Double-click folder opens Search window!!

[Guest]

My friend did something to his computer and he can't recall exactly what he
did. He wanted to make some sort of adjustment to his folder interface, and
decided to go to folder options -> view -> reset all folders from his control
panel. now everytime he tries to open a folder shortcut on his desktop, a
search window pops up. if you right click on the short cut, "Search" is the
first option and it's bolded. How do I make "Open" the first option? We're
looking to have the folder open to the proper location upon a double click.

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

This problem occurs when you alter the "Drive" / "File Folders" entries via
File Types dialog, to add a "Command Prompt here" or "Print Directory"
feature for folders. (example)

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=321379
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=321186

Resolution:

Click Start/Run and type this command to fix this problem:
(Tip from David Candy)

regsvr32 /i shell32.dll

-or-

Fix "Search" Opens Instead of Explorer:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/xp_folder_open.htm

-or-

To fix this manually via registry:

If this problem is seen for Drives:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell
Set (default) to "none" (without ")

If this problem is seen for folders:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell]
Set (default) to "none" (without ")


--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User

Windows XP Troubleshooting
http://www.winhelponline.com