Member Avatar for starsinhereyes

:!: Ok....Windows XP SP2 ....when you try to open a folder it immediately goes to the search for files window. It doesn't matter how you go about it...same result. What could cause it and how do you fix it?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by just_a_nobody

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Quick summary: described the classic XP symptom where double‑clicking any folder opens the Search window and the context menu shows Search in bold instead of Open. pointed to the Microsoft guidance (KB321186) — that is the right direction. The underlying problem is that the default verb for folders/drives has been changed (often after a tweak or an Add/Remove of a context‑menu action), so Windows treats the Search/Find verb as the default instead of Open. (cambiaresearch.com)

Fast, safe fixes to try (in order):

  • Easiest: run the Shell registration command to restore Explorer’s defaults. From Start → Run (or a command prompt) run:

    regsvr32 /i shell32.dll

    Accept the success dialog and then log off or reboot. This often repairs the shell verbs without manual registry edits. (pcreview.co.uk)

  • If that doesn’t help: back up the registry, then restore the folder/drive default verb to “none” so Open becomes the implicit action. Create a text file named fix_folder_search.reg with this content and double‑click it to import:

    Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell]
@="none"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell]
@="none"

    After importing, reboot. Export the keys first (File → Export) so you can revert if needed. (cambiaresearch.com)

UI alternative: Tools → Folder Options → File Types → find the “Folder” or “File Folder” entry → Advanced → choose Open (or Explore) and click “Set Default.” That restores the folder default action without touching the registry. (flylib.com)

Notes and cautions: always export the affected registry keys before editing; run the regsvr32 command with administrative rights; if the problem recurs after installing a shell‑extension or tweak, remove that extension or reverse the tweak. SFC and malware scans (as suggested) are good safety checks but won’t fix this particular association issue if the registry verbs were changed. (pcreview.co.uk)

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Member Avatar for just_a_nobody

The first thing I would do is scan for virus and spyware. Then if that didn't solve it, check disk for errors, then do a defrag, if those fail to solve, then do a restore.

If those fail try this: Go to Start/Run, and type in "cmd" (without quotes), then when the command screen comes up type in "sfc /scannow."(no quotes) leaving a space between SFC and /.

Member Avatar for starsinhereyes

Already did that...the system was recently restored.

Member Avatar for just_a_nobody

If those fail try this: Go to Start/Run, and type in "cmd" (without quotes), then when the command screen comes up type in "sfc /scannow."(no quotes) leaving a space between SFC and /.

Member Avatar for starsinhereyes

and what are we looking for?

Member Avatar for just_a_nobody

SFC will check your files for errors and use the i386 file to replace any bad or corrupted system files.

Member Avatar for starsinhereyes

I can try that...but to be honest with you, I think it's a setting that needs to be changed.

Member Avatar for just_a_nobody

Does it do it for all the files, or just a certain file?

Member Avatar for starsinhereyes

What has been done so far is as follows:
Ck Disk recovery
SFC no change from that (I wasn't aware that had been done)

Basically what happens is, when you go to My Computer, click on C-Drive, any folders withing that drive cannot be opened with double-click. It immediately goes to the Search For Files window. If you R-click on the folder, the only thing highlighted is Search.

Member Avatar for just_a_nobody

Ok, let's start from the beginning. You did do a restore, before you noticed this problem? What problem were you having that made you decide to do a restore? You did not say whether, or not, you did scan for virus and spyware. A restore may not get rid of a virus, if the virus is saved in the restore files.

Member Avatar for starsinhereyes

About 10 days ago the hard drive was completely reformatted. Since that time, the only thing that has been installed is an HP 2200 Multifunction and a Kodak update. The C drive opens and any icons on the desktop. File folders, no. It's not a virus or spyware issue. Norton has been updated and run. Ran Ad-Aware SE, Spybot Search and Destroy and MS Antispyware..all with updates. Nothing. A head scratcher...

Member Avatar for starsinhereyes

Thanks...I'll take a stab at this and let you know what happens. Appreciate your help and response.

Member Avatar for just_a_nobody

I'll be waiting, and it was my pleasure to try and be of some assistance. Good luck!

Member Avatar for starsinhereyes

It worked! Yea!!! Would you like another head scratcher?

Member Avatar for just_a_nobody

Glad to hear it worked. Ok, I'll try your head scratcher...lol.

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