In Windows xp, for "file folder" file types, the actions can't be edited/removed. I added a new action and now that has become default. "Open" or "explore" is not there in the actions list, so I can't set them to default action. How should I set Open/Explore to default action ?

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

You did such dangerous move, a small slip on it will annoying you all the time. The Open and explore command come from another extention "Folder" and none of the above (find, search, open or explore) were bolded (default). Be carefull!

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I had the same problem and did this (back up registry first) then .... goto START, type regedit,go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, Directory, shell and then delete the actions listed. Folders will now open as they used to. I also did the same thing with my C and D drives, and instead of shell, went to drive and deleted actions which resulted in the actions going back as before. Hope this helps :)

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I did the same thing, when opening a folder, a Seach window would popup. Your fix worked, but now my "Search..." option is gone ("find" was the only listed action under shell). I restored the find branch and it was again the default action. I compared this branch to a known good machine, and they are identical. Does any one know where the registry key that controlls the default action for the Directory" file type is located?


On Tuesday, August 20, 2002 at 9:22 pm, sarah wrote:
>I had the same problem and did this (back up registry first) then .... goto START,
>type regedit,go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, Directory, shell and then delete the actions
>listed. Folders will now open as they used to. I also did the same thing with my
>C and D drives, and instead of shell, went to drive and deleted actions which resulted
>in the actions going back as before. Hope this helps :)

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

not sure exactly what you mean, but this might help?... http://www.jsifaq.com/SUBK/tip5200/rh5264.htm I also came across this, which MIGHT help... http://www.angelfire.com/biz/rhaminisys/fileasoc.html

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

OK. Here is how you can use your new actions and still have open. I was adding a print Directory function when I ran into this problem. The solution is easy. Under Folder options, choose File Folder and create a new action. call it open and tell it to open with explorer.exe. Set this as your default action. You will now have 2 "open" entries in you right-click menu for folders. open regedit and go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell and rename the key "open_" to "open". this will get rid of the duplicate. Now you can add as many new actions to file folder as you want without resetting the action.


On Thursday, August 22, 2002 at 3:46 am, sarah wrote:
>not sure exactly what you mean, but this might help?...
>http://www.jsifaq.com/SUBK/tip5200/rh5264.htm
>I also came across this, which MIGHT help...
>http://www.angelfire.com/biz/rhaminisys/fileasoc.html

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I had the same issue after adding a print directory function. I'm close to the fix using your suggestion. However, I did not get a duplicate open_ and open. Further, the folder opens in a separate window rather than in Windows Explorer. Any other hints? Jefe


On Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 4:47 pm, Rocky Essing wrote:
>OK. Here is how you can use your new actions and still have open. I was adding a
>print Directory function when I ran into this problem. The solution is easy. Under
>Folder options, choose File Folder and create a new action. call it open and tell
>it to open with explorer.exe. Set this as your default action. You will now have
>2 "open" entries in you right-click menu for folders. open regedit and go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell
>and rename the key "open_" to "open". this will get rid of the duplicate.
>Now you can add as many new actions to file folder as you want without resetting
>the action.
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Sorry. Ran into that issue myself after I posted the article. The fix is to set the default value on the shell key to "open". you can delete the "open" key as it is redundant. The actual key for open resides in a different place. this will let your windows open normally.


On Monday, September 23, 2002 at 11:47 am, Jefe Quicktech wrote:
>I had the same issue after adding a print directory function. I'm close to the fix
>using your suggestion. However, I did not get a duplicate open_ and open. Further,
>the folder opens in a separate window rather than in Windows Explorer. Any other
>hints?
>
>Jefe
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I solved the issue by exporting the directory section in regedit to save the work I had already accomplished. I then deleted all the sections under it. I then copied the Explore folder information from another section of the registry. When I added back in my functions that I wanted, everything worked properly. Below is the explore part I added. Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore] [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\command] @="%SystemRoot%\\Explorer.exe /e,/idlist,%I,%L" [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec] @="[ExploreFolder(\"%l\", %I, %S)]" "NoActivateHandler"="" [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec\application] @="Folders" [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec\ifexec] @="[]" [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec\topic] @="AppProperties"


On Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 9:01 pm, Rocky Essing wrote:
>Sorry. Ran into that issue myself after I posted the article. The fix is to set
>the default value on the shell key to "open". you can delete the "open" key as it
>is redundant. The actual key for open resides in a different place. this will let
>your windows open normally.
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

My answer is probably too late, but might benefit somebody else. I did the samething, then I cannot reverse back to the default behave, even if I removed the entry from registry. The fact is that in windows explorer, the default action for folder is dynamic, either be "open" or "explorer" depending on whether the folder pan is opened in left side. In this case, the best bet is use system restore to go back to the status before you made this change, and that worked for me.


On Wednesday, June 12, 2002 at 6:06 am, amorous wrote:
>In Windows xp, for "file folder" file types, the actions can't be edited/removed.
>I added a new action and now that has become default. "Open" or "explore" is not
>there in the actions list, so I can't set them to default action. How should I set
>Open/Explore to default action ?

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

My answer is probably too late, but i ran into the problem described : When I double-clicked 
on folders, my folder didn't open and instead it was the search thing that popped 
up.

It seems that there is multiple keys handling the folder file type, 'cause as you 
will see in my answer, I resolved my problem using the Directory key instead of the 
Folder one. It is located in the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.

I did the following to resolve the problem (using the registry editor):
1) Exported the open command from the Folder type (same location as Directory, except 
that it is named Directory)
2) Hacked it a bit using notepad to change all occurances from Folder to Directory
3) Imported it in my registry
4) Gone to FolderOptions->FileTypes->Folder
5) Selected open as the default action
6) Got back in the reg editor and deleted the new open command in Directory

Everything was back as it was before : The search... option is there and find isn't 
the default action anymore...

I'm not sure, but I realized that maybe the open command do not need to be in the 
shell key to be used, since if you did step 6 in my solution, the open action isn't 
in the Directory action list anymore, but still work as the default action for double-clicks...

Maybe you could simply try to go in the reg editor and double-click on the shell 
key in Directory and type "open" as the default key value... This is the way windows 
seems to keep default actions for file types. After all the procedure shown above, 
it seems that this is the only thing left that I changed in my registry compared 
to before my procedure =)

Hope it will help some of you, as it worked for me. Also hope that my answer is clear 
=)

atomik






On Thursday, August 22, 2002 at 1:54 am, jason wrote:
>I did the same thing, when opening a folder, a Seach window would popup.  Your fix 
>worked, but now my "Search..." option is gone ("find" was the only
>listed action under shell).  I restored the find branch
>and it was again the default action.  I compared this branch to a known good machine, 
>and they are identical.
>
>Does any one know where the registry key that controlls the default action for the 
>Directory" file type is located?
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

On Thursday, August 22, 2002 at 1:54 am, jason wrote:
[snip]
>Does any one know where the registry key that controlls the default action for the 
>Directory" file type is located?

