Hi. . .
I would suggest that you run Windows System Restore.
First, create a restore point so that you can revert to the present, if you wish to do so (after restoring your system), then restore your system using the most recent restore point or one that pre-dates this problem with Explorer.
Windows System Restore - Create a Restore Point (Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 & Vista)
Windows System Restore - Restore your System (Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 & Vista)
Also, I'd like to get some system files from you, if you don't mind, which includes Event Viewer Log entries, so that I can see if there is anything evident that is wrong.
Don't be concerned with "BSOD" that you'll see everywhere. The Sysnative app that you'll be running in step #1 simply runs about 2 dozen Windows executables (apps) and saves their output. It is mostly run by those with BSOD problems, but is also used for general troubleshooting issues like we're doing here.
Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Posting Instructions - Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 + Vista
Please attach the Sysnative zip file to your next post. There is no need to create a new thread per the BSOD Posting Instructions. Thank you.
Regards. . .
jcgriff2
EDIT: The possibility exists that we may be dealing with a corrupted user profile. For that reason, I want you to try Explorer using a different user profile.
If you only have one user profile (user account) on your system, go ahead and activate the Hidden Administrator User Account for testing purposes only.
Instructions to activate/de-activate the account -
Enable/ Disable the Hidden Administrator User Account (Windows 8.1 / 8 / 7 / Vista)
After activating the account, logoff your user account. You'll then be taken to the logon screen where a user account named simply "Administrator" will be waiting for you. Click on it; no password is required.
Maneuver around your system, specifically looking for the Explorer shortcut that is not currently working and see if it works.