:

http://www.microsoft.com/communities...0-eaa8da3c84ce


<snip>

Aha! I do not have a ShellIcons entry! I have Shell Folders,
ShellExecuteHooks, and ShellServiceObjects, but no ShellIcons.
(Note: Under ShellServiceObjects, there are 12 keys listed as Hex strings.)

I searched the Registry, and came up empty; no ShellIcons entries at all.

"Ramesh, MS-MVP" wrote:

> Hi Joe,
>
> Click Start, type regedit.exe and press ENTER
> Navigate to the following branch:
>
> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ explorer \ Shell Icons
>
> From the file menu, choose "Export" and save it to a file (in .REG format)
>
> Open the .REG file, copy the contents and post it here.
>
>
> REF: http://www.winhelponline.com/article...ows-Vista.html
> (This article tells you how to *remove* the shortcut overlay. Reversing the changes, you'll see the shortcut arrows.)
>
> --
> Regards,
>
> Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
> The Winhelponline Blog: http://www.winhelponline.com/blog
> Windows® Troubleshooting: http://www.winhelponline.com
>
> "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:A49E9627-B4C2-473C-A5A2-66538A12C4BC@microsoft.com...
> Thanks, Robert. Your thoughts made me see something I never noticed before
> {blush}. Although I'm not supposed to be able to remove the shortcut arrow
> from my shortcut icons, NONE of them have it! Also, when I set to display
> file extensions, the extensions for the shortcuts do not display, although
> the "Properties" dialog says they are .lnk files.
>
> At least it's opened up another avenue for me to pursue.
>
> "Robert Aldwinckle" wrote:
>
> > (cross-post added to Vista General)
> > "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > news:A597878C-5DB1-4089-9B67-6CA765196F56@microsoft.com...
> > > Thanks, Don. I guess it's a unique problem that hasn't come up anywhere
> > > before.
> >
> <snip>
>

"Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:A49E9627-B4C2-473C-A5A2-66538A12C4BC@microsoft.com...
> Thanks, Robert. Your thoughts made me see something I never noticed before
> {blush}. Although I'm not supposed to be able to remove the shortcut arrow
> from my shortcut icons, NONE of them have it! Also, when I set to display
> file extensions, the extensions for the shortcuts do not display, although
> the "Properties" dialog says they are .lnk files.


If you have .lnk files (aka Desktop shortcuts) mixed in your Favorites folders
and that is what you were using it could explain some of your first symptoms.

>> >> > > > > > > > > > > > First off, all my links stopped working, except to give me a security warning
>> >> > > > > > > > > > > > that the publisher was not recognized (when I truied to continue, the dialog
>> >> > > > > > > > > > > > box closed with no furhter action).

E.g. IE7 gives a bogus File Download message now even when the .lnk
file is in the Links folder. One of the workarounds for the lack of an E-mail
button in IE7 we used to suggest was dragging a Desktop shortcut for the
E-mail reader to the Links bar (or create an equivalent .lnk file in that subdirectory)
where it could then be used as a button.

Again, it looks as if your subsequent symptoms in Vista are different than mine
in XP. E.g. with the bogus download message I have the usual options:
Open, Save, and Cancel.

Watch carefully in the Status bar before you get your message about the publisher.
Perhaps that at least is the same as what I am seeing? Oh. I don't even have to watch.
It stays there in the Status bar while the message window is up.


>
> At least it's opened up another avenue for me to pursue.

Well yes... It makes all the discussion about Internet Shortcuts and .URL files
irrelevant. ; } Thanks for clarifying this.


Robert
---

Then it's possible that the IsShortcut registry value is missing in the "lnkfile" registry branch. Download and run the .LNK association fix from here:

File association fixes for Windows Vista:
http://www.winhelponline.com/article...ows-Vista.html

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
The Winhelponline Blog: http://www.winhelponline.com/blog
Windows® Troubleshooting: http://www.winhelponline.com

"Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:E2263343-4CD4-436A-9BB4-22BF217F3017@microsoft.com...
Aha! I do not have a ShellIcons entry! I have Shell Folders,
ShellExecuteHooks, and ShellServiceObjects, but no ShellIcons.
(Note: Under ShellServiceObjects, there are 12 keys listed as Hex strings.)

I searched the Registry, and came up empty; no ShellIcons entries at all.