I think I found it -- See my post on the main branch.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Inspired by the discussion, I compared the Directory key before and after "the incident". 
The complete differences are included in context at the end of this post. But first 
_my double-click solution_:

*** begin FixFileFolder.reg ***
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell]
@="none"
*** end FixFileFolder.reg ***
..Just save those 4 lines in FixFileFolder.reg and all bad things go away ;-)

Anyways, here are my raw diiferences:
('Filmappe' is Danish for 'File Folder')

*** OK ***
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory]
@="Filmappe"
"AlwaysShowExt"=""
"EditFlags"=hex:d2,01,00,00
"InfoTip"="prop:DocComments"

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

*** No Good ***
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory]
@="Filmappe"
"AlwaysShowExt"=""
"EditFlags"=dword:000001d2
"InfoTip"="prop:DocComments"
"BrowserFlags"=dword:00000008

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell]
@=""

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

You saved my life. Could I send you a cake or something?

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

its in shell, shell is in directory, directory is in HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT. In shell u will probably find a file called open and one called find, those are the default actions and the command file in each are where u change the key's data.


On Tuesday, October 29, 2002 at 11:21 am, Janus wrote:

>On Thursday, August 22, 2002 at 1:54 am, jason wrote:
>[snip]
>Does any one know where the registry key that controlls the default action for the 
>Directory" file type is located?
>
>I think I found it -- See my post on the main branch.
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

sarah is correct. Operating system: Microsoft windows xp or probably any other version of microsoft window, u can learn how to check by reading on. symptom: you click on a folder and somthing other that the folder contents opens up, or u right click on a folder and then select open or some other command from the list and what want to happen does not. Or u click on a folder icon in the right window of explorer and some other program or application opens instead of the folders contents All of these problems are causes by file type actions that are set wrong or should not be in the registry To get rid of file type actions for a file folder(example of a file type action: u click on a folder and something like dos opens up or some other program, or windows "find program" opens up, whatever it is, the point is, the stuff that is in your file folder does not show up) well this problem is because of a file type action that should be deleted out of the registry, I will show u how and where to go to delet this file type action by the way, u may have encountered this problem by messing around in the control panel>folder options>file types>advanced button area! and u may have created a new action, well if this is your problem then read on. to check and see if u created a "action" and it is messing up your computer do this 1.open up the registry by clicking start>run> then type regedit.exe and hit ok now your in the registry 2. double click HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT and scroll down to "directory" 3. double click "directory" and then double click "shell" 4. if there is anything listed in shell other than a find folder then u created it and u need to delete it. Just dont delete the find folder and everything in it though, that is suppose to be there!, KEEP THE FIND FOLDER, DELETE EVERY THING ELSE UNDER SHELL! Problem is now fixed, close regedit and right click on the desktop and choose refresh and now try clicking on a folder and it will open and display the folders contents like it is supposed to! after-thought: You see, the files in this particular shell are file type actions, and they will override the default actions that microsoft set your operating system to use, the reason you click on a file and the contents dont display is because of these extra file type actions that you dont want to have there. a little story about this very problem that i had once. whenever I right clicked on a folder and selected open, it would open windows command processor which i had set it up to do through control panel>files and folders>file types tab and then i clicked on file folder in the list and then clicked on advanced, i clicked new and then typed the word open in the "action dialog" box. I set the "application used to perform action dialog box" to be the file path to windows command processor. THIS WAS BAD. every time i clicked on a folder, the windows command processor would open cuz that was what the "open" action (that i created) was set to , instead of opening folders contents like it is supposed to be. I found out that I needed to delete the "open" action that I myself stupidly had windows create for me in the registry at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\directory\shell It didnt even occure to me that this registy file type action setting did not need to be there until I looked at the exact same shell file on my sisters computer. My sisters registry is the exact same what it was when she bought her computer and it did not have anything else listed in the shell file except the find folder. I realized that I had created that "open" action in the shell folder and then realized that it needed to be deleted cuz windows was using what I created as the default. Once I deleted the "open" action, that should not be there, my computer worked just like it did before.


On Tuesday, August 20, 2002 at 9:22 pm, sarah wrote:
>I had the same problem and did this (back up registry first) then .... goto START,
>type regedit,go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, Directory, shell and then delete the actions
>listed. Folders will now open as they used to. I also did the same thing with my
>C and D drives, and instead of shell, went to drive and deleted actions which resulted
>in the actions going back as before. Hope this helps :)

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Two thumbs up, thank you very much, you saved my day....

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Brill, so easy to use and dont have to edit the reg cheers mate !!!!


On Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 4:47 pm, Rocky Essing wrote:
>OK. Here is how you can use your new actions and still have open. I was adding a
>print Directory function when I ran into this problem. The solution is easy. Under .......

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

There's no need to complicate > I've found the solution, but it also requires editing the Registry: (o) open HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT and navigate to Drive, (o) click on [+] sign and then on value Shell, (o) right click on String value [ab] (Default) on the right side of the window, (o) modify Value data to none, (o) and that's all. It worked for me :) and I hope it works for you :))

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

hey, my problem is that Explore has now been set as default?!? any solutions for this cheers


On Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 9:01 pm, Rocky Essing wrote:
>Sorry. Ran into that issue myself after I posted the article. The fix is to set
>the default value on the shell key to "open". you can delete the "open" key as it
>is redundant. The actual key for open resides in a different place. this will let
>your windows open normally.
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I found the answer to my own problem. The issue resides in Folder, not Directory. clicking on shell i found it's data was called "Explore", changing this to "open" sort the problem, it didnt even need a restart. hope this helps someone out there


On Saturday, January 11, 2003 at 2:36 am, peter wrote:
>hey,
>my problem is that Explore has now been set as default?!? any solutions for this
>
>cheers
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Strangely enough, this didn't work (see message below), but this did:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\command]
@="%SystemRoot%\\Explorer.exe /e,/root,\"%1"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec]
@="[ExploreFolder(\"%l\", %I, %S)]"
"NoActivateHandler"=""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec\application]
@="Folders"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec\topic]
@="AppProperties"
It's only a small difference, but enough for a big difference. Anyway, thanks for pushing me into the right direction solving explorer problems.



