Quantcast

Troubleshoot Windows Explorer.lnk Errors and Download File

Sometimes Windows system displays error messages regarding corrupted or missing Windows Explorer.lnk files. Situations like that can occur, for example, during a software installation process. Each software program requires certain resources, libraries, and source data to work properly. Corrupted or nonexistent Windows Explorer.lnk file can therefore effect in failed execution of the started process.

Windows Explorer.lnk file Windows File Shortcut. The file was developed by Microsoft for use with Office software. Here you will find detailed information about the file and instructions how to proceed in the event of Windows Explorer.lnk related errors on your device. You can also download Windows Explorer.lnk file compatible with Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows XP devices which will (most probably) allow you to solve the problem.

For Windows Compatible with: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows XP

File info

General information
Filename Windows Explorer.lnk
File extension LNK
Type Shortcut
Description Windows File Shortcut
Software
Program Office 95
Software Office
Author Microsoft
Software version 95
Details
File size 1365
Oldest file 2008-01-21
MIME type application/octet-stream
Windows Explorer.lnk

There are various types of errors related to Windows Explorer.lnk file. Windows Explorer.lnk file may be located in wrong file directory on your device, may not be present in the system, or may be infected with malicious software and therefore not work correctly. Below is a list of most common error messages related to Windows Explorer.lnk file. If you encounter one listed below (or similar), please consider the following suggestions.

  • Windows Explorer.lnk is corrupted
  • Windows Explorer.lnk cannot be located
  • Runtime Error - Windows Explorer.lnk
  • Windows Explorer.lnk file error
  • Windows Explorer.lnk file cannot be loaded. Module was not found
  • cannot register Windows Explorer.lnk file:
  • Windows Explorer.lnk file could not be loaded
  • Windows Explorer.lnk file doesn't exist

Windows Explorer.lnk

Error

Application could not be started because Windows Explorer.lnk file is missing. Reinstall the application to solve the problem.

OK

Problems related to Windows Explorer.lnk can be addressed in various ways. Some methods are meant only for advanced users. If you don't have confidence in your skills, we suggest consulting a specialist. Fixing Windows Explorer.lnk file errors should be approached with utmost caution for any mistakes can result in unstable or unproperly working system. If you have the necassary skills, please proceed.

Windows Explorer.lnk file errors can be caused by various factors, so its is beneficial to try to fix them using various methods.

Step 1: Scan your computer for any malicious software

Virus Scan

Windows files are commonly attacked by malicious software that prevents them from working properly. First step in addressing problems with Windows Explorer.lnk file or any other Windows system files should be scanning the system for malicious software using an antivirus tool.

If by any chance you don't have any antivirus software installed on your system yet, you should do it immediately. Unprotected system is not only a source of file errors, but, more importantly, makes your system vulnerable to many dangers. If you don't know which antivirus tool to choose, consult this Wikipedia article – comparison of antivirus software.

Step 2: Update your system and drivers.

Windows Update

Installing relevant Microsoft Windows patches and updates may solve your problems related to Windows Explorer.lnk file. Use dedicated Windows tool to perform the update.

  1. Go to the Windows "Start" menu
  2. Type "Windows Update" in the search field
  3. Choose the appropriate software program (name may vary depending on your system version)
  4. Check if your system is up to date. If any unapplied updates are listed, install them immediately.
  5. After the update has been done,restart your computer in order to complete the process.

Beside updating the system, it is recommended that you install latest device drivers, as drivers can influence proper working of Windows Explorer.lnk or other system files. In order to do so, go to your computer or device producer's website where you will find information regarding latest driver updates.

Step 3: Use System File Checker (SFC) tool

System File Checker

System File Checker is a Microsoft Windows tool. As the name suggests, the tool is used for identyfing and addressing system file related errors, including those related to Windows Explorer.lnk file. After an error related to%fileextension% file has been discovered, the program attempts to automatically replace the Windows Explorer.lnk file with properly working version. To use the tool:

  1. Go to the Windows "Start" menu
  2. Type "cmd" in the search field
  3. Locate "Command Prompt" result – don't run it yet:
  4. Click the right mouse button and select "Run as Administrator" option
  5. Type "sfc /scannow" in console prompt to start the program and follow the instructions

Step 4: Restoring Windows system

Windows Recovery

Another approach is to restore system to previous state, before the Windows Explorer.lnk file error occured. In order to restore your system, follow the instructions below

  1. Go to the Windows "Start" menu
  2. Type "System Restore" in the search field
  3. Start the system restore tool – it's name may differ depending on version of the system
  4. The application will guide you through the process – read the messages carefully
  5. After the process has finished, restart your computer.

If all the above-mentioned methods failed and the Windows Explorer.lnk file problem has not been resolved, proceed to the next step. Remember that the following steps are intended only for advanced users.

Download and replace Windows Explorer.lnk file

The last solution is to manually download and replace Windows Explorer.lnk file in appropriate folder on the disk. Select file version compatible with your operating system and click the "Download" button. Next, go to your web browser's "Downloaded" folder and copy the downloaded Windows Explorer.lnk file.

Go to the folder where the file should be located and paste the downloaded file. Below is the list of Windows Explorer.lnk file example directory paths.

  • Windows 7: C:\Users\Bill\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar\
  • Windows Vista: ---
  • Windows XP: ---
  • Windows XP: ---

If the steps did not solve your Windows Explorer.lnk file problem, you should consult a professional. A probability exists that the error(s) might be device-related and therefore should be resolved at the hardware level. A fresh operating system installation might be necessary – a faulty system installation process can result in data loss.

File versions list

Filename Windows Explorer.lnk
System Windows 7
File size 1228 bytes
Date 2009-07-14
File details
MD5 1d117abc60c164f840d47f5450f867c2
SHA1 5fe9d381ba4747932629ce1a9f04609cc543e3c2
SHA256 d78d6b8c2f826c899e72a9606f9e8c5329a395e41e1cb89b3909f4f5e4221642
CRC32 f8df465d
Example file location C:\Users\Bill\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar\
Filename Windows Explorer.lnk
System Windows Vista
File size 1537 bytes
Date 2008-01-21
File details
MD5 2e80f1b998ca1f926802d62562656c92
SHA1 c41c51ac087a7448edc2342b1dd43c4947e48359
SHA256 10e110e19198dc313579ad47c450de37d452b85ca843c569525948f7f0d1ac3f
CRC32 66c4ebaa
Example file location ---
Filename Windows Explorer.lnk
System Windows XP
File size 1487 bytes
Date 2017-04-24
File details
MD5 e4e8b114463241c2288b61c09a393772
SHA1 eec47f0d37805f58fb7d10c874c744ad4f0f92b5
SHA256 49f4b73da6312515c74ce03bf63a0f65d7fb9a73741f8cb137f1ef4b46627df8
CRC32 2471ec37
Example file location ---
Filename Windows Explorer.lnk
System Windows XP
File size 1365 bytes
Date 2017-05-10
File details
MD5 f73e2dda0762c2ee0ccae3a237e152a8
SHA1 20a0b7ddf829dc4f4f01b9351490eaeeee28e2d7
SHA256 a90c2b41f350f8d42a7a5da1ed3c89a62138262a7ed9dec9d6219a092db6845f
CRC32 5ec59206
Example file location ---