Anilrgowda

Question: I am using Windows XP and when I double click on a folder, the automatic operation is to perform a search on that folder! NOT to open the folder.

If I right-click on it then select open, its ok. But its a little bit of a pain if you know what I mean.
What can I do to change the default action?

Anilrgowda

This problem occurs when you alter the "Drive" / "File Folders" entries via File Types dialog, to add a "Command Prompt here" or "Print Directory" feature for drives / folders. (example)

How to add the Print Directory feature for folders in Windows XP
Search Companion Starts If You Double-Click a Folder

Resolution:

Click Start/Run and type this command to fix this problem:
(Tip from David Candy)

regsvr32 /i shell32.dll

-or-

Fix "Search" Opens Instead of Explorer:
Fix "Search" Opens Instead of Explorer

-or-

Click Start/Run and type:

reg add hkcr\directory\shell /ve /d none /f

-or-

To fix this manually via registry:

If this problem is seen for Drives:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell
Set (default) to "none" (without ")

If this problem is seen for folders:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell]
Set (default) to "none" (without ")


See also:

Search Companion Starts If You Double-Click a Folder:
Search Companion Starts If You Double-Click a Folder