On Thursday, September 26, 2002 at 7:54 am, Jefe Quicktech wrote:
>I solved the issue by exporting the directory section in regedit to save the work
>I had already accomplished. I then deleted all the sections under it. I then copied
>the Explore folder information from another section of the registry. When I added
>back in my functions that I wanted, everything worked properly. Below is the explore
>part I added.
>
>
>Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
>
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore]
>
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\command]
>@="%SystemRoot%\\Explorer.exe /e,/idlist,%I,%L"
>
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec]
>@="[ExploreFolder(\"%l\", %I, %S)]"
>"NoActivateHandler"=""
>
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec\application]
>@="Folders"
>
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec\ifexec]
>@="[]"
>
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec\topic]
>@="AppProperties"
>
>
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Now i have the most simplest solution to this problem. I tried all of the solutions but none worked for me, so all i did was just a quick restore to my yesterdays settings and now its back the way it is! GO XP!


On Sunday, December 29, 2002 at 7:40 pm, Maitre Kill wrote:
>Two thumbs up, thank you very much, you saved my day....
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

The folders work fine.  However, when I set my most common folder called MyFolder 
as a "Favorite" in the "Links" subdirectory, something strange happens.  If I set 
the "Links" toolbar to show at the top, the link to MyFolder is there.  I can also 
see it if I click on the menu "Favorites", and then "Links".  However, they behave 
in different ways.

If I click on the menu "Favorities">"Links">"MyFolder", it shows the contents of 
that folder.  However when I click on the "MyFolder" button in the "Links" toolbar, 
it opens a new Windows Explorer window and goes to MyFolder.

This means every time I use the Links toolbar to go to MyFolder, it opens a new window. 
 I made sure the setings:
"Open each folder in the same window" is checked, and
"Launch folder windows in a separate process" is not checked.

Any ideas?

Thank you
Felipe
fsolanet@msn.com







On Wednesday, February 12, 2003 at 6:57 pm, Nike wrote:
>Strangely enough, this didn't work (see message below), but this did: 

>Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 

>
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore] 

>
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\command] 

>@="%SystemRoot%\\Explorer.exe /e,/root,\"%1" 

>
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec] 

>@="[ExploreFolder(\"%l\", %I, %S)]" 

>"NoActivateHandler"="" 

>
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec\application] 

>@="Folders" 
>

>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec\topic] 

>@="AppProperties" 

>
>It's only a small difference, but enough for a big difference. Anyway, thanks for 
>pushing me into the right direction solving explorer problems.

>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Excellent!!!  This was the only source of information I could find that actually 
provided any help and I have now solved my problem.

Just to clarify, the (default) value in the "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell" key 
should be "none" and the (default) value in the "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell" 
key should be "".  This should return you folders default action back to its original 
state.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I followed your tips Janus, but this did not add "search.." when I right clicked 
a folder.  Of course, I'm not even sure what the default is because I never right 
click and search from there.

If this is the default, you can add "search..." when you right click a folder by 
importing the following into your registry.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\find]
"SuppressionPolicy"=dword:00000080

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\find\command]
@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
  00,5c,00,45,00,78,00,70,00,6c,00,6f,00,72,00,65,00,72,00,2e,00,65,00,78,00,\
  65,00,00,00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\find\ddeexec]
@="[FindFolder(\"%l\", %I)]"
"NoActivateHandler"=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\find\ddeexec\application]
@="Folders"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\find\ddeexec\topic]
@="AppProperties"

---------------------------------




On Wednesday, October 30, 2002 at 12:37 pm, Janus wrote:
>Inspired by the discussion, I compared the Directory key before and after "the incident". 
>The complete differences are included in context at the end of this post. But first 
>_my double-click solution_:
>
>*** begin FixFileFolder.reg ***
>Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
>
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell]
>@="none"
>*** end FixFileFolder.reg ***
>..Just save those 4 lines in FixFileFolder.reg and all bad things go away ;-)
>
>Anyways, here are my raw diiferences:
>('Filmappe' is Danish for 'File Folder')
>
>*** OK ***
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory]
>@="Filmappe"
>"AlwaysShowExt"=""
>"EditFlags"=hex:d2,01,00,00
>"InfoTip"="prop:DocComments"
>
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell]
>@="none"
>
>*** No Good ***
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory]
>@="Filmappe"
>"AlwaysShowExt"=""
>"EditFlags"=dword:000001d2
>"InfoTip"="prop:DocComments"
>"BrowserFlags"=dword:00000008
>
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell]
>@=""

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Okay my problem is my windows are being created for individual folders or drives....i mean they are not opening in the original window....i tried to fix it through the folder options on tools, but no result!!!

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

As said below, the simplest thing to do is: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT --> Directory --> Shell and change the value data for (Default) to open and everything will work good as new! It's the quickest and easiest solution I have found yet. Damon


On Thursday, October 24, 2002 at 3:53 am, atomik wrote:

>My answer is probably too late, but i ran into the problem described : When I double-clicked 
>on folders, my folder didn't open and instead it was the search thing that popped 
>up.
>
>It seems that there is multiple keys handling the folder file type, 'cause as you 
>will see in my answer, I resolved my problem using the Directory key instead of 
the 
>Folder one. It is located in the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.
>
>I did the following to resolve the problem (using the registry editor):
>1) Exported the open command from the Folder type (same location as Directory, except 
>that it is named Directory)
>2) Hacked it a bit using notepad to change all occurances from Folder to Directory
>3) Imported it in my registry
>4) Gone to FolderOptions->FileTypes->Folder
>5) Selected open as the default action
>6) Got back in the reg editor and deleted the new open command in Directory
>
>Everything was back as it was before : The search... option is there and find isn't 
>the default action anymore...
>
>I'm not sure, but I realized that maybe the open command do not need to be in the 
>shell key to be used, since if you did step 6 in my solution, the open action isn't 
>in the Directory action list anymore, but still work as the default action for double-clicks...
>
>Maybe you could simply try to go in the reg editor and double-click on the shell 
>key in Directory and type "open" as the default key value... This is the way windows 
>seems to keep default actions for file types. After all the procedure shown above, 
>it seems that this is the only thing left that I changed in my registry compared 
>to before my procedure =)
>
>Hope it will help some of you, as it worked for me. Also hope that my answer is 
clear 
>=)
>
>atomik
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

thanks heaps i thought i was the only dummy out there its nice to now someone can give advice without charging once again thanks alot


