Member Avatar for mayank.dyl

When i double click, the folder opens in new window. I am using windows vista home basic. Any solution to this overhead ?

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Note on the thread: reported that double-clicking a folder caused a new Explorer window to open; correctly pointed to the usual Folder Options check, and later said the option was already correct and the symptom stopped after a couple of restarts. When a reboot or Explorer restart clears the problem, the cause is often transient (Explorer state, profile-scoped settings, or a third-party shell extension) rather than a persistent Folder Options setting.

Quick isolation checks:

  • Confirm scope: is the behavior universal, or limited to shortcuts, network shares, or specific special folders (Desktop, Documents)?
  • Try different open methods (press Enter on a selected folder, right‑click > Open). A difference here suggests the default verb has changed.
  • Restart the Explorer process (Task Manager: end explorer.exe, then run explorer.exe). This is faster than a full reboot and often restores normal behavior.

Further diagnostics if the issue returns:

  • Shell extensions: temporarily disable non-Microsoft shell/context-menu handlers (ShellExView or Autoruns can be used) and retest; re-enable entries one at a time to isolate the cause.
  • Registry default verb: inspect HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell and HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell (export the keys first). The default value should point to the normal "open" verb rather than "explore" or something custom. Edit only after exporting and creating a restore point.
  • Repair system files: run sfc /scannow from an elevated command prompt to fix corrupted Explorer components.
  • Event Viewer: check Application and System logs for Explorer crashes or shell errors at the times the symptom appeared.
  • Profile isolation: test using a new local user profile to determine whether the problem is profile-specific.

Because the symptom cleared after restarts, a transient Explorer or shell-extension issue is most likely. Always export registry keys and make a restore point before edits. On legacy OS installs (Vista), running a supported Windows release improves long-term stability and reduces exposure to obscure bugs.

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Member Avatar for johhny-marshal

The problem could be due to two reasons:
1) Virus infections
2) Folder settings
If it is due to folder settings, you can resolve it very easily. Go to control panel-> Folder Options. I the new opening window, you will see a label Browse Folders. Under that label, you can select the option "Open each folder in the same window".
But, if is due to virus infections, you need to perform a full system scan using Quick Heal antivirus, i have used it in the same situation.

Member Avatar for mayank.dyl

Actually the folder option you suggested above was already selected during the problem. But i don't know how but the problem vanished automatically by restarting computer a couple of times.

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