Subfolders Open Search

Brand new pc. Double clicking on a folder in Windows Explorer open Search.... How do I get rid of this option and get the "open subfolder" back?

 

That's a common problem and easily fixed:

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


FYI, This quirk is most often caused by opening Explorer or My Computer and clicking on the Tools > Folder Options > File Types > File Folder and selecting "Advanced" 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 "Advanced" and IF you then click OK. To avoid this, always click "Cancel" when you don't intend to change things.

As an alternate to the above fix, you can go to Start >Run and type:

regsvr32 /i shell32.dll

Press enter. The effect is immediate with no reboot required.

 

Thanks Surferdude2 however, now the window opens in another window even with the option to "open in same window" is selected. Advise?

Microsoft.......sometimes I just don't get it.....

 

So, now that your initial problem is solved, some other demon raises its ugly head. I know how that goes.

I think I can help you with this since I have had that same problem but in reverse. I could not get my Directories to open in new windows. I found that it was due to what the default action setting was for Folders.

Open Windows Explorer or My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > File Types > Folders > Advanced > and notice what is listed in bold type. If it is Open, change it to Explore by highlighting Explore and clicking the Set Default button.------ OR------ If it is Explore, change it to Open by highlighting Open and clicking the Set Default button. When making the change, click Apply and then close out the applet. Then Reboot before checking for effect.

I think this setting works differently depending on some other factors which are not widely known, such as whether your view setting is for Windows Classic Folders or Show Common Tasks in Folders. Other factors are also at work so try it both way for your satisfaction and test either setting after rebooting for effect. It's likely that changing from your present setting to the other one will do it for you.

 

Once again I am completely pleased with this bbs..... I'll have to make time to submit my complete satisfaction!!

Surferdude2---you and Noahdfear have come to my rescue and I am so greatful. As I told Noahdfear: I would give you the biggest, sloppiest smooch!!!!..... You're tops!!! Your "toggle" suggestion worked:

"notice what is listed in bold type. If it is Open, change it to Explore by highlighting Explore and clicking the Set Default button.------ OR------ If it is Explore, change it to Open by highlighting Open and clicking the Set Default button. "


Thanks once again!!!!!!!!!

p.s. no reboot was needed......

 

Thanks for the feedback Suzette so that others may be helped. It's reward enough just to beat these one-eyed monsters on rare occasions like this.

All the best.

 

same problem different item

Hi Guys!! Once again I'm in curiosity to the point that I've spent too much time trying to figure this problem out on my own...;(

My new pc control panel continually opens in Windows Explorer. If I right click the control panel in the start menu, the first option is "explorer" and the second is "open "..... Now after reading my problems in this thread earlier, I realized that the bolded option is the one that will execute and also realized that "open" is the one that needs to be bold so it will execute instead of "explorer ".

Does anyone know the fix for this??...

 

Hi again!

What you are describing is a function of what scheme you have selected for the Start Menu. If you were using the Classic Start Menu, it would use open as the default action for opening the Control Panel. You evidently are using the standard XP default Start Menu which uses explore as the default action. You can change that scheme by right-clicking the Start Button > Properties and tag the Classic Start Menu box.

If you don't want all the other things that go with that change, read on:

There is another way to have what you want without changing to the Classic Menu. Open Windows Explorer and go to the Windows\System32 directory and scroll down to the control.exe file. Right-click on it and choose "Create Shortcut." Then right-click that shortcut you created and select "Pin to Start Menu." Close Windows Explorer and click the Start button. Right-click the new item labeled control.exe and change its name to Control Panel. Then you can also change the icon if you like. Clicking that icon will open the Control Panel as I think you prefer.

Edit: There is yet another way to change the Control Panel view and I'll include it in order to make the thread more complete.

Right click the Control Panel icon on the Start Menu and click OPEN. When the Control Panel opens, at the top left, click "Switch to Classic View." Then close the window. When you open it next time, it should still be in the Classic view.

To reverse that change, repeat the process but select "Switch to Category View" this time.

But wait - there's more!

If you want to set the default action to Open instead of Explore for folders, open Windows Explorer, click on Tools, Folder Options, and then the File Types tab. Select "(NONE) Folder" in the list to highlight it. Click the Advanced button. Notice that explore is bold. Click on open, then click the "Set Default" button. Open should now be bold. Click Ok to close. Check for effect. It will affect your original Control Panel need as well as some other areas. You can reverse it if you don't like the full effect.

I think that pretty well exhausts the possibilities.

 

surferdude2

I wish someone would put a "kissy face" in the list so I could at least send you my gratitude!!

Thanks once again!! The last option helped.

Gosh I love this board!!!