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Shortcuts disappear and symbolic link cannot be opened in Windows 7 SP1 or Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1

View products that this article applies to.

Symptoms

When you have a computer that is running Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) or Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, you may encounter one of the following issues.

Issue 1

Assume that you have a Group Policy Object (GPO) that copies .lnk shortcut files to the following location:
C:\Users\user\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\
In this situation, the explorer.exe process does not show the shortcuts in the All Programs list under the Start menu.

Note The issue does not occur immediately when you log on to the computer. It occurs during the regular usage.

Issue 2

Assume that the symbolic link of a file is created by running the mklink command. When you try to double-click the link in Windows Explorer, the link cannot be opened, andyou receive an error message that resembles the following:

The specified path does not exist.

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How to obtain the hotfix

To resolve these issues, we have released a hotfix package for Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2. 

Before you install the hotfix, check the Prerequisites section in this article.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing the problem described in this article. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, go to the following Microsoft website:
http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support
Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

To apply this hotfix, you must install Service Pack 1 (SP1) for Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2.

Registry information

To apply this hotfix, you do not have to make any changes to the registry.

Restart requirement

You may have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace a previously released hotfix.
File information
The global version of this hotfix installs files that have the attributes that are listed in the following tables. The dates and the times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The dates and the times for these files on your local computer are displayed in your local time together with your current daylight saving time (DST) bias. Additionally, the dates and the times may change when you perform certain operations on the files.

Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 file information notes

Important Windows 7 hotfixes and Windows Server 2008 R2 hotfixes are included in the same packages. However, hotfixes on the Hotfix Request page are listed under both operating systems. To request the hotfix package that applies to one or both operating systems, select the hotfix that is listed under "Windows 7/Windows Server 2008 R2" on the page. Always refer to the "Applies to" section in articles to determine the actual operating system that each hotfix applies to.
  • The files that apply to a specific product, milestone (RTM, SPn), and service branch (LDR, GDR) can be identified by examining the file version numbers as shown in the following table:

    VersionProductMilestoneService branch
    6.1.760 1.18 xxxWindows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2SP1GDR
    6.1.760 1.22 xxxWindows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2SP1LDR
  • The MANIFEST files (.manifest) and the MUM files (.mum) that are installed for each environment are listed separately in the "Additional file information for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2" section. MUM, MANIFEST, and the associated security catalog (.cat) files, are very important to maintain the state of the updated components. The security catalog files, for which the attributes are not listed, are signed with a Microsoft digital signature.
For all supported x86-based versions of Windows 7
File nameFile versionFile sizeDateTimePlatform
Explorerframe.dll6.1.7601.186791,498,62426-Nov-201403:31x86
Explorerframe.dll6.1.7601.228871,499,13627-Nov-201403:22x86
Shell32.dll6.1.7601.1867912,875,26426-Nov-201403:32x86
Shell32.dll6.1.7601.2288712,878,33627-Nov-201403:22x86
For all supported x64-based versions of Windows 7 and of Windows Server 2008 R2
File nameFile versionFile sizeDateTimePlatform
Explorerframe.dll6.1.7601.186791,866,75226-Nov-201403:53x64
Explorerframe.dll6.1.7601.228871,867,77627-Nov-201403:25x64
Shell32.dll6.1.7601.1867914,175,74426-Nov-201403:54x64
Shell32.dll6.1.7601.2288714,181,37627-Nov-201403:25x64
Explorerframe.dll6.1.7601.186791,498,62426-Nov-201403:31x86
Explorerframe.dll6.1.7601.228871,499,13627-Nov-201403:22x86
Shell32.dll6.1.7601.1867912,875,26426-Nov-201403:32x86
Shell32.dll6.1.7601.2288712,878,33627-Nov-201403:22x86
For all supported IA-64-based versions of Windows Server 2008 R2
File nameFile versionFile sizeDateTimePlatform
Explorerframe.dll6.1.7601.186793,809,28026-Nov-201403:03IA-64
Explorerframe.dll6.1.7601.228873,811,32827-Nov-201402:28IA-64
Shell32.dll6.1.7601.1867921,192,19226-Nov-201403:03IA-64
Shell32.dll6.1.7601.2288721,201,40827-Nov-201402:28IA-64
Explorerframe.dll6.1.7601.186791,498,62426-Nov-201403:31x86
Explorerframe.dll6.1.7601.228871,499,13627-Nov-201403:22x86
Shell32.dll6.1.7601.1867912,875,26426-Nov-201403:32x86
Shell32.dll6.1.7601.2288712,878,33627-Nov-201403:22x86

