HOW TO Remove a Print Directory Feature for Folders in Windows XP

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I created a printdir.bat file and ceated a new action according to the
directions in
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=321379 . It works but the Search
Companion starts when you double click a folder instead of the folder being
opened. This is universal. The instructions say to Edit the Registry to fix
that. However, when I tried to do it, I got through locating the "Default
value" under Hkey_Classes_root\Directory\shell, clicked "modify" on the "edit
menu" but didn't get the "file data box" as indicated. I got something that
says "Value name" and "Value data" so I backed out. Has anyone
sucessfully inplemented the "edit the registry" step. Can someone either
tell me how to properly "edit the registry" or how to remove the printdir
feature. The Search Companion is a pain to use and I could not figure how to
stop it. Any help would be appreciated? Thanks. sli22sli
 
sli22sli said:
I created a printdir.bat file and ceated a new action according to the
directions in
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=321379 . It works but the Search
Companion starts when you double click a folder instead of the folder being
opened. This is universal. The instructions say to Edit the Registry to fix
that. However, when I tried to do it, I got through locating the "Default
value" under Hkey_Classes_root\Directory\shell, clicked "modify" on the "edit
menu" but didn't get the "file data box" as indicated. I got something that
says "Value name" and "Value data" so I backed out. Has anyone
sucessfully inplemented the "edit the registry" step. Can someone either
tell me how to properly "edit the registry" or how to remove the printdir
feature. The Search Companion is a pain to use and I could not figure how to
stop it. Any help would be appreciated? Thanks. sli22sli
Click to expand...

When you get to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/Directory/Shell click on (Default) in
the right hand pane and edit that to read "none" in Value data (without
the parentheses).

Before editing the registry, particularly if you are new to it, make a
backup first (File>export). Give it a name (I always include the date in
the filename) and save it. That way, if something goes wrong,
double-clicking on the backup .reg file will restore your original settings.

Worked for me.

Rob
--
 
Shank, thanks for the info but I have a couple of other questions. 1. What
should I put in the "Value name" box? 2. Could you give me more details on
how to save the registry file, where to store it, and how to restore if
necessary? I'd like to save the registry file first but I have to have the
confidence that its done correctly. I'm not familar with the "file>export"
procedure. Thanks. Sli22sli
 
Shank said:
When you get to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/Directory/Shell click on (Default)
in the right hand pane and edit that to read "none" in Value data
(without the parentheses).

Before editing the registry, particularly if you are new to it, make a
backup first (File>export). Give it a name (I always include the date
in the filename) and save it. That way, if something goes wrong,
double-clicking on the backup .reg file will restore your original
settings.
Worked for me.

Rob
Click to expand...

If you use the regedit Export function, export ONLY the part you are about
to edit. If you export the entire registry and something goes wrong, when
you import the whole registry, your registry will not only double in size
but may become unstable due to timing issues with the multiple commands
given in succession, tring to overwrite each one.

Better to look up and use Restore Points or even backup the System State.

The easiest way to reliably back up the Registry is to create a Restore
Point. That backs up the registry and several things you may need. Then if
things get messed up, you can either Restore to the time you made that
REstore point or even earlier, and be back where you were, cleanly and
efficiently.

Clicking Start; Programs; Accessories; System; System Restore will take you
to the dialog where you can create and restore Restore Points.

If you're not familiar with Restore, I recommend looking up Restore
Points in Help and Support. It has a decent explanation of the purpose and
how to do it. The System State can also be looked up there if you wish to
delve deeper into it.

I'll also take this opportunity to recommend that you become familiar with
and begin doing, backups of your data. It's also in Help and Support.

HTH
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