Scenario: You know you double clicked the folder but instead of the folder opening up to access the content you get the search companion instead.

This has happened to me, and it can be frustrating when you don’t know what’s going on.  You start to think your computer is possessed, but instead it’s just the folder option has been changed.

To correct this do the following.

  1. Go to Start -> Run – and type Regedit
  2. On the left hand menu select the plus signs + and navigate to the following.
  3. HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory \ shell and HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Drive \ shell]
  4. Right click and select Edit the default value to be explorer or none.
  5. Logoff and back on again.

Now double click a folder you should see the content and not the search companion.

If you don’t feel comfortable editing the registry. I suggest downloading the registry fix below.

Explore Directory Registry Fix

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