If I search for a file, find it, select it, right click and choose open target folder another search box opens.
If in windows explorer I double click on a folder in the right hand pane, again a search box opens insteard of the folder contents being displayed.  
I tried to back up my emails, I copied the target folder, clicked start, run, pasted the target folder into the box, clicked OK and another search box opened.  

How can I stop this happening?  I have tried fixing the problem by inserting th windows disc and using the scannow to fix the problem, but no joy.

I am running Windows XP and the probelm exists in both user accountsHold down the f8 key on boot up ......chose last good config from the on screen listGo to
Tools->Folder Options->File Types

Then under Folder make explore the default one.
I think its set to search or something.Tried Tools->Folder Options->File Types but could not find "make explore" the default.  Tried the advanced tab but this only seems to open the folder with an application!


You got something wrong.

There should be a "explore" or something similar.
Just make that one the default.

Also tell which one is the default in yours.In windows explorer I clicked on tools - folder options in the folder options window I highlight folder click advance, there is one action listed "Find".  I click on new and type in explore, if I click OK it asks which application to perform this action with.  Not knowing what to use I clicked cancel, but explore is now displayed in the actions pane.  I can click on set default, but I still get the seach box as before.

Where am I going wrong?Echo on>>>....Hold down the f8 key on boot up ......chose last good config from the on screen listTried that didn't work, tried SYSTEM restore but this refuses to work (thinking about getting Norton Go back, but this wont help me resolve this problem).OK Guys, I have found out that the reason that search COMPANION opens when I double click a folder, there is an incorrect value in the registry.  I have to go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Shell

From here I click modify on the edit menu and type None in the value data box.  Then click OK

Great only TROUBLE is that I can get to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory but there is no shell listed!

Any ideas?How do you know the norton go-back will not fixit.....

And how the the old winxpthe anti crash o/s.....cough!

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htmI know as Norton Go Back will be installed after the problem has happened it cannot take the system back to an earlier time. I am just considering it as a future option.  I have heard MANY people SAY that window restore is not up to the job and it can make the problem worse.  Many of my friends have just swithed it off as it is such a waste of space!!!!!!After much deliberation I reformatted my HD and did a fresh reinstall.    
Everthing is working OK, thanks for all of the help Guys.Phew,

The sure-shot but the worst option.