WinME and "failed to expand shell folder constant" error

[jakkwb]

Hey folks,

I am working on an ME Dell PC. I cannot install anything without getting this error:

internal error: failed to expand shell folder constant "userappdata"

There is practically nothing provided by googling this.

The only spyware program I am able to use is Adaware - it found a few things but it did not fix this problem. I have reinstalled ME over itself with no luck either.

Other things I have been able to run/try: McAfee Stinger, Bitdefender free AV, AVG free AV, McAfee anti-spyware....None of these detected anything major, or fixed the problem.

Also, the icons on this machine are all fouled up. Some are completely black, others kind of look like capital "T"s.

Any suggestions?

A

[street1]

Do a nondistuctive Windows ME reinstall with out losing data.


Go to safe mode and then c:windows\options\cabs\setup.exe

Double click setup and windows will start reinstalling on top of it's self.

[Zonie]

Since you have already tried a reinstall with no success, I would suggest you do a diag on the hard drive first, then diag the memory. If these turn out clean and free of errors, back up the data and drivers and start with a fresh install of Windows ME (Many Errors). This OS is the type of program that breaks verry easy and is not robust. If you can, I would suggest an upgrade to a newer OS. Hope this helps you.

[jakkwb]

HD passed Seagate diagnostics. Memory passed tester.

I was just in hope of a simple fix, but alas, it's Windows ME.....

[geoscomp]

The only spyware program I am able to use is Adaware

Why? what happens when you try to use Ewido, Spybot S&D, Hijack This?
usually that error is a permissions error..on winME that would probably mean something locking you out..

[jakkwb]

Hijackthis actually works. I have looked over its log file, but I don't find anything suspicious....All other programs I try to install gives me the subject error.

I will gladly post my HJT logs if anyone wants to take a gander....

Thank you!

[Shard92]

as far as the icons being messed up.... you could try clearing the icon cache... go to the windows directory and look for the file ShellIconCache and delette it. it will be recreated the next time you start. Note you will need to be able to see hidden files and you might need to do it from safe mode. you might also want to do a general clean up on that computer.... clear all temp files etc...

[slgrieb]

The heading for this article doesn't match your error exactly, but I think the procedure in it will fix your problem: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=886549

[jakkwb]

Hello,

I looked at the link you provided. This is Windows ME: the registry does not look like this line from the link:

AppData REG_EXPAND_SZ %USERPROFILE%\Application Data

There is no REG_EXPAND_SZ anywhere, nor is there the %USERPROFILE%, instead it is
set to c:\windows\

Should I change all the c:\windows to %userprofile% ?

Also, the MS link shows about 18 items under that key - this machine only has 6 items there.

Thanks,

A

[street1]

I found the below information doing a web search.I run XP and do not have a
computer set up to try it out.

Give it a try.Who knows?
__________________________________________________ ______________


I had this same problem spent hours freaking over it. I deleted the shelliconcache rebooted .....nothing happened. i right clicked the active desktop then under effects I changed the icons to "show large icons" then shut down rebooted and of course this time they were all large i right clicked desktop again then made them smaller. I have had no problem since. BTW.....my icons were all black. Hope this helps.

[Archer]

userappdata would appear to be a system file/folder related to your shorcuts hence the issue your having i.e. the file may be corrupt.
http://www.jrsoftware.org/iskb.php?quicklaunch

HOWTO: Create shortcuts on the Quick Launch bar
[Icons]
Name: "{userappdata}\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\My Program"; Filename: "{app}\MyProg.exe

Microsoft Windows: Inno Setup: File:Setup: What is location of '{userappdata}' directory?

If a repair install doesnt work and a file check repair wont either then your left with a parrallel or complete reinstall.

Maybe the link below will clarify that userappdata is a system "constant" i.e. c:\Documents and Settings\Application data
So its looking like a corrupt user installed on the system.


http://groups.inetbot.com/showgrp/jr...setup_s67.html

EDIT Just an additional thought try making a new user log-in and see if it then works correctly.

[jakkwb]

Update - I finally got the users permission to dump and reinstall. Fixed, but no solution to the problem. Oh well. (big sip of coffee).