Cannot Start Windows Explorer Using the Start Menu

 Last reviewed: November 26, 1997
Article ID: Q175627
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 4.0, 4.01 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 4.0, 4.01 for Windows NT 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you click Start, point to Programs, and then click Windows Explorer or Windows NT Explorer, you may receive the following prompt: 

   The item "Explorer.scf" that this shortcut refers to has been changed or
   moved. The nearset match based on size, date, and type is <file name>.
   Do you want this shortcut to point to this item?

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if you remove the Windows Desktop Update component and click No when you are prompted to remove the personalized settings for Windows Explorer.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, change the shortcut to Windows Explorer or Windows NT Explorer so that it points to the Explorer.exe file. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click Start, and then click Open.

  2. Double-click Programs.

  3. Right-click Windows Explorer or Windows NT Explorer, click Properties, and then click the Shortcut tab.

  4. In the Target box, rename "explorer.scf" to "explorer.exe" (without quotation marks), and then click OK.

MORE INFORMATION

The option to remove personalized settings for Windows Explorer is intended for people who use roaming profiles. If you remove the Windows Desktop Update component and click No when you are prompted to remove your personalized settings, the Windows Explorer or Windows NT Explorer shortcut still points to the Explorer.scf file even though it has been removed from your hard disk. 

Keywords          : kbenv kbinterop msient msiew95
Version           : WINDOWS:4.0
Platform          : WINDOWS

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Last reviewed: November 26, 1997
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