Uploaded February 2012 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago

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(SOLVED) (possible solution link at bottom? though dont call it reset.bat cause there is a reset.exe and the folder names are wrong, for win7 64 is syswow and you already probably have it.)

This was a never-ending problem, as new apps were installed, the problem kept occurring. Re-installing Windows was the only solution. :( However, for a temporary solution, read below.

***Problem: While using Windows 7 Essentials installer and many other programs, the files it installed and shortcuts it made, would not work, they were just pure white icons. I was familiar with changing file permissions, but this was more extensive then ever before. I tried to find out where the shortcuts were going and couldn't rename/copy/view/anything. I found this website that helped a little. (website data pasted at bottom of description)

answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-files/start-all-programs-displays-empty-program-folders/1a2e09a2-5664-e011-8dfc-68b599b31bf5

Working Solution (may not fix future installs, check bottom link):
As you will see in the video. I had to open the file properties and change security settings, then click ok and then go to the file properties AGAIN and change the NEW security settings options it created. After this, the shortcuts were fixed and the programs now run.


The reason the Program Folders are showing up Empty is not because they are hidden, but because the Ownership and User Permissions for those Folders have been changed. I had a similar issue but it only happened with new program installs.

- Start and Right Click on All Programs
- Explore All Users
- Double Click the Programs Folder
- Right Click on any Folder/shortcut that is showing up Empty/invalid
- Select Properties
- Select the Security tab
- In some cases Windows will ask you to assign ownership to the folder. After ownership is assigned don't forget to close the folder properties and reopen
- Restore Full Control Permissions for all users
(missing steps, check video)

Is this a possible solution?
vistax64.com/windows-updates/233617-windows-update-error-80070005-800f0203.html