Windows Explorer now does a search instead of opening the file.

[Guest]

I have used Windows Explorer for a long time but all of a sudden it is doing
something strange. When I double click on a file in the right side instead of
opening the file and showing me what is in it, a new search window is
displayed. If I click on a file on the left side then it opens properly. What
happened? I would like to go back to when I double click the file opens, not
starts a search. Can anyone help?

 

[Guest]

I have used Windows Explorer for a long time but all of a sudden it is doing
something strange. When I double click on a file in the right side instead of
opening the file and showing me what is in it, a new search window is
displayed. If I click on a file on the left side then it opens properly. What
happened? I would like to go back to when I double click the file opens, not
starts a search. Can anyone help?

From www.kellys-korner.com

Folder Opens Search Window
Go to Start/Run and type in: regsvr32 /i shell32

If that doesn't correct the issue use this automated edit:

Search Opens When Double Clicking a Folder or Drive (Line 18)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

To use the VBS File: Download .vbs file and save it to your hard drive (you
may want to right click and use Save
Target As). Double-click the vbs file. You will be prompted when the script
is done.

Manual Edit:

Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Shell

Set the Default value to "none" without the quotes. To do this, double click
where it says Default.

You may also need to check:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell
The default value for this entry should be "none", as well

 

[S.Sengupta]

visit:http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
18. Right hand side
Click on:
Search Opens When Double Clicking A Folder

regards,
ssg MS-MVP

 

[Guest]

Thank you, thank you.
Go to Start/Run and type in: regsvr32 /i shell32 did it for me.
I wonder what I did to mess explorer up?

 

[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 ")

 

[Alex Nichol]

I have used Windows Explorer for a long time but all of a sudden it is doing
something strange. When I double click on a file in the right side instead of
opening the file and showing me what is in it, a new search window is
displayed.

Start - Run - regedit.exe

Open to
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell
Highlight and in the right pane double click (Default) and enter the
exact four characters
none

Repeat the check at
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell