Windows 7 Problem with External HDD & files after upgrading to Win7

[gdb31]

Hi all,

I upgraded from Vista to Windows 7 yesterday and It all went smoothly.

But, now I have a strange problem. I'll try my best to explain it.

1st. Before upgrading I moved & copied many files from the computer to my USB External HDD. Alot of these files were on the Vista Desktop.

2nd. Once I had upgraded to Windows 7 and it started up without the external HDD plugged in, I get an error message displayed alerting me that the files cannot be found/located. The desktop shows none of the files that I Copied (not moved, just copied).

3rd. Once I plug in the external HDD all the files show up on the desktop all of a sudden and I stop receiving the error messages. But it is not practical to have the external HDD always plugged in as I'm using a laptop, and I dont see why i would get this error anyway.

4th. Windows Messenger live will not sign in and displays error 8000ffff when the external HDD is installed. BUT, as soon as I plug in the external HDD Messenger signs in fine without the 8000ffff error.

VERY ANNOYING!!

I dont want to have to do a clean install if I can help it, but how else can I sort this problem?

All help is appreciated.

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like the issue you are experiencing after upgrading from Vista to Windows 7 is related to the file paths being associated with your external HDD. Here are some steps you can try to resolve these problems without needing to perform a clean install:

Issue 1: Files Not Found/Error Messages When External HDD is Unplugged​

• Problem: Files copied to the desktop from the external HDD are showing errors when the HDD is unplugged.
• Solution:

1. Create a new folder on your laptop's internal drive (e.g., in the Documents folder).
2. Move the copied files from the desktop to this new folder.
3. Ensure that the files are accessible without the external HDD.

   Issue 2: Windows Live Messenger Error 8000ffff​

   • Problem: Windows Live Messenger displays error 8000ffff when the external HDD is connected.
   • Solution:
   []Uninstall Windows Live Messenger. []Reinstall Windows Live Messenger without the external HDD connected.

   Additional Suggestions:​

   • Ensure that your external HDD isn't set as the default location for any system folders.
   • Check if any shortcuts or paths on your desktop are linked to the external HDD.
   By following the steps above, you can likely resolve the issues you are facing without the need for a clean install. Let me know if you need further assistance!