On Thursday, December 19, 2002 at 8:07 pm, The Actuator wrote:
>sarah is correct.
>
>Operating system: Microsoft windows xp or probably any other version of microsoft
>window, u can learn how to check by reading on.
>
>symptom: you click on a folder and somthing other that the folder contents opens
>up, or u right click on a folder and then select open or some other command from
>the list and what want to happen does not. Or u click on a folder icon in the right
>window of explorer and some other program or application opens instead of the folders
>contents
>
>All of these problems are causes by file type actions that are set wrong or should
>not be in the registry
>
>To get rid of file type actions for a file folder(example of a file type action:
>u click on a folder and something like dos opens up or some other program, or windows
>"find program" opens up, whatever it is, the point is, the stuff that is in your
>file folder does not show up)
>well this problem is because of a file type action that should be deleted out of
>the registry, I will show u how and where to go to delet this file type action
>
>by the way, u may have encountered this problem by messing around in the control
>panel>folder options>file types>advanced button area! and u may have created a new
>action, well if this is your problem then read on.
>
>to check and see if u created a "action" and it is messing up your computer do this
>
>1.open up the registry by clicking
>start>run> then type regedit.exe and hit ok
>now your in the registry
>
>2. double click HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT and scroll down to "directory"
>
>3. double click "directory" and then double click "shell"
>
>4. if there is anything listed in shell other than a find folder then u created it
>and u need to delete it. Just dont delete the find folder and everything in it though,
>that is suppose to be there!, KEEP THE FIND FOLDER, DELETE EVERY THING ELSE UNDER
>SHELL!
>
>Problem is now fixed, close regedit and right click on the desktop and choose refresh
>and now try clicking on a folder and it will open and display the folders contents
>like it is supposed to!
>
>after-thought:
>You see, the files in this particular shell are file type actions, and they will
>override the default actions that microsoft set your operating system to use, the
>reason you click on a file and the contents dont display is because of these extra
>file type actions that you dont want to have there.
>
>
>a little story about this very problem that i had once.
>
> whenever I right clicked on a folder and selected open, it would open windows command
>processor which i had set it up to do through control panel>files and folders>file
>types tab and then i clicked on file folder in the list and then clicked on advanced,
>i clicked new and then typed the word open in the "action dialog" box. I set the
>"application used to perform action dialog box" to be the file path to windows command
>processor. THIS WAS BAD. every time i clicked on a folder, the windows command processor
>would open cuz that was what the "open" action (that i created) was set to , instead
>of opening folders contents like it is supposed to be. I found out that I needed
>to delete the "open" action that I myself stupidly had windows create for me in the
>registry at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\directory\shell
>It didnt even occure to me that this registy file type action setting did not need
>to be there until I looked at the exact same shell file on my sisters computer. My
>sisters registry is the exact same what it was when she bought her computer and it
>did not have anything else listed in the shell file except the find folder. I realized
>that I had created that "open" action in the shell folder and then realized that
>it needed to be deleted cuz windows was using what I created as the default. Once
>I deleted the "open" action, that should not be there, my computer worked just like
>it did before.
>
>
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Damon is perfectly correct.  Somehow when certain things are installed, or when different 
shells are created (like the PRINT_DIRECTORY_LISTING) shell, the default value can 
be cleared.

For the layperson who may not be familiar with any aspect of the registry, the following 
is a step by step of what Damon is saying.

1) click "start" and select "run"
2) type "regedit" (without the quotes) and click "OK"
3) double-click on "HKEY_CLASSES_REGISTRY" to expand the list
4) find "Directory" in the list and double-click on it to expand its contents
5) find "shell" and click on it
6) you should see "(Default)" in the right window, double click on that
7) A box should pop-up with two form fields, the bottom one says "Value data:".  
Simply type "open" (without the quotes) into the bottom field.
8) click "OK" to save and close the pop-up
9) close the registry by clicking on the corner "X" as with any folder or program.
10) right click on an empty space on the desktop and select "refresh".
11) now open "windows explorer" and try double-clicking on a folder.  It should open 
the folder and show its contents instead of opening a search box.

Good luck.

Fletch






On Monday, October 6, 2003 at 7:25 am, damon wrote:
>As said below, the simplest thing to do is:
>
>HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT --> Directory --> Shell and change the value data for (Default) 
>to open and everything will work good as new!
>
>It's the quickest and easiest solution I have found yet.
>
>Damon
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Just want to Thankyou all for your answers!! Tech support was stumped when I called 
them!!!
I FIXED IT!!!!






On Friday, October 10, 2003 at 12:14 pm, Fletch wrote:
>Damon is perfectly correct.  Somehow when certain things are installed, or when 
different 
>shells are created (like the PRINT_DIRECTORY_LISTING) shell, the default value can 
>be cleared.
>
>For the layperson who may not be familiar with any aspect of the registry, the following 
>is a step by step of what Damon is saying.
>
>1) click "start" and select "run"
>2) type "regedit" (without the quotes) and click "OK"
>3) double-click on "HKEY_CLASSES_REGISTRY" to expand the list
>4) find "Directory" in the list and double-click on it to expand its contents
>5) find "shell" and click on it
>6) you should see "(Default)" in the right window, double click on that
>7) A box should pop-up with two form fields, the bottom one says "Value data:". 
 
>Simply type "open" (without the quotes) into the bottom field.
>8) click "OK" to save and close the pop-up
>9) close the registry by clicking on the corner "X" as with any folder or program.
>10) right click on an empty space on the desktop and select "refresh".
>11) now open "windows explorer" and try double-clicking on a folder.  It should 
open 
>the folder and show its contents instead of opening a search box.
>
>Good luck.
>
>Fletch
>
>



[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Thanks, this fixed the problem in 5 seconds from start to finish


On Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at 10:28 pm, Polly wrote:

>Just want to Thankyou all for your answers!! Tech support was stumped when I called 
>them!!!
>I FIXED IT!!!!
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Thank you lot so much. I had this problem and come across this forum, and their was a simple solution. Thanks again.


On Monday, October 6, 2003 at 7:25 am, damon wrote:
>As said below, the simplest thing to do is:
>
>HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT --> Directory --> Shell and change the value data for (Default)
>to open and everything will work good as new!
>
>It's the quickest and easiest solution I have found yet.
>
>Damon
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I solved this by deleting everything within "Directory" except for open and find. My problem was adding too many things I could not remove as well as Windows Explorer opening each folder in a new window. Everything was solved, thank you all so much!


On Sunday, September 28, 2003 at 7:55 am, TMAB wrote:
>Okay my problem is my windows are being created for individual folders or drives....i
>mean they are not opening in the original window....i tried to fix it through the
>folder options on tools, but no result!!!

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Try: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;321186&Product=winxp This sorted me out instantly.


On Wednesday, June 12, 2002 at 6:06 am, amorous wrote:
>In Windows xp, for "file folder" file types, the actions can't be edited/removed.
>I added a new action and now that has become default. "Open" or "explore" is not
>there in the actions list, so I can't set them to default action. How should I set
>Open/Explore to default action ?

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I tried your answer below for setting the default Windows Explorer directory when opening it but I got stuck right away. I was able to drill down to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell but not the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore that you mentioned. That sub-directory is not listed in my registry, when I physically drill down to it or search for it from the utility included with regedit. Surely, it's something simple that I'm just not aware of. (This is nothing like mainframe work!) This will be my last resort because like yourself, none of the other 'simple' changes that people have mentioned worked for me either, and I've tried them all (at least what I've seen from my Google search). P.S. I have regedit 5.1 on my box so... Thanks for your help.


