Missing Favorites in IE (8 posts)

Michael Lister Posted 2 years, 9 months ago Joined: 12 years, 5 months ago

Hi everyone

My system is P4, 1G Ram, 3.2 intel, stand alone system, adsl via modem/router, IE7, outlook express for emails, XP home, SP4, all updates and anti virus up to date.

I performed a routine back up of My Documents folder, outlook.pst files, desktop, favorites, etc to an external HDD. No problems all files backed up ok.

However, remove the external drive open IE and the Favorites are not there. Open Windows Explorer - Program Files - Internet Explorer and the Favorites folder is listed and all the favorites are there.

Ok, now in IE - file - import/export and the Favorites folder can't be opened to import.

BUT...if the external HDD is pluged in, the favorites are automatically listed in the favorites folder in IE. Disconnect the HDD and the favorites from IE disappear although still showing in the Program files(IE folder).

Any one got any ideas as to how to reinstate the favorites in IE and why they disappeared as if/when I do get it back to normal I don't want a repeat at subsequent back ups?

Thanks, Michael Lister

Anonymous Posted 2 years, 9 months ago Joined: N/A

try installing firefox and importing all the favorites in firefox, then youll never have to use that terrible browser again, while also fixing your bookmarking problem.

Anonymous Posted 2 years, 9 months ago Joined: N/A

thanks anon. I have tried firefox and didn't like it. As I'm happy with IE and this is the first issue I have ever had with a backup I was hoping for a solution to the problem. thanks anyway

Graham Reid Posted 2 years, 9 months ago Joined: 12 years, 5 months ago

Hi Michael, Try looking at

Hi Michael,

Try looking at this registry key in REGEDIT (Be careful)- this specifies the location of the favorites folder. If it points to the external HDD change it to the local drive

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerShell FoldersFavorites

Cheers Graham

Anonymous Posted 2 years, 9 months ago Joined: N/A

Thanks Graham....

Thanks Graham for your advice.

I checked the registry as you suggested and found that there was no value data set (just blank) for the Favorites.

I used the modify tab to set a value but regardless of the location (tried several)of the Favorites folder the registry won't hold the value.

Can you suggest anything else?

Cheers Michael

Daniel F Posted 2 years, 9 months ago Joined: 12 years, 5 months ago

IE Favourites

Michael,

I use Win2K and IE6, so your mileage may differ, but 'Program Files' is not where the 'Favorites' folder usually resides. In my case it exists in: C:Documents and Settings<em>UsernameFavorites

Is there any chance you (or someone) might have moved its location? Even if not, I would suggest copying your Favs from the current location to the folder suggested above (with IE closed, of course), then re-run IE and see if that fixes it.

How did you do your backup - some backup utility, or by dragging stuff with the mouse? If the latter, Windows might have moved the Favs rather than copying them to the external drive. (You know you can always override Windows 'automatic' action when dragging by simultaneously holding down one of these keys: <Ctrl> copies, <Shift> moves, <Alt> makes a shortcut.)

Daniel

Anonymous Posted 2 years, 9 months ago Joined: N/A

why not try and answer the question rather then try and sell a browser that really is just as good as IE.

Anonymous Posted 2 years, 9 months ago Joined: N/A

Thanks Daniel

The back up is just a copy and paste and all the favorites are on the external drive and also on the PC hard drive. I have moved the favorites folder to various locations but they can't be imported.

The previous post suggested that I check the registry and there is no data value for Favorites and it won't hold a folder location.

Missing Favorites in IE (8 posts)

Missing Favorites in IE (8 posts)

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