Windows and Folders Won't Open In the Same Window

I recently had the problem of having all of my Explorer Windows were opening in a new window rather than in the same window. This was really a hassle because when ever I tried to get a to a file, I would end up with a bunch of windows open.

Solution 1:

If you have this problem, the easiest way to fix it is open a folder (My Computer or My Documents will do) and then click on 'Tools' and then 'Folder Options'. In the Folder Options window look in the Browse Folders part of the General Tab and make sure you have selected to open each folder in the same window.

To do this in Vista, Open a folder and then click on 'Organize' then on the drop down menu click on 'Folder and Search Options'. Then look in the Browse Folders part of the General Tab and make sure you have selected to open each folder in the same window.

If its not selected, then select it to open each folder in the same window, then click OK.

Solution 2:

If your folders are still opening in a new window then right click a folder and see what the default action is. You should see the word 'Open' in bold. If it is in bold, and your windows are still opening in a new window, then go to solution 3, If 'Explore' is bold, then keep reading.

To restore 'Open' as the default action, open up the Folder Options window using the steps in Solution 1, then click on the 'File Types' tab. At this point Windows will scan for all known file types, so your computer may slow down or lock up for a minute. Once the file list comes up, you should see the list of files types. To set 'Open' as the default action:
1: Click the file type 'File Folder'
2: Click the 'Advanced' button
3: Select 'Open'
4: Click 'Set Default'
5: Click 'OK'

Follow the same steps for the 'Folder' file type.

Hopefully this has fixed your problem. If it hasn't then we have to dive into the registry.

Solution 3:

IMPORTANT: You about to edit the registry. Everything you do will be applied immediately and with out confirmation! There is no undo or Ctrl+Z in the registry! Before you do anything , please back it up by clicking on start>run type 'regedit.exe' and hit enter. Click File, Export and save it somewhere.

The last way to fix this problem is to click on Start, then run, type 'regedit' and hit enter (Vista users click Start and type regedit and hit enter). Back up the registry, then open the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT node (open it by clicking the + sign next to it, or just double click the node) then open 'Directory' and then click 'shell'. in the right pane, double click the word '(Default)' and in 'Value Data' part of the 'Edit String' box and type in 'NONE'.

Click OK and exit the Registry Editor, then open a folder and then a folder within it. If you still have one window open then you fixed the problem!