Additional file information

Additional file information for Windows 7 and for Windows Server 2008 R2
Additional files for all supported x86-based versions of Windows 7
File propertyValue
File nameX86_0119324bb69747e685c7ef90159cec71_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.22887_none_984995219c6caeba.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size695
Date (UTC)01-Dec-2014
Time (UTC)17:36
File nameX86_1d9adbd8836920aa4e6c9ff2a01a66f6_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.22887_none_1e9e8fdabff63abe.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size701
Date (UTC)01-Dec-2014
Time (UTC)17:36
File nameX86_264f8c0c45c5597a6d3965b93a29d232_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18679_none_6f1aca6cfe234a74.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size701
Date (UTC)01-Dec-2014
Time (UTC)17:36
File nameX86_ce08c21f2d6c227ee305c14be7039bb6_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18679_none_20e88e14588ad6d1.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size695
Date (UTC)01-Dec-2014
Time (UTC)17:36
File nameX86_microsoft-windows-explorerframe_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18679_none_c4488056d23f3d06.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size48,372
Date (UTC)26-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)03:57
File nameX86_microsoft-windows-explorerframe_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.22887_none_c4c54e87eb66c33a.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size48,372
Date (UTC)27-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)03:50
File nameX86_microsoft-windows-shell32_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18679_none_6df4a1d1706a43eb.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size1,059,758
Date (UTC)26-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)03:52
File nameX86_microsoft-windows-shell32_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.22887_none_6e7170028991ca1f.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size1,059,758
Date (UTC)27-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)03:45
Additional files for all supported x64-based versions of Windows 7 and of Windows Server 2008 R2
File propertyValue
File nameAmd64_24c7fd303c2d670cbacb5b75616428a0_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18679_none_762e42d139941ca5.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size1,040
Date (UTC)01-Dec-2014
Time (UTC)17:37
File nameAmd64_2f343e99a9a15b53061c6840906b91de_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18679_none_8aa41b94c12cd209.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size1,052
Date (UTC)01-Dec-2014
Time (UTC)17:37
File nameAmd64_4834ef3294637c4351eb5f2932ea26a0_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.22887_none_43192a0e68cc3e4e.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size1,040
Date (UTC)01-Dec-2014
Time (UTC)17:37
File nameAmd64_60d5d752cc359cdc75428d05ea33f469_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.22887_none_3bdc8e41b78e1ebf.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size699
Date (UTC)01-Dec-2014
Time (UTC)17:37
File nameAmd64_85d37182936b49f641ba4d985e86ea67_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.22887_none_0e6971b9bac16ee2.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size1,052
Date (UTC)01-Dec-2014
Time (UTC)17:37
File nameAmd64_f2be06fc9b28e7f90cc319e8bda37b45_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18679_none_c4c68881b15af97f.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size699
Date (UTC)01-Dec-2014
Time (UTC)17:37
File nameAmd64_microsoft-windows-explorerframe_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18679_none_20671bda8a9cae3c.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size48,376
Date (UTC)26-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)04:21
File nameAmd64_microsoft-windows-explorerframe_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.22887_none_20e3ea0ba3c43470.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size48,376
Date (UTC)27-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)03:51
File nameAmd64_microsoft-windows-shell32_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18679_none_ca133d5528c7b521.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size1,058,744
Date (UTC)26-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)04:16
File nameAmd64_microsoft-windows-shell32_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.22887_none_ca900b8641ef3b55.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size1,058,744
Date (UTC)27-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)03:47
File nameWow64_microsoft-windows-explorerframe_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18679_none_2abbc62cbefd7037.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size48,026
Date (UTC)26-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)03:46
File nameWow64_microsoft-windows-explorerframe_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.22887_none_2b38945dd824f66b.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size48,026
Date (UTC)27-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)03:43
File nameWow64_microsoft-windows-shell32_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18679_none_d467e7a75d28771c.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size1,055,217
Date (UTC)26-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)03:46
File nameWow64_microsoft-windows-shell32_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.22887_none_d4e4b5d8764ffd50.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size1,055,217
Date (UTC)27-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)03:43
Additional files for all supported IA-64-based versions of Windows Server 2008 R2
File propertyValue
File nameIa64_79b6299ae067282c3edf0c43c5f42ab4_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.22887_none_ecee9d1dce6eda62.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size1,038
Date (UTC)01-Dec-2014
Time (UTC)17:36
File nameIa64_7dacd680cae5d662a348c58ae07bad37_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18679_none_68aa5ceaf32e7ac4.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size1,050
Date (UTC)01-Dec-2014
Time (UTC)17:36
File nameIa64_af35c81a4b23b5eb4f57bcf13cf3fdc5_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.22887_none_5cc2e54913dfd641.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size1,050
Date (UTC)01-Dec-2014
Time (UTC)17:36
File nameIa64_c084575611c718bc8be88e831a022112_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18679_none_4a4b0e728a7c8272.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size1,038
Date (UTC)01-Dec-2014
Time (UTC)17:36
File nameIa64_microsoft-windows-explorerframe_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18679_none_c44a244cd23d4602.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size48,374
Date (UTC)26-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)03:43
File nameIa64_microsoft-windows-explorerframe_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.22887_none_c4c6f27deb64cc36.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size48,374
Date (UTC)27-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)03:38
File nameIa64_microsoft-windows-shell32_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18679_none_6df645c770684ce7.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size1,058,742
Date (UTC)26-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)03:42
File nameIa64_microsoft-windows-shell32_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.22887_none_6e7313f8898fd31b.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size1,058,742
Date (UTC)27-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)03:36
File nameWow64_microsoft-windows-explorerframe_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18679_none_2abbc62cbefd7037.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size48,026
Date (UTC)26-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)03:46
File nameWow64_microsoft-windows-explorerframe_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.22887_none_2b38945dd824f66b.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size48,026
Date (UTC)27-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)03:43
File nameWow64_microsoft-windows-shell32_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18679_none_d467e7a75d28771c.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size1,055,217
Date (UTC)26-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)03:46
File nameWow64_microsoft-windows-shell32_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.22887_none_d4e4b5d8764ffd50.manifest
File versionNot applicable
File size1,055,217
Date (UTC)27-Nov-2014
Time (UTC)03:43

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Status

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

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References

See the terminology that Microsoft uses to describe software updates.

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Keywords: kb, kbautohotfix, kbqfe, kbhotfixserver, kbfix, kbsurveynew, kbexpertiseinter

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Article Info
Article ID : 3009980
Revision : 1
Created on : 1/7/2017
Published on : 2/6/2015
Exists online : False
Views : 184