Member Avatar for kiwi_rocker

When i click on a favourite an error message pops up saying

'Cannot find the file (web addy) or one of its components. Make sure the path and filename are correct and that all required libraries are available'


Then the website loads anyway in a new window. I just got rid of some viruses it could have taken off something when i fixed these. Its not an urgent matter just it gets really really annoying.

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Dani AI

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Because clarified "web addy" means the actual URL, the error text means Windows tried to open something that no longer exists (or the handler used to open .url files is broken). That commonly happens after malware removal when a program or registry handler has been removed but the Favorites (.url) association or individual shortcut files are still pointing at it.

Try these checks in order:

  • Inspect the shortcut file. In Explorer open the Favorites folder (on XP: C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Favorites), right‑click a problem favorite and choose Open With -> Notepad. A valid .url looks like:

    [InternetShortcut]
URL=http://www.example.com/

    If the file is empty or missing the URL line, delete and re-create the favorite from the browser.

  • Test with a fresh shortcut. On the desktop use New -> Shortcut and paste the page URL. If the new shortcut opens cleanly, the old .url files were corrupted and can be replaced.

  • Check the file association. In Explorer: Tools -> Folder Options -> File Types, find "Internet Shortcut" (or extension .url). The Open action should invoke the URL protocol handler (not a removed third‑party EXE). If unsure, avoid registry edits and instead repair IE or recreate the shortcuts.

If the above does not help:

  • Run sfc /scannow to restore system DLLs, or reinstall/repair Internet Explorer to restore URL handlers.
  • If comfortable editing the registry, export a backup and inspect HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\InternetShortcut\shell\open\command to see what program is being called. Only change this if you know what the correct handler should be.
  • Run a current anti‑spyware scan; leftover registry entries from removed malware are a frequent cause.

One reason the page still opens: the HTTP protocol handler (your browser) is intact and opens the link, while the .url handler that Windows tried first is missing and triggers the error. Back up the Favorites folder before making changes.

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Member Avatar for Dani

It seems to me as if "web addy" is some form of spyware that was installed by your virus. Apparently deleting the virus didn't delete web addy along with it.

I've never heard of web addy ... apparently there's a registry setting still in your machine to load that nasty lil bugger whenever you open an IE favorite. However, since deleting the virus deleted "web addy", it can't find the file.

The reason your IE favorites open up anyways is because that's what they're supposed to do. Web addy isn't supposed to be there at all ;)

Member Avatar for kiwi_rocker

Sorry by web addy i meant the web address of the website i am trying to get.

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