This a a new laptop i purchased. Problem: Recently I realised that I cannot open files on programs like Microsoft Words, or open file on File>Open File in firefox. This problem also affect the changing of MSN display pictures on Change picture> Browse for picture. Basically most program that has the Browse / Open file are not functioning. Symptom: Upon clicking on the Browse / Open file button of the programs, a brief loading mouse icon appear, the program window flash a little and then nothing happens. Not affected: Simple programs like Notepad File>Open... is not affected. It is functional. I tried opening a fresh Guest account on the laptop, and everything works just as fine. Solutions tried: Virus scans using Spybot Search & Destroy, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, VIPRE Scanner shown nothing. Tried uninstalling Flash 10 and reinstalling, even a downgrade to Flash 9; negative. Tried turning off Firewall; negative Tried rebooting; negative Request: Please advice on what might be the cause of it. I am trying to leave reformatting as the last resort as there are just too many files and programs. Below are my hardware specification. Feel free to ask if you need any more information. Thank you to anyone for spending the time to help me out. Good day to all. Windows 7 Home Premium Browser Firefox System Manufacturer Hewlett-Packard Model HP ENVY 14 Notebook PC Total amount of system memory 4.00 GB RAM System type 64-bit operating system Number of processor cores 2 Storage Total size of hard disk(s) 298 GB Disk partition (C:) 116 GB Free (274 GB Total) Disk partition (D:) 3 GB Free (24 GB Total) Media drive (E:) CD/DVD Media drive (G:) CD/DVD Graphics Display adapter type ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650 Total available graphics memory 2714 MB Dedicated graphics memory 1024 MB Dedicated system memory 0 MB Shared system memory 1690 MB Display adapter driver version 8.741.1.1000 Primary monitor resolution 1366x768 DirectX version DirectX 10 Network Network Adapter Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller Network Adapter Bluetooth Device (Personal Area Network) Network Adapter Broadcom 43224AG 802.11a/b/g/draft-n Wi-Fi Adapter

bump for awareness.

This sounds like a registry problem. In specific it sounds like a problem with the profile that is associated with your user account. Rather than re-install, why not just create a new user account, then move all your files to the new users Document folder as well as any C:\Users\<old userid>\AppData files and folders that you consider important (like your browser favorites and your email/address book). But before doing that try a System Restore (assuming there is an earlier restore point available and that works).

THe user profile can be corrupt. You may consider using the new user profile instead.Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.