Unable To Save Backup

[LavenderAndChamomile]

Describe the bug

When I go to Backup, then Save To XML File, no window pops up asking where to save my file.

Area of issue

Installation/Other

To reproduce

Click on Backup
Then click on Save To XML

Expected behavior

Click on Backup
Then click on Save To XML
A window should open, showing you where you would like to save your file

Open-Shell version

4.4.169

Windows version

25H2, OS Build 26200.7309

Additional context

I tried to save my XML settings, and they're not working as intended.

[wsmyth1]

I have the same error when I go to restore my settings. I click on "Load from XML," nothing happens. I expect File Explorer panel to open to specify file.

Open-shell version
4.4.169

Windows 11
22H2 26200.7462.

[01BastiBasti01]

Stand Heute 14.12.2025 Win11Pro 25H2 Open-Shell 4.4.196

Der ExplorerPatcher von [Valinet] löst das Problem.
Nach der Installation werden im Startmenü und der Taskleiste Standard Einstellungen auf Win10 zurückgestellt. was aber nach Wünschen Eingestellt werden kann
Anscheinend auch das Dialog Feld, Das Open-Shell Benutzt um Einstellungen Laden / Speichern zu können. Und Symbole zu Verändern.

ExplorerPatcher
https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/releases/tag/26100.4946.69.6_7384790

Valinet
https://github.com/valinet

[kalman7g]

Classic Explorer Bar option missing #2365 resolution fixed this issue for me.
I submitted this bug back in September

[kiroubel-girma]

Yes, this needs to be fixed: window (file explorer) does not open.
Until then use the command line as a workaround:
StartMenu.exe -backup <xml file> (save the start menu settings)
StartMenu.exe -xml <xml file> (restore the start menu settings)

[Mah-Nuh]

Hello kiroubel-girma,

When I try to use the command line it get a "Command line syntax in not correct" reply. Can you please help ? I tried giving the file path, no success. Thanks !

[kiroubel-girma]

Maybe you have a space in the path ? Put path between quotes in that case or use auto-completion

C:\>cd "C:\Program Files\Open-Shell"
C:\Program Files\Open-Shell>StartMenu.exe -backup "C:\temp\My backup.xml"
C:\Program Files\Open-Shell>StartMenu.exe -xml  "C:\temp\My backup.xml"

[ConsciousBob]

[01BastiBasti01] Wrote:

Stand Heute 14.12.2025 Win11Pro 25H2 Open-Shell 4.4.196

Der ExplorerPatcher von [Valinet] löst das Problem. Nach der Installation werden im Startmenü und der Taskleiste Standard Einstellungen auf Win10 zurückgestellt. was aber nach Wünschen Eingestellt werden kann Anscheinend auch das Dialog Feld, Das Open-Shell Benutzt um Einstellungen Laden / Speichern zu können. Und Symbole zu Verändern.

ExplorerPatcher https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/releases/tag/26100.4946.69.6_7384790

Valinet https://github.com/valinet
....................................
English Translation:
As of today, Dec 14th 2025 Win11 Pro 25H2 Open-Shell 4.4.196 [Valinet]'s ExplorerPatcher solves the problem. After installation, default settings are reset to Win10 in the Start menu and taskbar. but which can be adjusted according to your wishes

*** Apparently also the dialog box that uses open-shell to load/save settings. And to change symbols.
..................................

Yes, installing the ep patcher does allow Open Shell Menu Settings to be backedup; however, I noticed it broke my Taskbar and System Tray settings, it ungrouped my SystemTray icons and placed them on the Taskbar, and unable to regroup.

• Note: When installing the ep patcher my Windows 11 System Tray grouping disappeared and all icons went to the Taskbar. and now UNABLE to re-group those icons and the Taskbar function doesn't work the same (Taskbar Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behavior). Apparently it breaks some components of the Taskbar and System Tray. I had to uninstall ep patcher, but ep patcher does fix the v4.4.196 Open Shell issue of not being able to Backup Menu Settings.

I uninstalled ep patcher and I got my System Tray and Taskbar functionality back, but now unable to Backup Open Shell Menu Settings.

