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Konstantinos Tsoukalas

Konstantinos is the founder and administrator of Wintips.org. Since 1995 he works and provides IT support as a computer and network expert to individuals and large companies. He is specialized in solving problems related to Windows or other Microsoft products (Windows Server, Office, Microsoft 365, etc.).

13 Comments

  1. barrenelly
    November 29, 2021 @ 3:13 pm

    Many thanks for the advice on restoring file and folder names where they have disappeared (Windows Explorer, XP Pro). I had previously got round, though not solved, this problem by renaming the folder with an extra letter. My folder wherein I keep scans of all my bank statements as thumbnails (or filmstrip view) had inexplicably lost the filenames, which was annoying, since they all look the same in thumbnail view and are tedious to scroll through as a filmstrip. Renaming "Bank" as "Bbank" brought back the file-titles, yes, but really I didn't want the folder to be called "Bbank", so I'm grateful for the advice on how to do it properly. Thank you.

    Reply

  2. oberste
    January 6, 2020 @ 1:48 am

    2020, January 05.
    Windows XP computer (2002, version 3):
    Some folders (inside 'my documents') with all files seem suddenly gone from one day to the next. The missing files are mainly Excel and Word documents.
    – Re-starting the computer did not change the issue.
    – Searching for the file names or by date last saved does not list the files.
    – The files seem not to be in the recycle bin (and I don't think they have been deleted).
    – If I look under the 'properties' of the parent folder, the total number of files and folders suggest that the files still exist but are not visible.
    – Copying the parent folder to an external hard drive copied the problem.
    – The parent folder icon changed in a curious way: the folder icon has a red check-mark on it (inside the icon).
    Please help if you can.
    Thank you.

    Reply

  3. Carlos E. Martinez
    May 26, 2019 @ 11:41 am

    My problem with Windows Explorer is different. It doesn't allow me to paste a new names, copied from another file and from a different type, on files.

    What I get is a series of characters, like:

    t1RADbPiZ6c5AGe8Qmt1oAC4kAJGd2PSV2q

    This I have actually got now by trying to paste an actual file name here.

    How do I solve it?

    Reply

  4. Maximus Fernandez
    June 23, 2018 @ 5:26 am

    I have a problem including the file names vanishing and other names such as video titles on YouTube when I hover over with a mouse. I use a Windows 10 laptop, and I cannot see any letters when I go to task manager, control panel, file explorer, and many other things. I do see the icons for them though. I also have another problem which if someone can help me get this solution by any chance, I will thank them. My screen randomly has black boxes appearing once I scroll on a browser. I use Google Chrome, so I suspect that it might be the problem. If possible, please help me out with at least the first problem so I no longer have to worry anymore. Thanks.

    Reply

    • lakonst
      June 23, 2018 @ 9:30 am

      @Maximus Fernandez: Does the problem happen to all web browsers? Have you tried to connect an external monitor to your laptop?
      Things to try:
      1. Disable the hardware acceleration in Chrome (go to Settings > Advanced and under 'System' set the "Use Hardware Acceleration when available" to OFF. Restart Chrome.)
      2. Update the video drivers.
      3. completely remove and uninstall Chrome.
      4. Perform a in-plaice upgrade (repair) of Windows 10.

      Reply

  5. marc
    January 17, 2017 @ 12:51 pm

    thanks, i had this problem for awhile and just tried this and it worked like a charm!

    Reply

  6. DJ Burkett
    June 21, 2016 @ 6:00 pm

    I had a problem with vanishing file names. I made a copy of the folder on another drive to work with so I didn't damage the original files. Copying the directory did not change the symptoms.
    If I did a directory search with *.* in Explorer all the files became "visible" again.
    I selected them all,
    did a "cut",
    backed out of the directory search and up one level,
    re-selecte the folder
    and did a "paste".
    Everything working fine again.

    I did the admin stuff but couldn't find anything to correct. Bothers me a little I couldn't find a cause but that did fix it.

    Reply

  7. Tom Jeffery
    March 13, 2015 @ 3:53 pm

    I believe you, but there is nothing on my list. I took a screen shot but can't post it here.

    Vanishing file names is one of those little niggly things that just bug the hell out of me. Why do they go? WHERE do they go? Are they having fun without me? Dammit.

    Reply

  8. Tom Jeffery
    March 10, 2015 @ 9:16 am

    Hi. I have a problem with the file names of images – only images – disappearing in large icon view. I am using Windows 7. I tried the above solutions – there is no 'hide file names' option in my view list. There is no desktop.ini file in any folder, even with show hidden folders on. I also tried holding shift while changing the view, which also had no effect (advice I found elsewhere).
    On reboot the names reappear, but then vanish after a little while.
    It's like my PC is f***ing with me.
    Any advice?

    Reply

    • lakonst
      March 10, 2015 @ 2:21 pm

      This is strange. I checked 3 different computers. When you select the "Extra Large Icons" view and then right click on an empty space the View > Hide File Names option is there.

      Reply

    • DUCK
      November 17, 2017 @ 2:13 am

      SAME THING

      Reply

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