How to change Right Click Menu Options in Windows Explorer - Win XP

My mother messed up her computer again!

Whenever you double click on a file in Windows Explorer (Windows XP) it brings up the search companion instead of opening the file. When you right click on a file, the menu that comes up has "Search" highlighted, not "Open."

How do I edit the right click menu to get "Open" highlighted? I don't know how she did this and neither does she. Scary!

I am desparate to fix this because until I do, she is going to try to "fix it herself" against my advice! This will cause me more headaches!!

Thanks!

Jessica

 

Hi, Jessica. Welcome to Windows BBS!

I am not familar with your problem, but since neither of you is aware of how the change was made, I suspect malware might be at the root of your problem.

While you're waiting for suggestions from someone that may know better than me how to fix your issue, please follow the instructions in this link.

AFTER you have followed those instructions, post a HijackThis log in this thread. (Do not start a new thread relating to this problem.)

BTW, HijackThis is dangerous to use to "fix" things without knowing exactly what you're doing. Do not use HijackThis to "fix " anything unless explicitly told to do so by an expert.


Even if malware is not the cause of your problem, the applications named in the instructions I linked will be handy to keep around as scanning tools to update and use on a regular basis.

 

THANKS! Good idea. I have used SpyBot before. She does not have it on her computer and I suggested she download and run it. I will let you know how it goes...

Have you ever heard of Prevx? I have used that as well. It's only free for a month though... Just wanted to see your thoughts on Prevx vs. SpyBot.

Jessica

 

Hi, Jessica. I have recently read about Prevx and looked at screenshots but I haven't downloaded it. Is it worth a try?


Regarding Steve's advice, you'll need to have a Folder (any Folder, not "Desktop ") highlighted in Windows Explorer before proceeding with his steps. (If you start with your "Desktop" highlighted in Windows Explorer, then you won't see a "File Types " tab in your Folder Options window.)

I have created the attached image of the setting I think will work.


[SIZE= "3"]Steve[/SIZE], please take a look at the attached image and advise.

 

Thanks, Steve. I appreciate your follow-up. Clearly I have to do some research about File Type settings.

 

Jessica,

The easy and safest way to fix this is to run this Doug Knox script. It will do the job without you having to do any editing.

FYI, This malady is most often caused by opening Explorer or My Computer and clicking on the Tools > Folder Options > File Types > selecting "File Folder" and then clicking OK instead of Cancel. Even though you have only looked and made no changes, changes will nevertheless be made IF you have selected Folder or File Folder and IF you then click OK. To avoid this, always click "Cancel" when you don't intend to change things.

The problem has been around since 2002 so your mom hasn't invented anything new in the way of trouble.

 

Steve & Mailman...

I tried the Folder Options --> File Type --> Folders --> Advanced Tab. It was already set to open. Search wasn't even on the list. I also tried SpyBot. It didn't work either.

I am trying Surfdudes Doug Knox VBS script today. After that, she's on her own.

Thanks for all your help!! Is anyone else their mother's help desk? I have some excellent stories for parties on some of the questions I've gotten from her!

Jessica

 

Yes, Jessica! My wonderful mother started computing at 82! It's cool because we get to speak more often!

A while ago, she rang me and said, "You know you said that computer crashes do happen and that you can usually get things working again?... "

So, I spent some time getting her to press things (at a distance) before I gleaned that - by computer crash - she meant she'd knocked it off the table whilst hoovering!

Hmm...