Windows Explorer Default Action

Could you please do the following:

1. Open REGEDIT and export the following keys to .REG or .TXT files

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder

2. Copy and paste the contents of each here (will be quite lengthy) or upload as a zip file somewhere and we can download them (preferred option).

The fact that the "Search" action is showing in Bold at the top of the Right-Click context menu indicates that it is set as the default action in one or other of those keys under the \shell\ key.  We will be able to show you where to modify the relevant .REG file so that you can then merge it back to the registry.

You cannot normally edit this, as you can normally do for standard file associations, using the Folder Options > File Types dialog, because there is normally an extra dword value named "EditFlags" in those registry keys set to a value that greys out the "Change" button.  This applies to the entries that will show as "File Folder", "Folder", and "Drive".

I have pasted the relevant sections of a .REG file exported from one of the above keys to show where the value is that is probably set to the the "Search" action so you know what I am referring to when I say "Default Action".

*** DO NOT USE THE CONTENTS BELOW AS REG FILES TO MERGE TO THE REGISTRY ***
They are incomplete, and are only EXTRACTS to show specific values.

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory]
@="File Folder"
"EditFlags"=dword:000001d2 <----------------- * Setting No. 1

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell]
@=""  <-------------------------------------------- * Setting No. 2

Setting No. 1 - this is the value that greys out the "Change" button in the Folder Options > File Types dialog.
I can provide you with the data value of this that would temporarily allow access to this button if you wish.

Setting No. 2 - Whatever text-based value is shown either within the " " when viewed as a .reg file, or under the "Data" column to the right of [Default] REG_SZ when viewed in Regedit, will the the "Default" action. ie. what happens on a double-click and will show in the right-click menu as the bold option at the top.  An empty string, as shown above, is the default Windows XP registry setting for each of the \shell\ sub-keys in the registry keys indicated above, but there are minor differences with the way they are represented as being empty, which is why I have asked you to provide the contents of the affected registry.

Note. There will also be a lot more content in an exported .reg file that relates to other context menu handlers.  Don't worry about this extra content.  We can weed through the files for the relevant settings and suggest modification as necessary.

Note:
With reference to the value shown for Setting No. 2, the following are the equivalents when viewed as a .REG file and as you would see shown in a regedit window (respectively):

REG File                     In Regedit Window

@=""                         [Default]  REG_SZ            (Note: nothing at all shows under the "Data" column)
@="none"                  [Default]  REG_SZ  none
no @ value shows       [Default]  REG_SZ  (value not set)

The values above are (in order as shown) found in my WinXP Pro registry against the \shell\ sub-key of the keys:
   
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder

I don't particularly recommend changing these values manually in regedit, but it will give you an immediate indication if this IS the cause of the problem.

Bill

it gets easier still, BillDL comment is also correct but that is the manual way. Sometimes the best way. :)
here is the reg fix:
Save the REG File to your hard disk.
Double click it and answer yes to the import prompt.
 REG files can be viewed in Notepad by right clicking on the file and selecting Edit.

Search Opens When Double Clicking A Folder
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits/folderopenssearch.reg

Here is the whole page you may like to keep for lateras it has many fixes you find handy.
Registry Edits for Windows XP
"Tweaks and Tips"
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Merete