How to fix this annoying problem:
By default, Windows XP will remember the view settings for the 400 most
recently used folders. After that, XP will begin overwriting the data of the
oldest folder, and its view setting will be lost. The information is stored
in the registry by two keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell
and
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam
These keys can be modified to make XP remember more folder settings.
1. Open Windows Explorer and go to Tools--Folder Options--View--Advanced
Settings. Ensure that "Remember each folder's view settings" is checked.
2. Open Regedit and go to HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell. Right-click
on "Shell", then follow to New--Key--DWORD Value. Name this item "BagMRU
Size" (without quotation marks, but with a space between BagMRU and Size).
Double-click BagMRU Size, give it a Decimal value of 2000, then click OK.
3. Now go to HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam. Create another
BagMRU Size DWORD Value for "ShellNoRoam". Again, give it a Decimal value of
2000, then click OK.
4. You will have two "BagMRU Size" values equal to 0x000007d0 (2000).
5. Close the registry and reboot.
Windows XP will now remember 2000 folder view settings instead of 400
Note you can save the registry key first by:
On the File menu, click Export.
In the File name box, type SaveKey, and then click Save.
Or create a system restore point prior to editing.
Note: If the registry key is not there, you can simply create one by going
edit > new.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;322756
HOW TO: Back Up, Edit, and Restore the Registry in Windows XP
Disclaimer: Modifying the registry can cause serious problems that may
require you to reinstall your operating system. Use the information provided
at your own risk.
