Solved Windows 8.1: Right-Click Menu for Explorer Disappeared

I am as of right now convinced the problem was caused by the shortcut arrow removal.

Here's how I came to that conclusion:

I formatted my hard drive and installed 8.1 clean via a USB flash drive I burned the ISO onto.

After it was installed, I installed a couple of pieces of software. Then, I removed the shortcut arrows via the registry editing technique I mentioned previously. I then rebooted.

BANG....context menu gone!

So, I reinstalled 8.1 clean a second time. This time, I installed all of my essential software, set up the desktop and Quick Launch toolbar, rebooted, and tested the context menu.

No problems.

Then, I backed up the system with Macrium Reflect. After I did that, I removed the shortcut arrows a different way. This time, I used a freeware tool I found on the web. After removing the shortcut arrows with that tool, I rebooted.

So far, so good. The context menu is working fine. So, I can't help but conclude it was the registry edit that caused the problem. The solution is to use a different method of removing the arrows.

As of right now, I consider the problem solved. If, however, it crops up again, I'll report it here. Something tells me I doubt that will happen.

Thanks to everyone who replied and tried to help me. I sincerely appreciate your patience and assistance.

Jd
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Home Premium
Looks like 8.1 handles the Right-Click a little differently than 7 and 8 does. Are you clicking on a Shortcut to "My Computer" or the actual Icon? Because you can't drag a shortcut out to the desktop for My/This Computer - You have to add it in from the Desktop, right click the Desktop, choose "Personalise" and add the This Computer Icon from there, so it shows the System Icon for it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
I too ran into the issue of my anitvirus "dissappearing" it took me about a week to notice it.
I am in the middle of trying to find some sort of replacement. Thanks for the good tips!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dustbuster Special
    CPU
    AMD 8350
    Motherboard
    ASUS Sabertooth 3.0
    Memory
    24 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte 670 Windforce
    Monitor(s) Displays
    4 monitors
    Hard Drives
    Two Samsung 840 SSDs, and 1 Hitachi 1 TB HDD
    PSU
    Fata1ity 850w
    Case
    Cooler Master HAF (The big one)
    Cooling
    Crapload of fans!
    Keyboard
    Corsair Vengence K90
    Mouse
    R.A.T. 7
    Internet Speed
    85/45
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Avast (well, used to be before 8.1)
    Other Info
    My machine is pretty dope. I would like to thank my wife for playing dumb over the last year as I spend copious amount of money on it.
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