"Ramesh, MS-MVP" wrote:

> Hi Joe,
>
> Click Start, type regedit.exe and press ENTER
> Navigate to the following branch:
>
> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ explorer \ Shell Icons
>
> From the file menu, choose "Export" and save it to a file (in .REG format)
>
> Open the .REG file, copy the contents and post it here.
>
>
> REF: http://www.winhelponline.com/article...ows-Vista.html
> (This article tells you how to *remove* the shortcut overlay. Reversing the changes, you'll see the shortcut arrows.)
>
> --
> Regards,
>
> Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
> The Winhelponline Blog: http://www.winhelponline.com/blog
> Windows® Troubleshooting: http://www.winhelponline.com
>
> "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:A49E9627-B4C2-473C-A5A2-66538A12C4BC@microsoft.com...
> Thanks, Robert. Your thoughts made me see something I never noticed before
> {blush}. Although I'm not supposed to be able to remove the shortcut arrow
> from my shortcut icons, NONE of them have it! Also, when I set to display
> file extensions, the extensions for the shortcuts do not display, although
> the "Properties" dialog says they are .lnk files.
>
> At least it's opened up another avenue for me to pursue.
>
> "Robert Aldwinckle" wrote:
>
> > (cross-post added to Vista General)
> > "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > news:A597878C-5DB1-4089-9B67-6CA765196F56@microsoft.com...
> > > Thanks, Don. I guess it's a unique problem that hasn't come up anywhere
> > > before.
> >
> <snip>
>

Last night, I found a System Restore point from the day before. I had never
used System Restore before, but it solved the .LNK problem. My desktop,
quick-launch bar, and Start menu are working again.

But the problem with my Favorites (.URL files) in IE still persists. I do
not have a system restore point from before this problem started.

I loaded Flash Peak's SlimBrowser and the new .URL links I create with it
work (but they are not seen by IE). However, it created a new Favorites
Folder (I have have two folders named "Favorites," with the same icon (the
folder with the star on it), in the same directory! If I delete all the
Favorites folders, is it possible that IE would recreate one and that it
would work?



"Ramesh, MS-MVP" wrote:

> Then it's possible that the IsShortcut registry value is missing in the "lnkfile" registry branch. Download and run the .LNK association fix from here:
>
> File association fixes for Windows Vista:
> http://www.winhelponline.com/article...ows-Vista.html
>
> --
> Regards,
>
> Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
> The Winhelponline Blog: http://www.winhelponline.com/blog
> Windows® Troubleshooting: http://www.winhelponline.com
>
> "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:E2263343-4CD4-436A-9BB4-22BF217F3017@microsoft.com...
> Aha! I do not have a ShellIcons entry! I have Shell Folders,
> ShellExecuteHooks, and ShellServiceObjects, but no ShellIcons.
> (Note: Under ShellServiceObjects, there are 12 keys listed as Hex strings.)
>
> I searched the Registry, and came up empty; no ShellIcons entries at all.
>
> "Ramesh, MS-MVP" wrote:
>
> > Hi Joe,
> >
> > Click Start, type regedit.exe and press ENTER
> > Navigate to the following branch:
> >
> > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ explorer \ Shell Icons
> >
> > From the file menu, choose "Export" and save it to a file (in .REG format)
> >
> > Open the .REG file, copy the contents and post it here.
> >
> >
> > REF: http://www.winhelponline.com/article...ows-Vista.html
> > (This article tells you how to *remove* the shortcut overlay. Reversing the changes, you'll see the shortcut arrows.)
> >
> > --
> > Regards,
> >
> > Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
> > The Winhelponline Blog: http://www.winhelponline.com/blog
> > Windows® Troubleshooting: http://www.winhelponline.com
> >
> > "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:A49E9627-B4C2-473C-A5A2-66538A12C4BC@microsoft.com...
> > Thanks, Robert. Your thoughts made me see something I never noticed before
> > {blush}. Although I'm not supposed to be able to remove the shortcut arrow
> > from my shortcut icons, NONE of them have it! Also, when I set to display
> > file extensions, the extensions for the shortcuts do not display, although
> > the "Properties" dialog says they are .lnk files.
> >
> > At least it's opened up another avenue for me to pursue.
> >
> > "Robert Aldwinckle" wrote:
> >
> > > (cross-post added to Vista General)
> > > "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > > news:A597878C-5DB1-4089-9B67-6CA765196F56@microsoft.com...
> > > > Thanks, Don. I guess it's a unique problem that hasn't come up anywhere
> > > > before.
> > >
> > <snip>
> >
>

No, it's more like two separate issues -- I fixed the .LNK problem with
System Restore; it was affecting the shortcuts on my desktop, quick-launch
bar, Start menu, and everywhere else there were shortcuts. The .URL problem
in IE persists (see my response above to Ramesh). I am "getting by" with
SlimBrowser, but it has the annoying limitiation that it cannot automatically
create a new browser window when opening a link (you are required to go to
the menus to open a new browser window at the home page and then navigate to
the link from there), so all the windows open up in one frame.

