Member Avatar for DeViAnT\gAmEr

Hi all, and thanks in advance for any replies...

So the other day I was tidying up my desktop, and tried to copy/cut and paste some files/folders etc, but whenever I tried to "paste" something - by right clicking, using keyboard shortcuts or edit menu - nothing happens except that I get the vista error sound (a negative sounding "ting"). It makes no difference if I try to copy to a new folder or even a new HDD.

Copying and pasting within/across applications is no problem, for example I can copy text from a browser into a document, but copying files/folders within Windows Explorer has completely stopped working!

I have tried using the system restore feature but no matter how far I go back it doesn't make a difference.

The last program that I remember installing since the last time I successfully copied and pasted something was a standalone version of ie7 (for web dev testing as I have upgraded to ie8), which didn't work anyway, so I uninstalled it.

As I mentioned, system restore has failed to help me, and I would guess that maybe this is a registry issue. I have tried a couple of things I found in forum threads, but they seem to be related to the clipboard in general not working, whereas in my case it's specifically when using windows explorer to move files. I can delete/rename files fine, so it's strange not being able to cut/copy/paste.

Please help me as I can't move any files around my PC, and I have important backups to make!

Again, thanks in advance for any suggestions and ideas.

PS I'm using 64-bit Vista Ultimate.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Asif_9

Dani AI

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OP described Explorer on 64‑bit Vista where file copy/cut→paste fails (Explorer makes the error “ding” while app-to-app clipboard still works). Replies from , , and point at two common causes: shell/COM/component interference (third‑party context‑menu handlers, IE or other shell hooks) and file/path or permission issues. The checklist below focuses on quick, verifiable triage and safe recovery for important data.

  • Restart the Explorer shell (Task Manager → End explorer.exe, then Run new task → explorer.exe).
  • Reproduce the problem from an elevated command prompt to separate Explorer from core I/O (example tests shown). If command-line copy works while Explorer fails, the problem is with Explorer/shell layers rather than the filesystem.
copy "C:\some\file.txt" "D:\some\"
sfc /scannow
chkdsk /f D:
  • Boot Safe Mode or perform a clean boot to see if a third‑party service/extension is responsible. Use a shell‑extension manager (for example, ShellExView) to disable non‑Microsoft context‑menu handlers and retry; re-enable handlers one group at a time to find the culprit.
  • Create a new local administrator account and test there to detect profile corruption.
  • If immediate backups are required and Explorer refuses to cooperate, use an external tool or a Linux live USB to copy files before attempting repairs.

Check Event Viewer for Explorer/Shell errors for concrete clues. If the above fails, consider an in‑place repair of Windows (repair install) as a last resort; back up critical data first.

Recommended Answers

All 8 Replies

Member Avatar for cguan_77

did you check your system for any malwares? how about going to command prompt and use copy command, doesn't work also?

Member Avatar for finc

After uninstalling and reinstalling IE8, copy|paste function in Windows Explorer turned to be fixed!

Member Avatar for gravis2000

After uninstalling and reinstalling IE8, copy|paste function in Windows Explorer turned to be fixed!

Just to add to this I was having the issue with Win 7 IE 8 is standard. I was unable to mouse copy and paste on any website or in the Window live mail it just stopped working. I went into control panel and went to Programs and Features on the left hand side there is a option to turn Windows features on and off there are a number of check boxes. I unchecked IE 8 saved rebooted and then re-checked IE 8 rebooted again and the issue was fixed. I am running Norton FYI if you are too may be what caused it who knows.

Member Avatar for CregLion

Long path tool solve the problem in unlocking, deleting and copying files if any one having problem. http://longpathtool.com/

Member Avatar for milan.kothari

Please check if teracopy software is insalled in your system, if it is installed then remove that software and reboot your system.

It work for me

Member Avatar for Asif_9

You can also Read Related below Article

3 Way How to Increase Copy Paste Speed in Windows 7,8,Vista,XP - Visit Below Post Link

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