So by using these specific Command Prompt (not PowerShell commands) as mentioned already here by [kiroubel-girma]. We can back up Menu Settings, and even Explorer and IE settings, using the following commands in Command Prompt:

Note:
-backup is for backing up the file
-xml is for restoring the file

cd "C:\Program Files\Open-Shell"
StartMenu.exe -backup "D:\Temp\Menu Settings.xml"
StartMenu.exe -xml "D:\Temp\Menu Settings.xml"
...........................
cd "C:\Program Files\Open-Shell"
ClassicExplorerSettings.exe -backup "D:\Temp\Explorer Settings.xml"
ClassicExplorerSettings.exe -xml "D:\Temp\Explorer Settings.xml"
.............
cd "C:\Program Files\Open-Shell"
ClassicIE_64.exe -backup "D:\Temp\IE Settings.xml"
ClassicIE_64.exe -xml "D:\Temp\IE Settings.xml"
.................................................................

FOR POWERSHELL USE THESE COMMANDS <<<

Using Windows PowerShell (v5.x) or Powershell 7 (v7.x)

• These commands assume the target folder is D:\Temp (change D:\Temp target as needed)

Working commands for PowerShell 5 and 7

From ANY directory:
& "C:\Program Files\Open-Shell\StartMenu.exe" -backup "D:\Temp\Menu Settings.xml"
& "C:\Program Files\Open-Shell\StartMenu.exe" -xml "D:\Temp\Menu Settings.xml"

& "C:\Program Files\Open-Shell\StartMenu.exe" -backup "D:\Temp\Explorer Settings.xml"
& "C:\Program Files\Open-Shell\StartMenu.exe" -xml "D:\Temp\Explorer Settings.xml"

& "C:\Program Files\Open-Shell\StartMenu.exe" -backup "D:\Temp\IE Settings.xml"
& "C:\Program Files\Open-Shell\StartMenu.exe" -xml "D:\Temp\IE Settings.xml"
.............
From inside the Open‑Shell folder:
cd "C:\Program Files\Open-Shell"

.\StartMenu.exe -backup "D:\Temp\Menu Settings.xml"
.\StartMenu.exe -xml "D:\Temp\Menu Settings.xml"

.\StartMenu.exe -backup "D:\Temp\Explorer Settings.xml"
.\StartMenu.exe -xml "D:\Temp\Explorer Settings.xml"

.\StartMenu.exe -backup "D:\Temp\IE Settings.xml"
.\StartMenu.exe -xml "D:\Temp\IE Settings.xml"

[Mah-Nuh]

Hello,

I re-tried Command Prompt as suggested by [kiroubel-girma], but still couldn't seem to get it working. Then I also checked out [ConsciousBob] suggestion about the Valinet ExplorerPatcher, but that sounds too iffy (listed downsides and side effcts I found are discourageing). Then, in #2299 I found a simple method which suggests to... simply hover the mouse over the Windows Start button after clicking the Backup button, and yes, the dialog box appears, it's wicked-simple – and adopted !

[ConsciousBob]

Hello,

I re-tried Command Prompt as suggested by [kiroubel-girma], but still couldn't seem to get it working. Then I also checked out [ConsciousBob] suggestion about the Valinet ExplorerPatcher, but that sounds too iffy (listed downsides and side effcts I found are discourageing). Then, in #2299 I found a simple method which suggests to... simply hover the mouse over the Windows Start button after clicking the Backup button, and yes, the dialog box appears, it's wicked-simple – and adopted !

Thanks for sharing such an obscure feature, which is Interesting. I just tried that, and yes, the dialog box comes up, but I'm unable to change the location (C:\Windows\System32) and unable to save the file as I get a Permissions restriction and am asked to save to Documents, but it never saves it. Windows 11 25H2

[bonzibudd]

I can replicate this on 25H2 along with followup by @ConsciousBob

[Mah-Nuh]

Hello,

Sorry, I should've added that you must type the path/filename in the "File name" box. I personnally save to a local destination on my D:\ drive, so it looks like something like this :

"D:\MyFolder\OpenShell\Menu Settings.xml"

Of course, it would be nice if there were a fix in a new release of Open Shell, but until then, I think this is the easiest workaround for this issue.

[DrR0Ck]

This is an issue for me as of 4.4.197 installation. Exactly as described above; no dialog box unless hovering over the start button, and not able to navigate in the save file box when/if it does open. Windows 25H2 installed. Also using Windhawk (FWIW).

[RogerYao-Dev]

Open-Shell Backup solution
OpenShellExt_web