On Wednesday, February 12, 2003 at 6:57 pm, Nike wrote:
>Strangely enough, this didn't work (see message below), but this did:
>Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
>
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore]
>
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\command]
>@="%SystemRoot%\\Explorer.exe /e,/root,\"%1"
>
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec]
>@="[ExploreFolder(\"%l\", %I, %S)]"
>"NoActivateHandler"=""
>
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec\application]
>@="Folders"
>
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec\topic]
>@="AppProperties"
>
>It's only a small difference, but enough for a big difference. Anyway, thanks for
>pushing me into the right direction solving explorer problems.
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Wonderful man!!!!!! It works


On Thursday, December 19, 2002 at 8:07 pm, The Actuator wrote:
>sarah is correct.
>
>Operating system: Microsoft windows xp or probably any other version of microsoft
>window, u can learn how to check by reading on.
>
>symptom: you click on a folder and somthing other that the folder contents opens
>up, or u right click on a folder and then select open or some other command from
>the list and what want to happen does not. Or u click on a folder icon in the right
>window of explorer and some other program or application opens instead of the folders
>contents
>
>All of these problems are causes by file type actions that are set wrong or should
>not be in the registry
>
>To get rid of file type actions for a file folder(example of a file type action:
>u click on a folder and something like dos opens up or some other program, or windows
>"find program" opens up, whatever it is, the point is, the stuff that is in your
>file folder does not show up)
>well this problem is because of a file type action that should be deleted out of
>the registry, I will show u how and where to go to delet this file type action
>
>by the way, u may have encountered this problem by messing around in the control
>panel>folder options>file types>advanced button area! and u may have created a new
>action, well if this is your problem then read on.
>
>to check and see if u created a "action" and it is messing up your computer do this
>
>1.open up the registry by clicking
>start>run> then type regedit.exe and hit ok
>now your in the registry
>
>2. double click HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT and scroll down to "directory"
>
>3. double click "directory" and then double click "shell"
>
>4. if there is anything listed in shell other than a find folder then u created it
>and u need to delete it. Just dont delete the find folder and everything in it though,
>that is suppose to be there!, KEEP THE FIND FOLDER, DELETE EVERY THING ELSE UNDER
>SHELL!
>
>Problem is now fixed, close regedit and right click on the desktop and choose refresh
>and now try clicking on a folder and it will open and display the folders contents
>like it is supposed to!
>
>after-thought:
>You see, the files in this particular shell are file type actions, and they will
>override the default actions that microsoft set your operating system to use, the
>reason you click on a file and the contents dont display is because of these extra
>file type actions that you dont want to have there.
>
>
>a little story about this very problem that i had once.
>
> whenever I right clicked on a folder and selected open, it would open windows command
>processor which i had set it up to do through control panel>files and folders>file
>types tab and then i clicked on file folder in the list and then clicked on advanced,
>i clicked new and then typed the word open in the "action dialog" box. I set the
>"application used to perform action dialog box" to be the file path to windows command
>processor. THIS WAS BAD. every time i clicked on a folder, the windows command processor
>would open cuz that was what the "open" action (that i created) was set to , instead
>of opening folders contents like it is supposed to be. I found out that I needed
>to delete the "open" action that I myself stupidly had windows create for me in the
>registry at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\directory\shell
>It didnt even occure to me that this registy file type action setting did not need
>to be there until I looked at the exact same shell file on my sisters computer. My
>sisters registry is the exact same what it was when she bought her computer and it
>did not have anything else listed in the shell file except the find folder. I realized
>that I had created that "open" action in the shell folder and then realized that
>it needed to be deleted cuz windows was using what I created as the default. Once
>I deleted the "open" action, that should not be there, my computer worked just like
>it did before.
>
>
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I had a similar problem which I were able to solve by setting the Default value of HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell to "none". Quite simple, but it took some time to find it: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;321379

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Thanks.. it sure worked.


On Wednesday, January 8, 2003 at 2:01 pm, Tom est Deos wrote:
>There's no need to complicate > I've found the solution, but it also requires editing
>the Registry:
>
>(o) open HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT and navigate to Drive,
>(o) click on [+] sign and then on value Shell,
>(o) right click on String value [ab] (Default) on the right side of the window,
>(o) modify Value data to none,
>(o) and that's all.
>
>It worked for me :) and I hope it works for you :))

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Go to control panel, folder options, file types, advanced. Click the "New" button and type "Open" if its not in the list, and for the program, underneath, locate and use c:\windows\system\explorer.exe Will work.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I rolled all the help tips into one easy to use registry entry. Here is how to enter 
it:

1) Open Notepad
2) Copy the lengthy set of text at the bottom of this thread into it.
3) Save it to your desktop as a .reg file
4) Run the file you just made
5) click "yes"

And that my friends will make your browser use the 'Open' command rather then 'Search...'

