Hey,

I have Windows XP SP2 installed on my machine.
For the past few days, i have been experiencing a very nagging problem.

Whenever I double click a hard drive partition icon (e.g C:, D:, E:, etc), it opens a new window for the same.
Once a drive is opened in a new window, then the folders in that drive open in THAT newly opened window itself.

So, in a nutshell, on opening a drive - it opens in new window. Folders in the drive, however, open in the same window.
The folder options tab is of no use.

Subsequently, I had formatted the primary partition (C:) and reinstalled windows but it seemed useless..Actually, after formatting C: behaved normally BUT only for 1-2 clicks.
In a few moments, it showed the same problem. Other drive's however ,even after formatting, remained the same.

Also, I've tried the following earlier:-
1.Goto Start >> Run and type regsvr32 /i shell32.dll
2.Checked the registry entry for HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/Directory/Shell to be "none"
Similarly, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/Drive/Shell is also "none".

A Second and prominent problem I'm having is
When I check the option to view hidden files, in the folder options tab and click OK, Nothing happens and hidden files are not displayed. On checking again, I find that the option - "Do Not show hidden files" is the one thts selected.
Thus I'm unable to view hidden files.

Please help me in this regard.

Thanks in advance.

Hi there.

For the drive problem, you could try the registry file specified in this site:
http://www.troublefixers.com/drive-opens-i...-in-windows-xp/
Scroll down to where it says Update:. This seems to follow on from the solutions that you have already tried.

I don't yet have a solution for the hidden files but I will do some more research.

Both these problems are (or can be) effects of infections and malware. Have you recently thoroughly checked your system for malware? If so what did you use to do this? There may be something lurking...

Cheers.

Do you mean that the option for open folders in the same window is already checked? Or is it "of no use" because you couldn't find the option for it?



Ok that's probably because you have to apply it to all folders or it won't stick. Try this:

Go to Control Panel > Folder Options. Go to the General Tab and select the circle for "Open each folder in the same window", then go to the View tab and check the radio for "Show hidden files and folders", then DO NOT CLICK OK, instead click the button near the top called "Apply to All Folders".

for the hidden file issue, try accessing registry (type regedit in run then hit enter)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER> Software> Microsoft> Windows> CurrentVersion> Explorer> Advanced
then change the "hidden" value to 1.

happened to me once. had read about this somewhere else but can't seem to pinpoint what site that was.

anyway, best of luck jamesbond.

This post has been edited by silverphoenix: Oct 8 2008, 06:40 PM

Hey jpshortstuff,

I have already tried that particular registry file as well. Didn't help me..

I believe my system is infected and there certainly is a malware problem.
Can u guide me so as to get rid of any malware/spyware ...??

I have Nod32 antivirus installed on my m/c and ran a full system scan but it yielded nothing..i.e No infection...

Hey Vectris,

Yes,the option for open folders in the same window is already checked. So, m still stuck..
As for the hidden files problem, I tried by clicking "Apply to all folders" as well but to no avail.

Silverphoenix,

I tried by changing the said registry key but didn't help..

Thanx to all u guys so far...

If you are experiencing malware problems, then here is how to get your system checked by our Malware Team:
http://forums.whatthetech.com/Welcome_New_...ers_t34502.html

If your problem still persists after you are cleared of Malware then post back here and the Tech Experts will continue troubleshooting.

Thanks.

Agreed.
RUN do not walk to the Malware thread above.

Tallon41