File folders icon problem

This is probably a stupid question and im ashamed to post it, but I haven't been able to figure out what ive done wrong.

Lately ive been changing icons around in windows XP. I think i ******* up my system when I changed an icon under the general folder options for all folders, specifically "folder options - file types - file folder - advanced - change icon" since now when i click on ANY file folder in ANY area of my file system, instead of opening the file, it opens the search window instead.

Its terribly annoying not being able to simply access anything without going through a roundabout way.

I cannot figure out how to fix this, even though i suspect its a simple problem. Searching through this extensive forum brought no answer.

Any help that can be given would be greatly appreciated.

-Tedford-

 

System restore and pick a restore point from before the problem started would be my first suggestion.

 

------Trusted and often used sites advice (Advice: probably the easiest fix of any suggested is Kelly's line 18 script fix)-----
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.

------microsoft says---------
Manual Edit: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q321186
Synopsis of the above...
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.

-----Another Could be------------
Folder Options

When you try to use options in Windows Explorer to apply the view setting of the current (selected) folder to all of the folders that are on your computer, Windows XP may not apply the setting to another folder that is open.

This behavior can occur if more than one instance (copy) of Windows Explorer is running on your computer.

To work around this behavior, follow these steps: Quit all instances of Windows Explorer, and then restart Windows Explorer so that only one instance of Windows Explorer is running. Make the necessary changes to the view setting.

Click Folder Options on the Tools menu, and then click Like Current Folder on the View tab. Quit Windows Explorer,
and then start Windows Explorer again.

 

Thank you! The very first run command fixed it

 

FYI, This malady is most often caused by opening Explorer or My Computer and clicking on the Tools > Folder Options > File Types > selecting "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.

 

Hi Tedford,
Any fix found in this post would have worked for you and I real glad it was one of the easiest. Your most welcome and thank you for sharing the end result. Take heed in Suferdudes warning about

Be careful and take your time when using or exploring settings/options. If you have not made any changes and applied and okay-ed your way out "cancel" your way out.

I'm glad all is well...