===============
Here is what you copy
===============


Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell]
@="Open"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\command]
@="%SystemRoot%\\Explorer.exe /e,/root,\"%1"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec]
@="[ExploreFolder(\"%l\", %I, %S)]"
"NoActivateHandler"=""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec\application]
@="Folders"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec\topic]
@="AppProperties"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\find]
"SuppressionPolicy"=dword:00000080
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\find\command]
@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
  00,5c,00,45,00,78,00,70,00,6c,00,6f,00,72,00,65,00,72,00,2e,00,65,00,78,00,\
  65,00,00,00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\find\ddeexec]
@="[FindFolder(\"%l\", %I)]"
"NoActivateHandler"=""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\find\ddeexec\application]
@="Folders"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\find\ddeexec\topic]
@="AppProperties"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Open]
"BrowserFlags"=dword:00000010
"ExplorerFlags"=dword:00000012
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Open\command]
@="%SystemRoot%\\Explorer.exe /idlist"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Open\ddeexec]
@="[ViewFolder(\"%l\", %I, %S)]"
"NoActivateHandler"=""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Open\ddeexec\application]
@="Folders"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Open\ddeexec\topic]
@="AppProperties"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Openddeexec]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Openddeexec\ifexec]
@="[]"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell]
@="open"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\explore]
"BrowserFlags"=dword:00000022
"ExplorerFlags"=dword:00000021
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\explore\command]
@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
  00,5c,00,45,00,78,00,70,00,6c,00,6f,00,72,00,65,00,72,00,2e,00,65,00,78,00,\
  65,00,20,00,2f,00,65,00,2c,00,2f,00,69,00,64,00,6c,00,69,00,73,00,74,00,2c,\
  00,25,00,49,00,2c,00,25,00,4c,00,00,00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\explore\ddeexec]
@="[ExploreFolder(\"%l\", %I, %S)]"
"NoActivateHandler"=""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\explore\ddeexec\application]
@="Folders"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\explore\ddeexec\ifexec]
@="[]"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\explore\ddeexec\topic]
@="AppProperties"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\open]
"BrowserFlags"=dword:00000010
"ExplorerFlags"=dword:00000012
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\open\command]
@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
  00,5c,00,45,00,78,00,70,00,6c,00,6f,00,72,00,65,00,72,00,2e,00,65,00,78,00,\
  65,00,20,00,2f,00,69,00,64,00,6c,00,69,00,73,00,74,00,2c,00,25,00,49,00,2c,\
  00,25,00,4c,00,00,00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\open\ddeexec]
@="[ViewFolder(\"%l\", %I, %S)]"
"NoActivateHandler"=""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\open\ddeexec\application]
@="Folders"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\open\ddeexec\ifexec]
@="[]"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\open\ddeexec\topic]
@="AppProperties"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell]
@="open_[1]"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\find]
"SuppressionPolicy"=dword:00000080
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\find\command]
@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
  00,5c,00,45,00,78,00,70,00,6c,00,6f,00,72,00,65,00,72,00,2e,00,65,00,78,00,\
  65,00,00,00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\find\ddeexec]
@="[FindFolder(\"%l\", %I)]"
"NoActivateHandler"=""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\find\ddeexec\application]
@="Folders"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\find\ddeexec\topic]
@="AppProperties"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\open]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\open\command]
@="%SystemRoot%\\Explorer.exe /idlist,%I,%L"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\open\ddeexec]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\open\ddeexec\topic]
@="AppProperties"

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

start - settings -control panel - folder options - file types - [none]file folder - advanced - new - type "open" to action field click browse. Browse to c:\windows\explorer.exe ok set as default apply and ok.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Actuator, you've made my day man. I've been waddling through all this counterproductive BS about the Registry half a day to finally come across your stuff. Thanks man. Hats off!

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Good Job!!! it works perfect


On Wednesday, June 2, 2004 at 9:53 pm, West_Ninja wrote:
>I rolled all the help tips into one easy to use registry entry. Here is how to enter
>it:
>
>1) Open Notepad
>2) Copy the lengthy set of text at the bottom of this thread into it.
>3) Save it to your desktop as a .reg file
>4) Run the file you just made
>5) click "yes"
>
>And that my friends will make your browser use the 'Open' command rather then 'Search...'
>
>===============
>Here is what you copy
>===============
>
>
>Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
>
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell]
>@="Open"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore]
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\command]
>@="%SystemRoot%\\Explorer.exe /e,/root,\"%1"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec]
>@="[ExploreFolder(\"%l\", %I, %S)]"
>"NoActivateHandler"=""
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec\application]
>@="Folders"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Explore\ddeexec\topic]
>@="AppProperties"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\find]
>"SuppressionPolicy"=dword:00000080
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\find\command]
>@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
> 00,5c,00,45,00,78,00,70,00,6c,00,6f,00,72,00,65,00,72,00,2e,00,65,00,78,00,\
> 65,00,00,00
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\find\ddeexec]
>@="[FindFolder(\"%l\", %I)]"
>"NoActivateHandler"=""
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\find\ddeexec\application]
>@="Folders"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\find\ddeexec\topic]
>@="AppProperties"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Open]
>"BrowserFlags"=dword:00000010
>"ExplorerFlags"=dword:00000012
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Open\command]
>@="%SystemRoot%\\Explorer.exe /idlist"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Open\ddeexec]
>@="[ViewFolder(\"%l\", %I, %S)]"
>"NoActivateHandler"=""
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Open\ddeexec\application]
>@="Folders"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Open\ddeexec\topic]
>@="AppProperties"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Openddeexec]
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Openddeexec\ifexec]
>@="[]"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell]
>@="open"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\explore]
>"BrowserFlags"=dword:00000022
>"ExplorerFlags"=dword:00000021
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\explore\command]
>@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
> 00,5c,00,45,00,78,00,70,00,6c,00,6f,00,72,00,65,00,72,00,2e,00,65,00,78,00,\
> 65,00,20,00,2f,00,65,00,2c,00,2f,00,69,00,64,00,6c,00,69,00,73,00,74,00,2c,\
> 00,25,00,49,00,2c,00,25,00,4c,00,00,00
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\explore\ddeexec]
>@="[ExploreFolder(\"%l\", %I, %S)]"
>"NoActivateHandler"=""
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\explore\ddeexec\application]
>@="Folders"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\explore\ddeexec\ifexec]
>@="[]"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\explore\ddeexec\topic]
>@="AppProperties"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\open]
>"BrowserFlags"=dword:00000010
>"ExplorerFlags"=dword:00000012
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\open\command]
>@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
> 00,5c,00,45,00,78,00,70,00,6c,00,6f,00,72,00,65,00,72,00,2e,00,65,00,78,00,\
> 65,00,20,00,2f,00,69,00,64,00,6c,00,69,00,73,00,74,00,2c,00,25,00,49,00,2c,\
> 00,25,00,4c,00,00,00
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\open\ddeexec]
>@="[ViewFolder(\"%l\", %I, %S)]"
>"NoActivateHandler"=""
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\open\ddeexec\application]
>@="Folders"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\open\ddeexec\ifexec]
>@="[]"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\open\ddeexec\topic]
>@="AppProperties"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell]
>@="open_[1]"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\find]
>"SuppressionPolicy"=dword:00000080
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\find\command]
>@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
> 00,5c,00,45,00,78,00,70,00,6c,00,6f,00,72,00,65,00,72,00,2e,00,65,00,78,00,\
> 65,00,00,00
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\find\ddeexec]
>@="[FindFolder(\"%l\", %I)]"
>"NoActivateHandler"=""
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\find\ddeexec\application]
>@="Folders"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\find\ddeexec\topic]
>@="AppProperties"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\open]
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\open\command]
>@="%SystemRoot%\\Explorer.exe /idlist,%I,%L"
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\open\ddeexec]
>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\open\ddeexec\topic]
>@="AppProperties"

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Went to this link http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;321186 Was running in about 2 mins. I hope this helps.


On Sunday, June 20, 2004 at 1:48 am, Great Alexander wrote:
>Good Job!!!
>it works perfect
> I used this hot fix and I was running with no problems in about 2 mins.
>
>http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;321186 http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;321186 http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;321186
:)

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

wow, this really helped me, man, i had been trying almost everything in that file type thing.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

yeah, right, and every folder opens in its own window even if there is "open in the same window" selected, didn't work for me, sorry.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

This worked for me. Just that I did the trick with the explore-key since I never use these "folders". I prefer having the tree-view. Also, when you are telling people to add open as the default action it actually might not be helping. Telling me I have to change the way I use Windows infuriates me.


