Windows Explorer Invisible File Names

This occurred post-disk cleanup/compression: Windows Explorer doesn't display the file names of any of the compressed files., although hovering over the blank area temporarily highlights the hidden file name. All other details are displayed normally, i.e. type, size, date modified etc. The main problem with this is that Windows can't find these files. When I stumble upon the "missing" file, I have to uncheck the "compress contents to save disk space" in the Advanced Atrributes of each file, which allows the file name to be displayed again. This would be just a minor nuisance except for the fact that hundreds of files are affected; almost every executable file, dll, zip, and others. Is there a way, maybe with regedit or? to instruct Windows to take the curtain off these files. It's as though they've been encrypted in addition to being compressed. I've scanned for spyware, malware, parasites, viruses, run hijackthis, checked IE advanced settings, uninstalled all unnecessary programs, defragmented, reg scans, help and support troubleshooting, diagnostics, ad nauseum, all to no avail. Anyone out there have ideas for me? Thank you. CMGith

 

You can change the view setting so that compressed and encrypted files are not shown in color. Perhaps that would be a good starting point:

Go to "my Computer" > Tools > Folder Options > View Tab > untag the box labeled "Show encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color." OK out of there and check for effect.

I'm just thinking perhaps your color setting data in the Registry key for those files somehow got corrupt. If the above works to restore them to view, we can visit that key and see if it needs correcting.

FYI, TweakUI can change the color of these files so that's another area to pursue for testing.

 

Sufer Dude2 Rules

Sufer Dude: The resounding thud of your simple fix to my "complex" problem knocked me off my boogie board. Disabling the option for colored compressed files was all it took. Thank you. Dain Bramaged.

 

Now if you have TweakUI, check under Explorer > Colors and see what color is selected for compressed files. If it's white, smile.

I also recommend that you expand those files unless you have a disk space problem.

Thanks.

 

Color was yellow, probably the color with the most transparency in the right setting. Am running low on memory, so same for disk space(?). When you said to "expand" the files did you mean decompress? Now, is there a value to change in the registry which will permanently fix this (assuming it will happen with each reboot). thanks

 

Go back in TweakUI and click on the Yellow patch for compressed files. It will open up to a color pallet. Select bright blue, since that's the default and apply that before closing. Then go back and tag that box that you untagged before. Now log off and back on and check for effect. That should get you back to standard and all compressed files will be bright blue.

As for disk space, if you're running short, then leave them compressed.