Double-Clicking Desktop Shortcut to Folder Does Not Work

ID: Q176583

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Internet Explorer version 4.0 for Windows 95
• Microsoft Internet Explorer version 4.0 for Windows NT 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you right-click a folder, point to Send To, and then click Desktop As Shortcut, the new desktop shortcut may not use the folder icon. When you double-click the new shortcut, the Open With dialog box appears, prompting you to select a program association for the shortcut.

CAUSE

This problem can occur if the folder for which you want to create a shortcut contains spaces in its name.

For example, if you right-click the Program Files folder, point to Send To, and then click Desktop As Shortcut, the shortcut appears as a blank sheet with the Windows flag. When you double-click it, the Open With dialog box prompts you to select an association. You cannot open the Program Files folder from the shortcut.

Note that this problem occurs only when the Windows Desktop Update is installed with Internet Explorer 4.0.

RESOLUTION

To work around this problem, right-click the folder, and then click Copy. Then, right-click the desktop and click Paste Shortcut.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Internet Explorer 4.0. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

Additional query words: 4.00

Keywords          : kbui msiew95 msient 
Version           : WINDOWS:4.0
Platform          : WINDOWS

Last Reviewed: March 18, 1999