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The patch issued last week was intended to fill in some holes found in Windows Explorer. However, after the patch was installed, users found that they suddenly had a series of problems in accessing files on their computers. Reports flowed in of users unable to access common folders like 'My Documents'

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or 'My Pictures'. As a result Microsoft Office applications froze after requests to save or open Office files in the 'My Documents' folder or that Office files in the 'My Documents' folder would not open.

The issue arose because as part of the patch Microsoft installed a new version of verclsid.exe, which validates shell extensions before they are accessed by the Windows Shell or Windows Explorer. However Hewlett-Packard's Share-to-Web software in many cases stopped verclsid.exe from working.

Particularly affected are HP's PhotoSmart software, any HP DeskJet printer that includes a card reader, scanners, some CD-DVD RWs and HP digital cameras.

Microsoft has issued a workaround, although it is unlikely that many of the home users who have bought HP kit will be happy tinkering with Regedit.