When I type 'wood patterns' in the address box, my puter shows a Folder and a page with all of the site's I have saved in my Favorites instead of doing a search on the web. Normally in the address box there is a 'e' and dozens of sites containing those words show up, now a file folder is showing up. I just  added  two new folders to my Favorites and added some new sites to them. This is when the problem started.  I didn't change any settings.

I have done a System Restore, cleared the cache, cookies, temp files; RAN Spybot, SpySubtract, Shredder.... none of this has helped. I don't know what else to do.

Any ideas PLEASE??

Thank you,
Karrie

I SUPPOSE you are using the search within Windows Explorer? Try the Extras - Internet Options menu and check under 'Browsing' in the advanced tab (I am guessing at the names for I have the german version)

There at the top or the BOTTOM of the list there may be an option you have to tick or tick off. I am not sure, but it may GET you on the right track :-/Are you trying to do an Internet search or access your favorates? If you want easy Internet searches I suggest you get the Google toolbar. Then you can just type the search in a box and it will go.I am trying to do an internet search.

I just don't understand why my computer would start doing it differently as I have not changed any settings. I have checked for viruses and spyware, there is nothing.

Lilrose, it could be possible that the site you were using to search has changed?Nope, nothing has changed.  Thank you for trying to help In IE try going to Tools-->Internet Options-->Advanced

Scroll down to "Search from address bar" and PICK which ever applies to you.