Windows Vista Explorer Bug?
I have been unable to select any files in Explorer in my Windows Vista Ultimate lately. I tried everything from CTRL-A, Shift-click, CTRL-click, etc. but nothing worked. I searched the Internet and discovered that this is a common problem that lots of users are experiencing. Some are experiencing in Vista x64, although I have experienced it on my 32-bit Vista (x86).
Microsoft have posted a KB article 934548 stating that “This problem occurs because certain applications add a key to the registry.” The resolution offered by the KB article is to reset the folders in Windows Explorer by going to Organize, Folder and Search Options, View tab and clicking Reset Folders. Unfortunately, Microsoft solution is not really a solution, it’s a temporary workaround to a bug in Windows Vista. The KB article makes it clear that the application may keep re-inserting the key in the registry so Microsoft’s resolution is to keep resetting the folders over, and over, and over again. Hmm? That’s a resolution? Are you kidding me? Usually Microsoft’s KB articles say something to the effect that this is a known issue and Microsoft is working on a solution. This KB article (last updated August 2007) refuses to admit that this is a bug in Windows Vista and the resolution posted seems to be the final resolution in Microsoft’s view.
Vista users are reporting on Windows forums that Microsoft’s solution is not totally correct and it has not been working for everyone either. Not to mention the fact that the problem can reappear. Here’s one solution that worked for me. I deleted the Bags and BagMRU keys in the registry to fix the problem. If resetting the folders doesn’t quite fix your problem then try the following solution.
1. Start the registry editor.
2. Go to HKCU\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell folder.
3. Delete both the Bags and the BagMRU keys.
4. You don’t need to restart the computer. However, you may have to close and reopen the Explorer.
This issue can affect the following operating systems.
• Windows Vista Home Basic
• Windows Vista Business
• Windows Vista Enterprise
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Windows Vista Ultimate
• Windows Vista Starter
• Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition
• Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition
• Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
• Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition
