Vista - Unable to delete invalid shortcuts and paths of deleted files.

Hi,

I am also facing a similiar issue, like given in the thread - Cannot delete shortcut file

I cant deleted some invalid paths and shortcuts in the system....
Here when I open any application and try to insert or open a file for that application, I am facing the problem.

For Example,
In VLC Player, I click on Media --> Open File

This gives you the Box to select the file you want and in the bottom of that small window in the " File name " box, you will be having a drop down box to select the file.
Here all the deleted files are listed with the file name and path, which was deleted months ago...
When you select the file it says, "Path does not exist, try again"
So, I think all the invalid shortcuts are stored some where in the system, which displays there.
So we need to deleted that particular cache.
I found out that there is something called " Indexed Cache " in Vista, which saves all the shortcuts as the files are stored.
I need to find out how to delete the file shortcuts from that location.
Please help.

Similiar issue is there in Outlook 2007, when I compose a new message and insert file.
It gives the drop down box like the above issue with all the deleted files path.

I tried rebuilding the Indexing Options as advised before.
It didnt work.
I performed all the basic steps, like deleting cookies,temp files from system,ran chkdsk,disk cleanup, and also used some popular and unpopular cleaning software and nothing worked.


Please Help.

You are talking about most reciently used files.
This can be deleted in the disk cleanup.
Hope this helps.

Thanks for reply.
I tried Disk Clean Up, It didnt even delete a single file.
More over, In my issue, It shows files and paths which I deleted months ago, so I think it cant be recent.

try looking here;-
Cannot Rename or Move a File or Folder in Vista Fix[11]=File%20Folder%20Settings

Hi ananthk and welcome to Vista Forums

This information is also held in the Registry. Launch this by clicking on the Start orb and type Regedit into the search box followed by enter/return. Click Edit, Find... and enter mru into the search box and then click Find Next. The registry will be searched, and the first item that matches your search criteria will be displayed. Note that it is unlikely to be the item that you are looking for, so press F3 to continue searching. This may take a while as you go through the registry. Alternatively, in the search box, type the name of one of the files as displayed in the drop down box of the program in question. When you have reached the correct location, you can remove these entries by right clicking on them and choosing Delete. Of course, you can use a registry cleaner to achieve this, and one that is highly recommended is CCleaner - see CCleaner - Home

Hi,

I tried this by saving the reg file and merging, but it doesnt help....
let me try the option given by Dwarf.

Thank you so much, friend.
You made my day.
I was struggling with this problem for last 7 days, and it got resolved today.
I downloaded that CC Cleaner and it took off some 160 MB from the system.
Now the drop down box is clear without any file name and paths.
You did a Fantastic Job.

I also thank Roy for his help.

Hi ananthk,

Glad to hear that your problem is resolved. I do recommend that you have a look through the Tutorials, as there is a wealth of information there: Tutorials - Vista Forums. In addition, new ones are periodically added thanks to suggestions from other users and also because new methods are being found for existing ones. Don't forget that if you have any other problems you can always post your queries here and we will endeavour to help. Although some of us are more experienced than others, we are all learning from each other all the time, so your contribution is extremely welcome. This thread will also help others who have the same, or a similar, problem.

Yes, Dwarf.
I will go through the tutorial.
Also this Forum is good and I will recommend my friends to join the forum.
Cheers.

try downloading

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