Yesterday I found an issue with opening folders on my old desktop computer running on Windows XP Operating System. I failed to open folders with double click and instead of opening the folder it was showing a message "Choose the Program you want to open this file". After seeing this message, I right clicked the folder and select the option Open from the menu but no difference at all. As a last resort, I tried the explore option and it granted me access to the folder. It was so frustrating and I decided to find the actual reason by searching on technology forums and major knowledge bases to know why I cannot open the folder by double click and open option on right click menu. Major points, according to online communities which prevent a folder from opening, are registry issues and virus infection.
Registry error can prevent a folder from opening by double clicks on it. This section explains how it is happening and a quick fix to resolve this problem on your PC. This registry fix is for Windows XP computer and I am not sure about other versions. If you are having XP, follow the instructions below.
If the registry tweak could not fix the problem, it might be due to the possible infection of a malware known as autorun.inf. This is a hidden file located in every folder and prevents it from opening by double click.
In order to fix this issue, you should scan your computer using a good AntiVirus software. It will detect autorun.inf and delete this file. If you want to manually search and delete autorun.inf on your PC, follow the steps below.
Registry Fix to Issues With Opening a Folder by Double Click
Registry error can prevent a folder from opening by double clicks on it. This section explains how it is happening and a quick fix to resolve this problem on your PC. This registry fix is for Windows XP computer and I am not sure about other versions. If you are having XP, follow the instructions below.
- Press [Windows] + [R] to pen Run
- Type regedit on Run Window
Navigate to the following location: " HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory \ shell" and click on Shell.
- Right click on the attribute (right-hand side ) and select Modify. Type none in the Value data box and press OK.
- Navigate to "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Drive \ shell" and select Shell.
Right click on the attribute (right-hand side ) and select Modify. Type none in the Value data box and press OK.
Autorun.inf infection To Prevent Opening Folder
If the registry tweak could not fix the problem, it might be due to the possible infection of a malware known as autorun.inf. This is a hidden file located in every folder and prevents it from opening by double click.
In order to fix this issue, you should scan your computer using a good AntiVirus software. It will detect autorun.inf and delete this file. If you want to manually search and delete autorun.inf on your PC, follow the steps below.
- On command prompt type attrib -r -h -s autorun.inf and press enter
(if the file is detected, you can delete autorun.inf by using the command del autorun.inf )
- Reboot your PC and check for the issue
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