Automatically diagnose and repair Windows file and folder problems
Follow these steps to automatically diagnose and repair problems with files and folders in Windows. These problems might include the inablility to delete files or folders from the Recycle Bin, or troubles with trying to copy, move, rename, or delete a file.
- Select the Download button on this page.
- In the File Download dialog box, click Run or Open, and then follow the steps in the File and Folder Troubleshooter.
Notes
- This troubleshooter might be in English only. However, the automatic fix also works for versions of Windows in other languages.
- If you’re not on the computer that has the problem, save the troubleshooter to a flash drive or a CD, and then run it on the computer that has the problem.
What it fixes
- You’re unable to empty the Recycle Bin or delete a file or a folder inside the Recycle Bin.
- When you try to rename or move a file, you receive the following error message: "The file or folder does not exist."
- When you copy, move, rename, or delete a file on a network share, you receive the following error message: "There is a network or file permission error. The network connection may be lost" or "The folder does not exist. The file may have been moved or deleted. Do you want to create it?"
- Your View settings or customizations for one or more folders may be lost or incorrect.
- You’re unable to use keyboard shortcuts to select more than one item in Windows Explorer, or you’re unable to select multiple items in a Windows Explorer window by holding the Shift key or the Ctrl key while you select the items.
- Some icons in My Computer, in Windows Explorer, on the desktop, or on the Quick Launch Bar change randomly.
Runs on
- Windows 7
- Windows 8
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 10
Properties
Article ID: 17590 - Last Review: Jun 7, 2016 - Revision: 11
Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8.1