Explorer default double-click action order

Suddenly, something has changed in my explorer settings - and I can't
figure out how to reset it.

In the past (and on all of my other machines and all machines I've
ever used) - a double-click on the folder name in the right pane will
take one into that folder. The other way to get to that folder is to
right click on it and select 'Explore'.

Now, however, the double-click started launching the 'Search' function
everytime. I can still right-click and select explore - but this is a
pain.

What I've noticed that is different is that the order of options when
I right click is different, the Explore and Open options are at the
bottom of the list and the 'Search' option is bolded and at the top of
the list. It seems to me that whatever is at the top of the list is
the default action for a double-click.

I've gone into HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Shell But it doesn't even
show the Explore or Open options. I can create a new action under
the Explorer Tools/Folder Options/File Types (I've got to types here
- Folders and File Folders 'explore' and 'open' live in the
'folder' type and I can hit the 'set default' button for 'explore'
option - but it doesn't seem to do anything helpful.

SO - how do I get out of this annoying default ?

Thanks !
Gene

Hi,

This is a common issue, no need to get worried.

Type at Start Run..

REGSVR32 /i SHELL32.DLL

and press enter.

--

Anando
Microsoft MVP - Windows Shell/User
http://www.microsoft.com/mvp
http://www.mvps.org
http://www.dts-l.org


"KattGraphics" wrote in message
...
Suddenly, something has changed in my explorer settings - and I can't
figure out how to reset it.

In the past (and on all of my other machines and all machines I've
ever used) - a double-click on the folder name in the right pane will
take one into that folder. The other way to get to that folder is to
right click on it and select 'Explore'.

Now, however, the double-click started launching the 'Search' function
everytime. I can still right-click and select explore - but this is a
pain.

What I've noticed that is different is that the order of options when
I right click is different, the Explore and Open options are at the
bottom of the list and the 'Search' option is bolded and at the top of
the list. It seems to me that whatever is at the top of the list is
the default action for a double-click.

I've gone into HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Shell But it doesn't even
show the Explore or Open options. I can create a new action under
the Explorer Tools/Folder Options/File Types (I've got to types here
- Folders and File Folders 'explore' and 'open' live in the
'folder' type and I can hit the 'set default' button for 'explore'
option - but it doesn't seem to do anything helpful.

SO - how do I get out of this annoying default ?

Thanks !
Gene

See www.dougknox.com, Win XP Fixes, Search/Command Prompt Opens When Double
Clicking a Folder.

--
Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows XP/ Windows Smart Display
Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com
--------------------------------
Per user Group Policy Restrictions for XP Home and XP Pro
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_securityconsole.htm
--------------------------------
Please reply only to the newsgroup so all may benefit.
Unsolicited e-mail is not answered.

"KattGraphics" wrote in message
...
Suddenly, something has changed in my explorer settings - and I can't
figure out how to reset it.

In the past (and on all of my other machines and all machines I've
ever used) - a double-click on the folder name in the right pane will
take one into that folder. The other way to get to that folder is to
right click on it and select 'Explore'.

Now, however, the double-click started launching the 'Search' function
everytime. I can still right-click and select explore - but this is a
pain.

What I've noticed that is different is that the order of options when
I right click is different, the Explore and Open options are at the
bottom of the list and the 'Search' option is bolded and at the top of
the list. It seems to me that whatever is at the top of the list is
the default action for a double-click.

I've gone into HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Shell But it doesn't even
show the Explore or Open options. I can create a new action under
the Explorer Tools/Folder Options/File Types (I've got to types here
- Folders and File Folders 'explore' and 'open' live in the
'folder' type and I can hit the 'set default' button for 'explore'
option - but it doesn't seem to do anything helpful.

SO - how do I get out of this annoying default ?

Thanks !
Gene

Do not edit the File Folders via user interface, which causes this problem.
Registering the Shell32 (see Anando's post) resolves the problem.

Or, manually set the HKCR\Directory\Shell - Default value to "none".

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

~ Please reply to newsgroup ~

"KattGraphics" wrote in message
...
Suddenly, something has changed in my explorer settings - and I can't
figure out how to reset it.

In the past (and on all of my other machines and all machines I've
ever used) - a double-click on the folder name in the right pane will
take one into that folder. The other way to get to that folder is to
right click on it and select 'Explore'.

Now, however, the double-click started launching the 'Search' function
everytime. I can still right-click and select explore - but this is a
pain.

What I've noticed that is different is that the order of options when
I right click is different, the Explore and Open options are at the
bottom of the list and the 'Search' option is bolded and at the top of
the list. It seems to me that whatever is at the top of the list is
the default action for a double-click.

I've gone into HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Shell But it doesn't even
show the Explore or Open options. I can create a new action under
the Explorer Tools/Folder Options/File Types (I've got to types here
- Folders and File Folders 'explore' and 'open' live in the
'folder' type and I can hit the 'set default' button for 'explore'
option - but it doesn't seem to do anything helpful.

SO - how do I get out of this annoying default ?

Thanks !
Gene