Explorer opening each folder in new window - can't change it

For some reason recently when I clicked on a drive or folder windows would open a search window and not actually open the folder.

I ended up having to go into the File Types tab in Folder Properties and for drives and folders put OPEN with explorer.exe. This fixed the folders not opening but now they all open in separate windows. I've tried resetting that option in Folder Properties but it didn't do anything.

How can I get Windows to open each folder in the same window?

 

windows explorer > tools > folder options > browse folders > Open each folder in the same window

 

I've tried that. I even set it to separate windows, then applied it, then set it back, but it didn't work.

 

exactly how did it get to this state?

did you install some kind of software or uninstall something ? make any changes?

 

Sounds like you need to solve this issue at the in the registry...

run regedit.exe and find:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell (not .Folder)

In the right-panel, right-click (default) "Value not set"; and choose delete. When you restart the computer your folders explore/open function should be reset.

Alternately you can try using a regcleaner to fix the bug but that probably won't work as it is using a valid setting.

 

Don't forget to tell us how it works...

 

Warlord, thanks for the detailed post. I tried that, and even deleting the whole shell folder (i backed it up first dont worry) and that didnt work. When I deleted the whold folder windows opened a search window for that folder when i double clicked on it.

Would it work if I exported the "Folder" folder in the registry from a working computer and imported it into my registry?

 

Have you Googled yet? Try this:

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/samewindow.htm

 

THANK YOU, that works perfectly!

 

Glad to help.