Favorite Links is Empty in Windows Vista Explorer Navigation Pane

Sometimes Windows Vista users face a problem when the "Favorite Links" section in Windows Explorer Navigation Pane doesnt show any item:

If you are facing this problem, then use following methods:

1. Right-click in Favorite Links section and select "Restore Default Favorite Links" option.

2. It'll restore all the shortcuts immediately and your problem will be solved.

If the above mentioned method doesnt work, then use following method:

1. Open regedit and goto:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile

2. In right-side pane, create a new String Value IsShortcut

3. Close Registry Editor and restart your Windows. It'll fix the problem.

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7 Comments

Ronald

Dear Vishal,

Will the second solution reinstate the shortcut arrow on desktop icons?
And is this caused by deleting this registry key in the first place to remove the arrow icon?
VG

^^ Exactly.
Damien Benoit

Using Vista Home Premium and tried both methods with a no go. Anything else? Nothing worked for me! Matter of fact, the string was already there, I deleted and remade it but i mean what good what that do? Any options?
Jonathan Barth

This didn't work for me. However, I did figure out something that did work. In my user folder, I recreated a folder named "Links." Not realizing I needed this, I had deleted it. Then, I was able to follow your steps and make it work.
andrefiji

Jonathan Barth:

thanks man. that worked for me too. it was irritating the crap out of me!
Tim

Thank you, John.
Michael

I cant find the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile.