Learn how to disable the search-based method when resolving shell shortcuts in Windows 7.
Prevents the system from conducting a comprehensive search of the target drive to resolve a shortcut.
By default, when the system cannot find the target file for a shortcut (.lnk), it searches all paths associated with the shortcut. If the target file is located on an NTFS partition, the system then uses the target’s file ID to find a path. If the resulting path is not correct, it conducts a comprehensive search of the target drive in an attempt to find the file.
If you enable this setting, the system does not conduct the final drive search. It just displays a message explaining that the file is not found.
Note: This setting only applies to target files on NTFS partitions. FAT partitions do not have this ID tracking and search capability.
Disable the Search-based Method when Resolving Shell Shortcuts
- Type gpedit.msc in the Start menu’s search box and then press Enter.
Note: This guide shows you how to make changes to Windows 7 using Group Policy. Group Policy is not available in Home versions of Windows 7.
- Navigate to User Configuration, Administrative Templates, and then select Start Menu and Taskbar in the left column of the Group Policy editor.
- Double-click Do not use the search-based method when resolving shell shortcuts in the Settings section of the Group Policy editor.
- Select Enable and then click OK to save the changes.
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