left clicking on files goes to "search" instead of "explore"

[Guest]

-- recently, when i double click on a file, instead of opening the file in
"explore", itb goes to "search". when i start at "my computer", right
clicking shows open, explore and search in that order. when i open files in
say c drive and right click, it shows search, explore and then open. what
gives?
stratjim

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

Issue: Search Companion Starts If You Double-Click a Folder

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

Click Start/Run and type this command to fix this problem:
regsvr32 /i shell32.dll
(Courtesy of David Candy)

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 ")