Solved Windows 8.1 File Explorer Fails To Open With Right Click

jimbang22

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Windows Explorer as well as other desktop programs failed to respond to a right click from any interface. I was also having printer errors that involved total failure to print. At first, I thought I needed to uninstall all my Epson software and printer, but that resulted in no change. I searched on line and the only idea that made sense to me was the suggestion that this was likely a Context Menu Handler problem. It suggested downloading a Shell File Extensions View (ShellExView - Shell Extension Manager For Windows) from NirSoft version 1.8.6.0 which was free. The first download I did not use out of fear so I accessed the Context Menu area via regedit, but saw no way to disable any suspected third party Context Menu Handlers. So, in the end, I swallowed hard and ran the NirSoft application. I was able to see all the shell items in the registry, and sorted them by age, the most recent was a Context Menu Handler from Norton Internet Security occurring during the most recent update. The manager software allowed me to disable just that one handler, and after a restart, File Explorer and everything else behaved normally. So, now I am posting this so it only takes you less than an hour to address this issue, where I spent 4-5 hours on it. I reinstalled the Norton Internet Security and all is still well.
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Qosmio X875
    CPU
    Intel i-7-3630QM
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NIVIA
    Browser
    IE, Firefox, Chrome, Safari
    Antivirus
    Norton
Hello, jimbang22. Welcome to Windows EightForums. Thanks for posting that. That will be a great timesaver for some.

So much for 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] party software to goof up a system, especially an AV product. No real need to use it on a home computer with 8/8.1 with included Defender. Enterprise systems are a different story.

Got lucky early on in computing with good advice from an IT friend of mine. He told me to watch out for 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] party maintenance and AV products for most are crap. Through the years watching I can see how true that is.

Again, thanks and welcome. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Thank you jimbang22, as Tony said above, it will be helpful to those who face the same issue as yours.

Welcome to the forums :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Linux Mint 14
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion g4
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-2330M CPU @ 2.20GHz
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    1 GB Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500 GB HDD
Thank you for the information, it sorted out one of the problems I was having on my sisters laptop running windows 8.1. It was a Norton handler yet again. I will post my other problem in another thread.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
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