Folders behaving improperly

[Guest]

Recently, I attempted to manually change some of my icons to a set I had been
given by a friend. The attempt didn't work, so I had to revert all my changes
to default. However, in the process, my computer somehow changed my folders
so that whenever I try to open one, I get a new window with the search
function.

Now, when I go through Windows Explorer, everything is fine. It's when I try
to access the folders on my desktop, or the folders through My Computer.

Does anyone have any idea what caused this and how to reverse it?

- Skye

 

[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-

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 ")