[SOLVED] Windows Explorer will not show all files

JohnthePilot · Apr 4, 2013

Hi,
When I use Windows Explorer to search for files I get different results depending on which folder I'm looking at. In some cases, all files are shown, in others only .docx files are shown and finally, clicking on a folder doesn't change the list from what was shown on the previous folder. I've checked all the folder options in Tools, but can find no reason why this should happen.

AceInfinity · Apr 4, 2013

Does it differ every time you view the same folder? I don't understand, and how do you know there should be more files? Does the view itself look the same as the dir output if you test? Seems odd, haha. :confused2:

This is Windows 7?

JohnthePilot · Apr 4, 2013

I'm getting the same thing every time. This first image is what I get after I select TSF after selecting my documents. The files shown are just the .docx files that are in My documents. There are, in fact, many more files in My Documents
but only the .docx ones are shown. Very frustrating.

The second image is what I see if I open Notepad and select files in TSF. As you will see, this is just one of several pages of files in TSF.

satrow · Apr 4, 2013

The top screenshot is of a Libraries view, the bottom is of an Explorer view.

Can't cross-check here, Libraries are disabled, I know how I want my data organized

JohnthePilot · Apr 4, 2013

Yes, it is a libraries view, selected from within Windows Explorer. It's always worked before. If I go via Drive C:\users\...\TSF then it gives the full listing.

satrow · Apr 4, 2013

I think a further clue lies with the 'breadcrumbs' string: Libraries > Documents > My Documents > TSF. Think of it as 'search in Libraries for Documents in My Documents subfolder TSF' and your results look fine.

If you want to look for all files, use Explorer in real folders not in Libraries. If you want to change Libraries settings, I guess they're in Control Panel > Libraries (if it exists - I don't see it here) not in Folder Options - or try right-clicking Libraries in the left Explorer pane and selecting Properties - that may offer options.

AceInfinity · Apr 4, 2013

I'm thinking that this could be a Windows search index issue based on what I have found and read for similar issues, so try fooling around with that for the folders that your Library points to, and see if anything miraculously works afterwards. Seems others have had minor bugs related to it. I just tested in Hyper-V some things, and couldn't find out any settings or configuration for why that would happen...

JohnthePilot · Apr 4, 2013

I'll try playing around with it. I just don't understand why it's suddenly started happening as I haven't changed anything.

JohnthePilot · Apr 4, 2013

I've just clicked on Libraries>Documents then right-clicked Properties and selected Restore defaults, and it's working again. How it got changed in the first place I don't know.
Thanks for your suggestions as they pushed me in the right direction.

jcgriff2 · Apr 5, 2013

For future reference, MS Libraries are located:

Code:

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Libraries

John

Digerati · Apr 5, 2013

You said the first image shows only the .docx files, but I see a .jpg file and the grandkids file (which apparently was saved with no extension). I suspect this is an issue with the way Library view differs from Windows Explorer, coupled (perhaps) with your Folder View settings.

How it got changed in the first place I don't know.

I know for me, sometimes I change the view settings for a folder I am currently viewing to some setting that is not standard (compared to my other folders). Then I exit that folder and forget about it for weeks, months or years. Then next time I return to that folder, the view settings are still non-standard, causing me to accuse the dog of messing with my computer...again.

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[SOLVED] Windows Explorer will not show all files

JohnthePilot

Visiting Expert, Hardware

AceInfinity

Emeritus, Contributor

JohnthePilot

Visiting Expert, Hardware

satrow

Moderator, BSOD Kernel Dump Senior Analyst

JohnthePilot

Visiting Expert, Hardware

satrow

Moderator, BSOD Kernel Dump Senior Analyst

AceInfinity

Emeritus, Contributor

JohnthePilot

Visiting Expert, Hardware

JohnthePilot

Visiting Expert, Hardware

jcgriff2

Co-Founder / Admin
BSOD Instructor/Expert
Microsoft MVP (Ret.)

Digerati

Moderator
Hardware Expert
Microsoft MVP (Ret.)

[SOLVED] Windows Explorer will not show all files

Visiting Expert, Hardware

Emeritus, Contributor

Visiting Expert, Hardware

Moderator, BSOD Kernel Dump Senior Analyst

Visiting Expert, Hardware

Moderator, BSOD Kernel Dump Senior Analyst

Emeritus, Contributor

Visiting Expert, Hardware

Visiting Expert, Hardware

Co-Founder / AdminBSOD Instructor/ExpertMicrosoft MVP (Ret.)

ModeratorHardware ExpertMicrosoft MVP (Ret.)

Co-Founder / Admin
BSOD Instructor/Expert
Microsoft MVP (Ret.)

Moderator
Hardware Expert
Microsoft MVP (Ret.)