Windows Folders in search mode

[Guest]

Every time I open up a folder, nothing appears except the search menu bar.
Then I have to click search all files and folder, then the items in the
folder will appear. How did this happen? How do I fix it. In other words,
when I open up the folder, it's contents appear right away.

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

Hi Justin,

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

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 folders. (example)

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=321379
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=321186

Click Start/Run and type this command to fix this problem:
regsvr32 /i shell32.dll
(Courtesy of David Candy)

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 ")