A folder does not open when you double-click the folder in Windows XP (922372)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (SP2)

SYMPTOMS

Important This article contains information about how to modify the registry. Make sure to back up the registry before you modify it. Make sure that you know how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up, restore, and modify the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows registry

In Microsoft Windows Explorer, when you double-click a folder, the folder does not open. Instead, the Search Results window is displayed. However, when you right-click the folder, and then you click Open, the folder opens successfully.

This problem occurs on computers that are running Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because an entry under the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell key is corrupted.

RESOLUTION

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

Note Always export the registry key before you delete the registry key. This step is important, because you may have to restore the functionality that is provided by the key.

To resolve this problem, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, and then click My Computer.
  2. On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.
  3. On the View tab, click Show hidden files and folders.
  4. On the File Types tab, click File Folder in the Registered file types list, and then click Advanced.
  5. In the Edit File Type dialog box, click New.
  6. In the New Action dialog box, type dummykeyword in the Action box.
  7. In the Application used to perform action box, type the name of any executable file, and then click OK. For example, type the following:

    C:\WINDOWS\notepad.exe

  8. In the Edit File Type dialog box, click dummykeyword, click Set Default, and then click OK.
  9. In the Folder Options window, click Close.
  10. Close the My Computer window.
  11. Click Start, click Run, type REGEDIT.EXE, and then click OK.
  12. Locate and then expand the following registry key:

    My Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell

  13. Right-click My Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell, and then click Export.
  14. In the Export Registry File dialog box, type "directory shell" in the File name box, and then click Save.

    Note You must include quotation marks when you type "directory shell".

  15. Delete all the subkeys and all the entries that are located in the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell key. For example, delete the dummykeyword subkey.
  16. In the Confirm Key Delete dialog box, click Yes.
  17. On the File menu, click Exit.
  18. Restart the computer.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:7/21/2006
Keywords:kbRegistry kbtshoot kbprb KB922372 kbAudEndUser
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.