On Thursday, October 24, 2002 at 3:53 am, atomik wrote:
>
>My answer is probably too late, but i ran into the problem described : When I double-clicked
>on folders, my folder didn't open and instead it was the search thing that popped
>up.
>
>It seems that there is multiple keys handling the folder file type, 'cause as you
>will see in my answer, I resolved my problem using the Directory key instead of the
>Folder one. It is located in the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.
>
>I did the following to resolve the problem (using the registry editor):
>1) Exported the open command from the Folder type (same location as Directory, except
>that it is named Directory)
>2) Hacked it a bit using notepad to change all occurances from Folder to Directory
>3) Imported it in my registry
>4) Gone to FolderOptions->FileTypes->Folder
>5) Selected open as the default action
>6) Got back in the reg editor and deleted the new open command in Directory
>
>Everything was back as it was before : The search... option is there and find isn't
>the default action anymore...
>
>I'm not sure, but I realized that maybe the open command do not need to be in the
>shell key to be used, since if you did step 6 in my solution, the open action isn't
>in the Directory action list anymore, but still work as the default action for double-clicks...
>
>Maybe you could simply try to go in the reg editor and double-click on the shell
>key in Directory and type "open" as the default key value... This is the way windows
>seems to keep default actions for file types. After all the procedure shown above,
>it seems that this is the only thing left that I changed in my registry compared
>to before my procedure =)
>
>Hope it will help some of you, as it worked for me. Also hope that my answer is clear
>=)
>
>atomik
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

If you prefer Explorer to not open new windows every time you click on a folder, I found you need to do this, using Regedit. Back up the registry first of course.

1. Start-->Run-->Regedit

2. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Shell

3. double-click on '(Default)'. Where it says 'Value Data', type exactly the following line:
C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe "%1"

Close Regedit. Obviously you need the right basic settings in the folder options-->file types of Explorer, this is assuming you did all that and nothing else worked. HTH.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

WOW, thanks a lot... solved my problem right away!!!


On Thursday, December 19, 2002 at 8:07 pm, The Actuator wrote

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/xp_folder_open.htm

Download that file and run it.  I was a little worried at first but here is the complete 
code.  Hope that eases your worries about downloading it.

Works first shot on any Windows version.

__________________________________

'folder_open.vbs - Fixes problem where Search opens on a double click
'© Doug Knox - 03/13/2002
'Downloaded from www.dougknox.com

Set WshShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")

p1 = "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\"
p2 = "none"

WshShell.RegWrite p1, p2

p1 = "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\"
WshShell.RegWrite p1, p2

X = WshShell.Run("REGSVR32 /I /S SHELL32.DLL",4,True)
Set WshShell = Nothing

MyBox = MsgBox("Folders will now Open when double clicked", 4096, "Finished!")

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I just wanted to say "Thank you". This worked perfect for me! I did the same thing, trying to do the print directory and then next thing I know I click on some directories and went straight to search. But, it's fixed now! I can open my directories. Thanks!


On Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 4:47 pm, Rocky Essing wrote:
>OK. Here is how you can use your new actions and still have open. I was adding a
>print Directory function when I ran into this problem. The solution is easy. Under
>Folder options, choose File Folder and create a new action. call it open and tell
>it to open with explorer.exe. Set this as your default action. You will now have
>2 "open" entries in you right-click menu for folders. open regedit and go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell
>and rename the key "open_" to "open". this will get rid of the duplicate.
>Now you can add as many new actions to file folder as you want without resetting
>the action.
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I have created a problem by trying to initiate the Print Directory function. I followed the directions on the Windows XP Help Page to print a directory listing. But, now when I point to a folder that is set up to show thumbnails - my computer crashes. The screen goes black and my computer reboots. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I have set the default value for: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell to "none".

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I did exactly what you said to do and it did exactly what you said it would! U DA MAN! I'm bookmarling Annoyances.Org as first stop for mind-bender problems. Thanks. Randy G.


On Thursday, December 19, 2002 at 8:07 pm, The Actuator wrote:
>sarah is correct.
>
>Operating system: Microsoft windows xp or probably any other version of microsoft
>window, u can learn how to check by reading on.
>
>symptom: you click on a folder and somthing other that the folder contents opens
>up, or u right click on a folder and then select open or some other command from
>the list and what want to happen does not. Or u click on a folder icon in the right
>window of explorer and some other program or application opens instead of the folders
>contents
>
>All of these problems are causes by file type actions that are set wrong or should
>not be in the registry
>
>To get rid of file type actions for a file folder(example of a file type action:
>u click on a folder and something like dos opens up or some other program, or windows
>"find program" opens up, whatever it is, the point is, the stuff that is in your
>file folder does not show up)
>well this problem is because of a file type action that should be deleted out of
>the registry, I will show u how and where to go to delet this file type action
>
>by the way, u may have encountered this problem by messing around in the control
>panel>folder options>file types>advanced button area! and u may have created a new
>action, well if this is your problem then read on.
>
>to check and see if u created a "action" and it is messing up your computer do this
>
>1.open up the registry by clicking
>start>run> then type regedit.exe and hit ok
>now your in the registry
>
>2. double click HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT and scroll down to "directory"
>
>3. double click "directory" and then double click "shell"
>
>4. if there is anything listed in shell other than a find folder then u created it
>and u need to delete it. Just dont delete the find folder and everything in it though,
>that is suppose to be there!, KEEP THE FIND FOLDER, DELETE EVERY THING ELSE UNDER
>SHELL!
>
>Problem is now fixed, close regedit and right click on the desktop and choose refresh
>and now try clicking on a folder and it will open and display the folders contents
>like it is supposed to!
>
>after-thought:
>You see, the files in this particular shell are file type actions, and they will
>override the default actions that microsoft set your operating system to use, the
>reason you click on a file and the contents dont display is because of these extra
>file type actions that you dont want to have there.
>
>
>a little story about this very problem that i had once.
>
> whenever I right clicked on a folder and selected open, it would open windows command
>processor which i had set it up to do through control panel>files and folders>file
>types tab and then i clicked on file folder in the list and then clicked on advanced,
>i clicked new and then typed the word open in the "action dialog" box. I set the
>"application used to perform action dialog box" to be the file path to windows command
>processor. THIS WAS BAD. every time i clicked on a folder, the windows command processor
>would open cuz that was what the "open" action (that i created) was set to , instead
>of opening folders contents like it is supposed to be. I found out that I needed
>to delete the "open" action that I myself stupidly had windows create for me in the
>registry at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\directory\shell
>It didnt even occure to me that this registy file type action setting did not need
>to be there until I looked at the exact same shell file on my sisters computer. My
>sisters registry is the exact same what it was when she bought her computer and it
>did not have anything else listed in the shell file except the find folder. I realized
>that I had created that "open" action in the shell folder and then realized that
>it needed to be deleted cuz windows was using what I created as the default. Once
>I deleted the "open" action, that should not be there, my computer worked just like
>it did before.
>
>
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Hi, all Well, for me the tip from West_Ninja, was the good one. My problem was that, suddenly, the defaul action for double clicking on a folder was to open a search box; I have tried two or three solutions fron this forum, but I only managed to set a command prompt as the default action for My Computer, exactly the opposite the topic said it should had been (well, open action on folders was now restored); Using West_Ninja solution everything went smooth (still, there is an unknown command on my folders, like "openddeexec"), I guess that with a liittle tweaking I can get rid of that. Thank you guys.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Thanks so much^^ I've been spending a whole hour trying to fix my problem. I came across so many problems = = And this VBscript fixed everything!