"Robert Aldwinckle" wrote:

> "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:A49E9627-B4C2-473C-A5A2-66538A12C4BC@microsoft.com...
> > Thanks, Robert. Your thoughts made me see something I never noticed before
> > {blush}. Although I'm not supposed to be able to remove the shortcut arrow
> > from my shortcut icons, NONE of them have it! Also, when I set to display
> > file extensions, the extensions for the shortcuts do not display, although
> > the "Properties" dialog says they are .lnk files.
>
>
> If you have .lnk files (aka Desktop shortcuts) mixed in your Favorites folders
> and that is what you were using it could explain some of your first symptoms.
>
> >> >> > > > > > > > > > > > First off, all my links stopped working, except to give me a security warning
> >> >> > > > > > > > > > > > that the publisher was not recognized (when I truied to continue, the dialog
> >> >> > > > > > > > > > > > box closed with no furhter action).
>
> E.g. IE7 gives a bogus File Download message now even when the .lnk
> file is in the Links folder. One of the workarounds for the lack of an E-mail
> button in IE7 we used to suggest was dragging a Desktop shortcut for the
> E-mail reader to the Links bar (or create an equivalent .lnk file in that subdirectory)
> where it could then be used as a button.
>
> Again, it looks as if your subsequent symptoms in Vista are different than mine
> in XP. E.g. with the bogus download message I have the usual options:
> Open, Save, and Cancel.
>
> Watch carefully in the Status bar before you get your message about the publisher.
> Perhaps that at least is the same as what I am seeing? Oh. I don't even have to watch.
> It stays there in the Status bar while the message window is up.
>
>
> >
> > At least it's opened up another avenue for me to pursue.
>
> Well yes... It makes all the discussion about Internet Shortcuts and .URL files
> irrelevant. ; } Thanks for clarifying this.
>
>
> Robert
> ---
>
>
>

Sorry, I got sidetracked and forgot to respond, so here are some answers for
what you suggested. If IE is not running, it does not open when I load a
..url file into MSWord. However, MSWord loads the page with the following
error message: Visual Basic Environment could not be intialized.

When I ran the RUNDLL , it behaved differently, depending on whether IE was
already open. when I had IE already open (minimized), it merely restored the
window I had (different url), and it didn't seem to do anything else. If IE
was not already running, it opened with a tab labled "Connecting..." but went
no further. As a further test, I changed my default browser to SlimBrowser
and tried it, and it opened the url as it should.

"Robert Aldwinckle" wrote:

> (cross-post added to Vista General)
> "Joe Rees" <JoeRees@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:A597878C-5DB1-4089-9B67-6CA765196F56@microsoft.com...
> > Thanks, Don. I guess it's a unique problem that hasn't come up anywhere
> > before.
>
>
> Other Vista users have reported problems with their desktop.ini files
> but as long as you are seeing your Favorites menu (e.g. with Alt-a)
> and Links bar I think that your symptom probably means something else.
>
> Also, one thing I recently became aware of is that there are two instances
> of file type Internet Shortcut in the File Types dialog, one for extension
> (NONE) and one for extension .URL The only difference that I can see
> is that the first one is blank for its Opens with: field. If they are different
> and if you have IE using one while MS Word uses another that might account
> for that one of your observations. However, I think it is more likely that
> MS Word is just using the DDE command to get ieframe to open the
> tab directly. BTW does MS Word also cause an iexplore.exe to be
> launched if you don't have one already running?
>
>
> FWIW what I would do is try to get some insight from ProcMon
> for your two cases. In addition you could simulate what you expect
> IE to be doing using the Run... dialog and trace that too.
> E.g. open the Run... dialog with Win-R, paste the first part of
> that Internet Shortcut Open action template into the Run... dialog
>
> rundll32.exe ieframe.dll,OpenURL
>
> leave a space and then paste on the name of the Favorite that you
> want opened. (BTW looks like you have to do that in three
> steps if you use a Favorites item's right-click Properties:
> first the path, then the filename, then. append (type) .URL)
> The template makes no provision for quotes, so don't use any.
> Once the entire command is assembled, press Enter.
> What happens?
>
> FWIW I don't have Vista so I can't say whether this is still
> a valid test there. I just proved it still works in XPsp2.
>
>
> HTH
>
> Robert Aldwinckle
> ---
>
>
> Cross-posting to Vista General.
> Complete discussion for the benefit of new readers here:
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/communities...0-eaa8da3c84ce
>
>
> >
> > Looks like I'll just have to adapt to some other browser.
> >
> > I appreciate your efforts.
> >
> > --Joe
> >
> > "Don Varnau" wrote:
> >
> >> Sounds like the Data column wasn't visible in regedit. But, the data in that
> >> key is correct.
> >>
> >> If you manage to delete or move the Favorites folder, in Vista, you will
> >> probably have to reset the Integrity Level:
> >> http://www.winhelponline.com/blogs/4...ows-Vista.html
> >>