Cannot open 'File Folders' properly

[samtam]

Hi, recently I was messing with my file folder icons and I changed something, but I'm not sure what. Now my folders wont open properly. Here's what I did:

1. Messed around with 'file folder' under folder options/file types.
2. When I tried to open a folder, nothing happened.
3. Went back to 'file folder' and clicked advanced. The 'open' command is no longer there.
4. Made a new open command, using explorer.exe as the 'application used to perform action'
5. Now my windows will open, but there is a noticable lag and I can no longer open a folder within the same window, ie a new window pops up, even though I set it to 'open each folder in the same window'

Can anyone help me? I want to know the default command that Windows uses to open file folders, so that I can set it to open in the same window. Heres a screenie to clarify my situation:

[MountainmanTas]

I know exactly how you feel Sam Tam. I have the same prob. I want to look at a file or folder and up pops Windows to say that 'If I know the file it is in I can do it myself. But the little grey cells aren't what they used to be and I ask 'Windows' to do it for me and they say they can't help unless I know what file or folder I put the item in in the first place. Fat lot of good asking 'Windows' to do anything.
Regards,
MountainmanTas.

[Staff]

Look here...

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

...where there is a registry fix for folder associations. No guarantees but that page is referenced a lot for various fixes.

[samtam]

Thanks DaBoss, the 'Directory Extension Fix (Restores defaults to HKCR\Directory)' worked perfectly.

[JWSchmidt]

I had the same problem and this solution worked for me too. Thanks a bunch to this forum for the help. I am new here but will certainly use it now.
James

[Pancho]

Hi, I want to add a new .TSV extension file under Folder Options but the Newbutton is grayed out, how can my admin help out, he can't change my profile.

[Staff]

Then, perhaps ask the admin to add the extension. You probably do have to have admin privileges to make the change. Never thought about that before.

[szeller]

Thank you many times, Da Boss. I had the exact same problem as samtam and have been scratching my head for weeks. I finally googled "windows application used to open file folder" and found this forum. I am forever in your debt!

[Basti]

I'm still having the same problem, after adding the reg file several times and restarting.
I don't know why it doesn't work, because apparently it worked for all the others here.

Do I need to delete the old folder entry in the registry first? I don't wanna srew it up more than it already is...

[mulldr]

would that fix work in W2k. Or mess it up somehow?

I have a similar problem with Search Results file listing.
"Open Containing Folder" will not open, but give an "open with" dialog box.

Explorer is not in the list, and even if it was the alway open box is greyed out.
It's very odd, and I think it was working properly at some point but didn't notice when it started such that I can make any connection to a SW install or tweak, etc.

any ideas?