File Types File Folder Problem

This was probably the work of some trojan virus, however, I still cannot figure how to fix this problem.

In XP Folder Options my file folder (under file types) was using a find command instead of simply opening individual folders. I tried to enter all these new commands that I was trying to think of. None have worked.

3 real questions.

1. what is the correct application to perform this command (not explore.exe but to simply tell the XP to open file folders...?

2. How can I delete out all the incorrect guesses that I made? It won't let me do it in Folder Options.

3. If this really is some mean virus that norton failed to quarentine adequately what additional steps should I take. (I ran symantecs little trojan killing program, it found nothing)

Desperate for Help!
Thanks.

Astronaut, I want to thank you for your post on this topic DESPITE the inherent danger that comes with fooling around with the registry. There has been no simpler way to fix my context menu problems.

I don't think it is fair that you were criticized for offering some real (albeit risky) help.

I think the only thing anyone has the right to insist is that you put some kind of caveat about "if this screws up your computer, it's not my fault."

But that should be obvious to most of the people who would know enough to be able to ask for such specific assistance from you in the first place.

Thanks again.

Here is my contribution....
This doesn't seem like the work of a Trojan Horse, rather inappropiate use of the command line prompt. Another problem that may cause this is a shareware installation gone bad. The latter is mostly more common.
The behavior goes like this....When you double click a file folder from anywhere, you get a the find file prompt from windows instead of windows opening the file.
The trick here (Ironically) is that in order to modify this behavior you are going to modify the registry.
Before editing the registry, remember to back it up.
At the command prompt type regedit
the key you need to modify in the registry is: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
expand this and look for the following folder: Directory, expand it. Next look for a folder named: Shell, click it once to select it. Then double click on the (Default) value located on the right pane. Set the property you see there to none.
Save the registry and you are done.
You have restored the default action of the Shell component to open anything that is double clicked, folders included.

I hope this helps anyone going thru this weird looking behavior. Try my suggestion above before reinstalling your system. It will save you time and effort.

If anyone has questions about the solution above, feel free to drop a line back at this forum.

This definitely works. I just tried a second ago.

Nuff, for the registry entry. Thanks dude.

it doesnt work for me though, is there something im missing. i dont know what you mean by 'none'. i tried typing 'none' in the value, and i just deleted the value so it says (value not set) instead of none and ive tried leaving it blank, nothing works, i still have it so whenever i click on a folder or my computer it opens 'find file' its annoying. please help, thanks. ill try anything.

Type in the word none without the quotes and that should do it.

This .reg file that should correct the issue. Its lewy's method, only now its a one click fix.

SingleWindowFolderBrowsing.reg

Many thanks!! This solution worked perfectly for me.

Suggestion...I spent many hours searching alot of sites for this answer. However, I almost blew off this forum when i saw several flames posted. You fellas know your stuff here so you may want to address this issue so you don't lose noobs like me.

Good work here..I'll be back.

dcvh

glad you found this forum useful!

I cant get this to work
I tried both ways but it still opens find/search. And on the extension properties the list of tries is still there.

Anyone knows any other way than reinstalling?

I have a problem with my PC at home. My "File Folder"
won't open when I right click it or doubled click. I
check in My Document\Tools\Foldr Options\File
Types\File Folder\Advanced. There is three different
commands in the action box; find, open, Openn. When I
open a File Folder it ask me "Open With... Choose the
program you want to use to open this file" How do I
fix this problem of mine? If you could please help
me. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Joe L. Mata

have you tried everything suggested in this thread?
also, try Start --> Run --> type the full folder path and press Enter. what happens?

hello!

I have a similar problem in opening my windows explorer. when clicking drive c, the entire contents would display as it would normally do. my HD is partitioned having drive c, d, e, f, g, h.
except drive c, when clicking the rest of my partitioned drives, this message would display... "This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the folder options control panel".

by the way, using the shortcut key in opening explorer would also display the mentioned message above. the only way i can open my troubled drives is to right click and choose explore (not normally done in opening)...

Need your help guys....