WINXP folders and Desktop give win32 error

Whenever I attempt to open a file or folder on my desktop or within the Windows navigator, Win XP returns the following message:

Not a valid Win32 application

This happens with ALL folders and files. I can go to the navigator on the L side of the screen and access the folders and files from there but not any other way. I can also access them from the Programs Menu. This problem occurred after a user changed the folder options but resetting them does not solve the issue. It is NOT user or account specific; it occurs for all users of this machine. Any help or guigance would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you

 

Although this fix from Doug Knox isn't specifically for your exact problem, I think it may be close enough to give results. It repairs a Folder opening problem somewhat different but perhaps...

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/xp_folder_open.htm

It won't do any harm so download and run the script and we'll await your report.

 

I downloaded the file and ran it. I get the following error:

Char 1
Line 5
Error: Could not create object named Wscript.shell
Source: Wscript.CreateObject

NO change in symptoms.

 

That's odd. Perhaps try running it directly from the site without downloading it. I do it that way and get the proper exit message. If it won't run from there it will at least yield some information about your system.

You may have to manually repair the Folder actions if this fails.

 

I get the same error when running the script from the site. How do I manually repair the folder actions?

Thank you.

 

To manually edit the folder options open My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > File Types > and you'll see one line that says "File Folder" and one that says "Folder." Select "File Folder" > Advanced Button > and verify that the word "find" is the only item in the command window. If so click Cancel. DO NOT CLICK OK!

Then click "Folder" > advanced button > and verify that there are two commands in the command window - Explore and Open. Open should be in bold type. If so click Cancel. DO NOT CLICK OK.

If you don't find those areas to be as described, report what you find and we'll go from there. These reading I have given came directly from my areas mentioned and yours should be the same but may have added commands from some programs you have installed. XP has a bug so it's important that you DO NOT select OK when viewing these areas but instead select CANCEL when exiting them. The bug is what that script was to correct however it's telling us something quite different since it can't perform its task. Now if we knew how to interpret that message.

 

A couple of Registry Keys to check if you're up to it.

Run Regedit and verify that the two following Keys have a default string value data of none.

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell

If one or both of those Keys do not exist, we'll have to create them. There should be only that one string (the default) in each of the shell folder of those Keys, nothing else in there.

 

I found the file folder and folder entries under file types (Advanced).

Folder contains 4 entries: Create SubDir; explore (BOLD);JDiskReport1.2.1; open.

File Folder contains 5 entries: Clear Read-Only Attributes; Explore from here; Find; Print Contents; Use Print Folders.
I exited using the <cancel> button as you described.
I'll wait to REgedit until I hear back from you.

 

I looked at the registry

Directory\shell is blank in data area
Drive\shell = none in data area

 

Let's hold off on directly editing the Registry for the moment.

shell32.dll may be improperly listed in the Registry. Let's register it again.

Type or cut/paste REGSVR32 SHELL32.DLL in the Run windows and press enter. You should get confirmation from the system. Let me know.

It's important that you keep me informed of all events along the way with these procedures.

If no joy, I'll need you to download a tool that we can use to indirectly edit the Registry so it will be less hazardous.

ftp://ftp.sac.sk/pub/sac/utilfile/cnxtedit.zip

Download and unzip that tool to its own folder. Post back when ready and we'll try to flank this gremlin and wipe it out.

 

I ran the REGSVR32 SHELL32.DLL command and got a positive confirmation message back: no errors. Original problem with opening folders in the window still persists.

I have also determined that I can open the folders in the Windows Explorer window if I first select them, then right-click on them to bring up a menu, sand finally select the OPEN command from the menu. This would lead me to believe that the problem is with the folders themselves and the associated program that opens them when they are double-clicked, since I can open them correctly when using either the menu or the list navigator.

I have downloaded the Zip file from the link you provided and have extracted it to a new directory but I have not run it yet.

BTW, thanks so much for all the time and energy you have spent on this so far. Even if we are unable to fix this problem, I greatly appreciate your help!

 

Easy things first. Go to My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > File Types > "Folder" > advanced button > highlight "Open" > click Set Default. OK out of there. Test for effect. Report. It probably won't make any difference but we must eliminate the possibility before moving forward.

 

I must step out for a moment so I'll give you the next step assuming the previous didn't help.

This involves a manual edit of the Registry.

Run Regedit and go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell.

Open the shell folder and double click the string in the right screen panel. Type none in the data value field. Click OK and close Regedit.

Test for effect. Report. I'll be back in an hour +-

 

After editing the registry key as you outlined, the problem DISAPPEARED like magic! Thank you so much for all your help. I could not have solved this vexing problem without your help. Also, I learned something valuable in the process.

Have a safe and fulfilling week!

Warmest regards,

 

Thanks for the feedback Balthior so that we may all learn together. Trying the simple things first paid off this time as it has so often in the past.

Have a safe and fulfilling week - right back to you.

Best regards.