On Sunday, June 19, 2005 at 2:19 pm, Shaps wrote:
>
>
>
>http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/xp_folder_open.htm
>
>Download that file and run it. I was a little worried at first but here is the complete
>code. Hope that eases your worries about downloading it.
>
>Works first shot on any Windows version.
>
>__________________________________
>
>'folder_open.vbs - Fixes problem where Search opens on a double click
>'© Doug Knox - 03/13/2002
>'Downloaded from www.dougknox.com
>
>Set WshShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
>
>p1 = "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\"
>p2 = "none"
>
>WshShell.RegWrite p1, p2
>
>p1 = "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\"
>WshShell.RegWrite p1, p2
>
>X = WshShell.Run("REGSVR32 /I /S SHELL32.DLL",4,True)
>Set WshShell = Nothing
>
>MyBox = MsgBox("Folders will now Open when double clicked", 4096, "Finished!")
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I have the same problem with File Folder settings, and since reading on here I have managed to get the folder to open again. However each time I open a folder it opens in a new window. I can not get it to stop doing this even when I set the Tools, Folder Options, General, Browse Folders configuration to "Open each folder in the same window". Please can somebody help me as it is slowly driving me insane.


On Friday, October 7, 2005 at 2:07 am, Cheryl wrote:
>Thanks so much^^
>I've been spending a whole hour trying to fix my problem. I came across so many problems
>= = And this VBscript fixed everything!
>
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

cheers for the hellp, i think i woulda gone insane

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Thanks - your Guarantee is still intact. Worked great.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Mike: 1 and a half years later, and your tip helped me fix my problem within 15 minutes. Sweet! Now, if I could only get the Change Icon to work... Stinking Microsoft. - Emily


On Thursday, February 17, 2005 at 5:34 am, Mike wrote:
>If you prefer Explorer to not open new windows every time you click on a folder...

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I have the same problem as most people here, when I double click on my removable drives (Hard-drive - Pen-drive) the search companion opens up. I have done all necessary edits to my registry as suggested here and on Microsoft's site and I have run the last patch. What ever I try, it doesnt work! It is only on my removable drives though. Please help as my PC is starting to fuel a rage inside me!! :D

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Check this Out for Windows XP run regedit goto HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Shell Set Default string to 0 that's it!


On Tuesday, August 20, 2002 at 9:22 pm, Sarah wrote:
>I had the same problem and did this (back up registry first) then .... goto START,
>type regedit,go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, Directory, shell and then delete the actions
>listed. Folders will now open as they used to. I also did the same thing with my
>C and D drives, and instead of shell, went to drive and deleted actions which resulted
>in the actions going back as before. Hope this helps :)

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

hi, to solve this problem go to start > run > regedit> HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT > Drive. click "Drive", you will get "shell". single click on shell, shell will be in blue, see other side.On other side double click on that "(default)". just put only "open"(without quotation) in the space. click on ok. yr system will work fine.


On Monday, October 9, 2006 at 3:41 am, Rob Hasler wrote:
>I have the same problem as most people here, when I double click on my removable
>drives (Hard-drive - Pen-drive) the search companion opens up. I have done all necessary
>edits to my registry as suggested here and on Microsoft's site and I have run the
>last patch.
>
>What ever I try, it doesnt work!
>
>It is only on my removable drives though.
>
>Please help as my PC is starting to fuel a rage inside me!! :D
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I have installed a MACOS Theme just for fun and when i uninstalled... my folders were openning always in a new window. None of the solutions worked but this one: http://windowsxp.mvps.org/samewindow.htm This is a .reg file. Good luck OA


On Sunday, December 24, 2006 at 10:18 am, amrita wrote:
>hi,
> to solve this problem go to start > run > regedit>
>HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT > Drive. click "Drive", you
>will get "shell". single click on shell, shell will be in blue,
>see other side.On other side double click on that "(default)". just put only "open"(without
>quotation) in the space. click on ok. yr system will work fine.
>
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Steps tweaked/added:

 #5: No default action selected--i.e., Default value remained blank at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell
 #7: For HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell, set Default value to "none".

Having read through this thread really helped. Thanks!






On Thursday, October 24, 2002 at 3:53 am, atomik wrote:

>

>My answer is probably too late, but i ran into the problem described : When I double-clicked 

>on folders, my folder didn't open and instead it was the search thing that popped 

>up.

>

>It seems that there is multiple keys handling the folder file type, 'cause as you 

>will see in my answer, I resolved my problem using the Directory key instead of 
the 

>Folder one. It is located in the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.

>

>I did the following to resolve the problem (using the registry editor):

>1) Exported the open command from the Folder type (same location as Directory, except 

>that it is named Directory)

>2) Hacked it a bit using notepad to change all occurances from Folder to Directory

>3) Imported it in my registry

>4) Gone to FolderOptions->FileTypes->Folder

>5) Selected open as the default action

>6) Got back in the reg editor and deleted the new open command in Directory

>

>Everything was back as it was before : The search... option is there and find isn't 

>the default action anymore...

>

>I'm not sure, but I realized that maybe the open command do not need to be in the 

>shell key to be used, since if you did step 6 in my solution, the open action isn't 

>in the Directory action list anymore, but still work as the default action for double-clicks...

>

>Maybe you could simply try to go in the reg editor and double-click on the shell 

>key in Directory and type "open" as the default key value... This is the way windows 

>seems to keep default actions for file types. After all the procedure shown above, 

>it seems that this is the only thing left that I changed in my registry compared 

>to before my procedure =)

>

>Hope it will help some of you, as it worked for me. Also hope that my answer is 
clear 

>=)

>

>atomik

>

>
 

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I have alot of files I need to open and and move into one folder. No matter what I do I can't get it to open more than 1 file in one window.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

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