registry probs? -- control panel classic/category view-can't change setting

[mstenzel]

Sorry for the re-post. My clock is so off that it was 2 days behind and my
post got buried:

I've been having a few odd things happening recently that are making me
nervous:

1. I had been unable to easily view my Control Panel in Classic style until
visiting http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm and downloading a
..reg fix for it. I actually could switch to Classic view IF I unchecked the
"Use common tasks in folders" option after going to My
Computer-Properties-Advanced tab-Performance Settings. But then I couldn't
have my Common Tasks (which I like) without having to have my Control Panel
in Category View (which I hate).
Obviously, I should have been able to switch views by using the nice little
"Switch to Classic/Category view" option that should be in my Common Tasks
bar. But, alas, that is my problem and a cause for concern for me (I'm more
worried about what the disappearance of that option may mean than not having
an easy fix for my CP view style).

You can view my deformed Control Panel here:
http://www.geocities.com/mfstenzel/control_panel.html. Notice the lack of a
View
switcher option in the Common Tasks.

Also happened/happening:

2. Similar to my Control Panel probs, I had the darndest time getting my
Display to remain in XP style as opposed to Classic style. I would make the
appropriate selections and all would look well. Then I'd reboot and visit
My Computer-Properties-Advanced tab-Performance Settings only to see that
the "Use visual styles on windows and buttons" option was unchecked. I'd
check it (select it), click OK, and then look at the option again soon after
only to find it de-selected immediately after I had selected it. All has
been stable after trying some of Kelly's Korner tweaks and after forcing the
Luna visual style by double-clicking on a luna.msstyles file that I found.

3. System tray clock is way off and unable to maintain time. Updating
through CP does nothing. Even when it syncs with time.windows.com or
time.nist.gov, it does not even pull down the correct time. I'm thinking
battery needs changing, but my system is less than 2 years old.

4. Before my display problem occurred, I would often get a message at
startup saying that something was missing from the registry and a file
was retrieved from a backup copy somewhere. Haven't seen that message in a
while.

I'm worried that I may have some major registry problems. Anyone recognize
these symptoms?

Thanks in advance.

ps
XP SP2
768MB RAM
Celeron 1.8Ghz

 

[Kelly]

Common Tasks View - Disable or Enable (Line 78)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

To use the Regedit: Save the REG File to your hard disk. Double click it
and answer yes to the import prompt. REG files can be viewed in Notepad by
right clicking on the file and selecting Edit.

In Pro, it's a Group Policy (Run > 'gpedit.msc') setting under:

For Pro: Start/Run: gpedit.msc

User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows
Explorer

Double-click on Turn on Classic Shell and select Disable then OK your way
out. You may need to logoff and Logon for changes to take effect.

In Home, the associated registry key is:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

Value Name: ClassicShell
Value Type: REG_DWORD
A value of 1 forces the classic shell (no common tasks or customize)

To regain common tasks (webview), delete this entry.

--
All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com

 

[mstenzel]

Thanks, Kelly.
Do I need to do any of the Regedit stuff or can I just use your fix?

Also, do you know why these things get messed up and in need of tweaking
just to get back to the original?

Thanks,
mstenzel

 

[mstenzel]

Whoops -- I spoke too soon. Actually, Kelly, my problem isn't with
maintaining the Common Tasks view. It appears in all my windows. My
problem is that even with the Common Tasks enabled, I don't have the option
to switch between Classic and Category view in Control Panel. Your tweak
for that problem cleared up my actual view issue, but I'm wondering why my
switching option is now gone. See picture here:
http://www.geocities.com/mfstenzel/control_panel.html

Thanks,
mstenzel

 

[Kelly]

Which value is listed here in the right pane for shell:ControlPanelFolder:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\WebView\BarricadedFolders

--
All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com

 

[mstenzel]

Kelly,

Which value is listed here in the right pane for shell:ControlPanelFolder:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\WebView\BarricadedFolders

It is 0 (or 0x000... (0) in the data column). Is that bad or good?

Thanks for the attention,
Marcus

 

[mstenzel]

Kelly,

Which value is listed here in the right pane for shell:ControlPanelFolder:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\WebView\BarricadedFolders

It is 0 (or 0x000... (0) in the data column). Is that bad or good?

Thanks for the attention,
Marcus
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