File Explorer folder handling errors (Win 8.1) "Error 0x80004005:Unspecified error"

[Ronnz]

File Explorer folder handling errors (Win 8.1) "Error 0x80004005:Unspecified error"

Hi all,

After installing Win 8.1 x 64 and all the software applications I needed earlier this year, I began to encounter periodic and varying BSOD's over several months which had a common denominator in that amongst the other things, they all pointed to possible driver errors. Driver Verifier found a problem with the driver for the NetWorx bandwidth monitor I use which turned out to be a known problem and was resolved by using a generic driver instead. No further BSOD's have occurred over the month since then.

I've also begun to experience problems with File Explorer over the last month or so for no apparent reason. When creating a new folder using File Explorer, I am unable to rename (or move) the folder and instead receive an error pop up stating: "An unexpected error is keeping you from renaming this folder. If you continue to receive this error, you can use the error code to search for help with this problem. Error 0x80004005:Unspecified error." Googling this hasn't been helpful but fortunately I also run Directory Opus which is not suffering from these problems and as per normal, is allowing me to retrospectively rename and/or move all folders, including those that have been created using File Explorer.

Running sfc.exe revealed errors and after posting a thread at the sysnative.com Windows update forum a couple of days ago, BrianDrab kindly walked me through the steps needed to clear up the issues that related to the corruption that the system file checker found. Unfortunately, this has not fixed the File Explorer errors. In short, File Explorer won’t let me;

1. Rename folders either at the point when I create them (New folder) or retrospectively, or,
2. Move folders

When I attempt to do so, the error messages below appear. When attempting to move a folder, the "More details" drop down is greyed out so no further information is available from that source.

File Explorer will however allow me to;

1. Open files contained inside any folders,
2. Extract files from .zip folders,
3. Copy and paste and
4. Delete folders.

The File Explorer issues do not affect any files: only folders.

Directory Opus does not suffer from any of the above problems and is working normally.

If anyone can provide the expertise or means to restore the File Explorer functions to normal, I will be very grateful.

Thanks in advance.

Ronnz

 

[zcomputerwiz]

Re: File Explorer folder handling errors (Win 8.1) "Error 0x80004005:Unspecified erro

Does this function as expected in another user account?

 

[Ronnz]

Re: File Explorer folder handling errors (Win 8.1) "Error 0x80004005:Unspecified erro

Does this function as expected in another user account?

Hello zcomputerwiz. Thanks for stopping by and asking a really insightful question which revealed another problem I didn't know I had.

I normally log in as Administrator but when I went to log in as Guest, I got an unexpected error. "The user profile failed the sign in. Profile cannot be loaded." I also can't add a new User and so can't answer your question.

I had the MS Help Desk take a look at the new log-in problems but they were unable to help. Instead they confirmed that Guest can't be deleted and suggested I either pay them money to enter into a service contract (so they could use "advanced tools" to isolate the problem) or refresh the OS (and waste another 2 days loading all the apps I need).

Currently there are three issues;

1. File Explorer can't rename or move any folders.
2. The supposedly corrupt files that were installed by update KB3022345 can't be deleted, even using the command line dialogue and now
3. I can't log in as Guest or create a new user.

I conclude that Win 8.1 will sooner or later prove to be a dog for anyone who places heavy demands on it and its hard to see how adding the Win 7 desktop and other tweaks to Win 8 and calling it Win 10 will make it any better, (although updating was another suggestion offered by the MS Help desk folk.)

Short of either rolling back the registry or trying the Windows repair, I'm stuck so you have any further thoughts to offer, it will be much appreciated.

Best regards,

Ronnz

 

[zcomputerwiz]

Re: File Explorer folder handling errors (Win 8.1) "Error 0x80004005:Unspecified erro

It might be best at this point to give something like the Windows All in One Repair Tool a shot, make sure not to select the file permissions option. If that doesn't help you may be stuck refreshing your Windows installation

My guess is that one of the shell extension handlers entries in the registry is missing or corrupt, but it isn't something I know much about.

 

[Ronnz]

Re: File Explorer folder handling errors (Win 8.1) "Error 0x80004005:Unspecified erro

It might be best at this point to give something like the Windows All in One Repair Tool a shot, make sure not to select the file permissions option. If that doesn't help you may be stuck refreshing your Windows installation

My guess is that one of the shell extension handlers entries in the registry is missing or corrupt, but it isn't something I know much about.

Hi zcomputerwize,

There is a glimmer of hope! I currently use tweaking.com's Registry Back Up and find it excellent so I used their All in One repair tool as you suggested. After the second pass, it fixed the Guest log-in corruption and I can now add new user accounts as well. I was able to rename a folder using File Explorer as a guest so will see if I can create a replacement account with Admin privileges to test if that will allow full use File explorer as well. I'll get back to you in a day or so. Many thanks.

 

[Ronnz]

Re: File Explorer folder handling errors (Win 8.1) "Error 0x80004005:Unspecified erro

It might be best at this point to give something like the Windows All in One Repair Tool a shot, make sure not to select the file permissions option. If that doesn't help you may be stuck refreshing your Windows installation

My guess is that one of the shell extension handlers entries in the registry is missing or corrupt, but it isn't something I know much about.

Hi zcomputerwize,

There is a glimmer of hope! I currently use tweaking.com's Registry Back Up and find it excellent so I used their All in One repair tool as you suggested. After the second pass, it fixed the Guest log-in corruption and I can now add new user accounts as well. I was able to rename a folder using File Explorer as a guest so will see if I can create a replacement account with Admin privileges to test if that will allow full use File explorer as well. I'll get back to you in a day or so. Many thanks.

BTW, it seems that another dis-improvement that MS have added to Win8.1 is the removal of the Windows Easy Transfer wizard. Assuming I can actually copy my original Admin profile and settings to the new replacement Admin account, do you have any thoughts on where the corruption might be so I can try and avoid what seems to be a risk of inadvertently importing the corruption into the new profile etc? Thanks again. Ronnz.

 

[zcomputerwiz]

Re: File Explorer folder handling errors (Win 8.1) "Error 0x80004005:Unspecified erro

I'm glad something is working :)

You could use the User State Migration Tool, it's what Microsoft intended to replace the Easy Transfer Wizard.
Here's a page with an example of how to install and use it: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/Hh824873.aspx

It is a command line tool (scanstate and loadstate), but there are a few different projects for a graphical front end to it.
Dan Cunningham - Workstation Migration Assistant
M.U.S.T. - Move User's Stuff Tool
USMT GUI

 

[Ronnz]

Re: File Explorer folder handling errors (Win 8.1) "Error 0x80004005:Unspecified erro

I'm glad something is working :)

You could use the User State Migration Tool, it's what Microsoft intended to replace the Easy Transfer Wizard.
Here's a page with an example of how to install and use it: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/Hh824873.aspx

It is a command line tool (scanstate and loadstate), but there are a few different projects for a graphical front end to it.
Dan Cunningham - Workstation Migration Assistant
M.U.S.T. - Move User's Stuff Tool
USMT GUI

Those links look very useful. Thanks for sharing. I will see if I can make use of them and report back in a few days time. I was able to rename and move a folder using the new un-configured Admin account so that is progress. Cheers. Ronnz