Whenever I try to open a folder it comes up with the search function instead of the folder I'm supposed to be viewing in the explorer. I think that I messed up the folder options somehow. When I followed the directions on this website. http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=321379 How in the hell do I fix this??

The first rule of thumb when doing anything in the regestry is to back it up first. If you did not back it up and you went to edit the registry then the only two possible ways to fix is: 1) reformat and reinstall XP 2) Find a friend that will allow you to verify each setting within the registry that the so called fix wanted you to change...so you can change it back and compare the change. Then hope it is the right thing to do as each registry has different things because of different tweaks and things. IN THE MATTERS OF STYLE, swim with the current; in matters of principle, STAND LIKE A ROCK Visit Computer Vitals For A Pleasant Surprise

Try System Restore, I have had good results using this way or Safe Mode, different to Last Known Good Configuration in Safe Mode. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx System Restore is accessed the following way: 1. It's a good practice to shut down all other applications before using System Restore, as it requires a full-system reboot to complete the installation. Connecting to the internet is not required, however. So shut all applications. Then click "Start." 2. Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. Then the program will load. Here's a screen shot of the program-entry screen:http://www.techbuilder.org/recipes/60402485 Or, If System Restore doesn't work in Normal Mode, it might work in Safe Mode. Toggle F8 or Press Ctrl ( depends on your comp ) during bootup ( just before, verifying DMI pool, message comes on ) Select Safe Mode. http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001060608000039 http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315222&Product=winxp http://www.whtvcable.com/virusremoval%20.htm http://www.techbuilder.org/recipes/60402485 http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx

I always seem to forget about system restore theese days. I Have mine turned off. so to my above posting add # 3 please. :P IN THE MATTERS OF STYLE, swim with the current; in matters of principle, STAND LIKE A ROCK Visit Computer Vitals For A Pleasant Surprise

Other possibles. Try Right Clicking on the Start Button and choose Open All Users then Programs then Startup if Search is there, Delete it. Or, Go to Control Panel/Folder Options/View, scroll down and uncheck "Restore previous folder windows at logon". =================================== And from the site you went to, reverse the action you took & delete Print Directory Listing. http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=321379 Create a new action for file folders 1. Click Start, click Control Panel (or, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel), and then click Folder Options. 2. On the File Types tab, click File Folder. 3. Click Advanced, and then click New. 4. In the Action box, type: Print Directory Listing 5. In the Application used to perform action box, type: printdir.bat 6. Click OK. 7. Click OK, click OK, and then click Close.

goldenboy, Go to the link below and under the letter "F" scroll down to "Folder Opens Search Window" where you'll find the fix for this problem. Folder Opens Search Window Fix Tufenuf

goldenboy- Read the bottom of the article about Edit the registry That is your fix.