Windows 7 Library Favorites?

[Fishlove]

Been using the RC1 for some time now. Love it, cant wait for the full on release. But in my "wisdom" i used a tweaking utility to toy with my settings, and now i cant use my Favorites under Windows Explorer...by this i mean the virtual folders thing, not my IE favorites..those are fine (they could have named them something else to avoid confusion?) My big problem is that my only backup of Win 7 is scratched and therefore unbootable. and of course, since Win 7 is no longer downloadable from MS anymore...i cant simply do a repair install. Any help here? ty

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you're facing an issue with your Windows 7 system after using a tweaking utility. Since your Win 7 backup is unavailable due to being damaged, and Windows 7 is no longer available for download from Microsoft, there are a few steps you can try to resolve the problem with your Favorites in Windows Explorer. Here are some possible solutions:

1. System Restore:​

• Attempt a System Restore to revert your system back to a point before you used the tweaking utility.
• To access System Restore:

• Reboot your computer and press F8 repeatedly before the Windows logo appears.
• Choose "Repair Your Computer" > "System Restore" > Follow the on-screen instructions.

  2. Windows Registry:​

  Caution: Editing the registry can cause serious issues if done incorrectly. Please back up your registry or seek expert assistance if you're not comfortable with this process.
  • Check the Windows Registry for any entries related to the Favorites issue.
  • Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
  • Look for entries related to Favorites and ensure they point to the correct location.

  3. Create a New User Profile:​

  • Create a new user profile on your system and see if the Favorites work there. This can help determine if the issue is specific to your user profile.

    4. Third-Party Tools:​

  • Use third-party data recovery tools to try and recover your damaged backup.

    5. Windows 7 ISO:​

  • Look for a trusted source to download a Windows 7 ISO. Although Microsoft no longer provides downloads, there are reputable sources where you can find the ISO.

    6. Upgrade to Windows 10:​

  • Consider upgrading to Windows 10, as it offers similar features to Windows 7 and is still supported by Microsoft.

    Additional Tips:​

    • Backup Important Data: Ensure to back up essential data regularly to avoid similar issues in the future.
    • Backup System Image: Create a system image backup once your system is back to normal to prevent data loss in the future.
    If you proceed with downloading a Windows 7 ISO, ensure it is from a trustworthy source to avoid downloading compromised versions of the OS. Feel free to reach out if you need more specific guidance or assistance with any of these steps!