Favirotes [on Start Menu don't open]

running Windows XP and my favorites are in my start menu but won't open from there. it just sits there it will not show a hour glass or error, nothin...... I have to open IE and open from there. What can I do to fix this?

 

Hello thetundra,
While I also don't find showing or using the "Favorites Folder ", on the startmenu, useful either, I can't begrudge your choice to so. So let's see if we can figure out what's going on. [Keep in mind that I'm not an IT tech but rather just a plain, often "confused, amused, shortfused" home user. If you'd rather wait for a response from one of the more knowledgeable members, I'd not be offended.] That being said.....

So I may learn something new or don't suggest something you've already done, it might help to know what you have already tried (specifically), in an effort to fix this. Include a past history of anything you may have done while trying to customize favorites (any sharing, redirects, 3rd party apps etc.).

1>What version of IE are you using? Is it your default?

2>Do the shortcut/url icons look correct?

3>Can you open the "Favorites Folder from the startmenu> "Run" line? (just type favorites on the run line and hit enter). Your favorites folder should open.
*Only links, shortcuts and possibly folders for organization, should be in it.
*No funky long named ones,
*no p orn ones,
*none that you have not added yourself, which may cause a security issue or signify that virus/malware/adware has infected you somehow.

4>Are the links, while in IE> "Favorites ", the same as the ones that show up on the startmenu>favorites list?

5>If you right click on a startmenu>favorite shortcut and choose "Properties" does it show the expected correct information. For example (I'm using an ie link for this):
On the general tab:
*the file type is "Internet Shortcut "
*The location does show the correct path to your user profile. Example> (C\:documents and settings|(your user name)\Favorites)
On the Web Document tab:
*the address url is correct.

6>Can you drag a shortcut out of the startmenu>Favorites to your desktop?
*Does it work from there?
*Did it disappear from the favorites menu in IE?

7>Are the startmenu>favorites dead regardless if IE is open or closed?

8>Within IE, can you work with Favorites, (add, delete, organize etc.)?

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Hopefully, the above questions, combined with your awaited responses, will help in trying to pinpoint the problem.