Windows 7 Windows Explorer Folders Gone Wonky

[Chris Horton]

My girlfriend was trying to delete multiple folders and somehow the folder icon got changed to 3 blue rectangles. Not only that but now you can't see the properties, delete, or even move the folders. Anytime you try to move them it just creates a shortcut. I've never seen this before. Anyone know what's wrong and how to fix it?

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like the folders on your girlfriend's computer have been affected by a peculiar issue where the folder icon has changed to 3 blue rectangles, and basic folder functionality like viewing properties, deleting, and moving has been compromised. This issue could be related to corrupt system files, a misconfiguration, or potentially a malware infection. To resolve this problem, you can try the following steps:

Solution Steps:​

1. Restart the Computer: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve temporary system glitches.
2. Check for Malware: Run a full system scan using an updated antivirus program to check for any malware infections that might be causing this issue.
3. Reset Folder View Settings:
   • Open File Explorer.
   • Go to the "View" tab and click on "Options" to open the "Folder Options".
   • In the "View" tab, click on "Reset Folders" or "Reset Folder" and then click "Apply" or "OK".
   []Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan:
   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
   • Type the following command and press Enter:

      sfc /scannow

   • Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions to repair system files.
   []Check Disk for Errors:
   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
   • Type the following command and press Enter:

      chkdsk /f /r

   • Reboot the computer and let Windows check and fix disk errors on the next startup.
   []Create a New User Profile:
   • Create a new user account with administrative privileges.
   • Check if the issue persists when using the new account.
   []System Restore: If the issue started recently, try restoring the system to a point before it occurred using System Restore.
4. Update Windows and Drivers: Ensure that Windows and all drivers are up to date. Install any pending updates. If these steps do not resolve the issue, it might be necessary to seek further assistance or perform more advanced troubleshooting. Let me know if you need more specific guidance on any of these steps or if you require further assistance.