Problem: Opening Multiple Files

[trumpy81]

GDay All,
I'm having a minor, but annoying, problem when opening multiple files from within Windows Explorer.

I follow this Proceedure:

1. Highlight several files (filetype not important, but all of the same type)

2. Right mouse click and choose 'Open' or 'Open With x'

This results in the first file being opened with the relevant program, but instead of the consecutive files also opening, the 'Move To' dialog opens and I must close/cancel the dialog before each subsequent file opens in the relevant program.

If I choose a 'Send To' shortcut, usually, only the first file will open.

Anyone have any ideas as to why this is happening??

I'm currently using a fully patched version of XP Pro SP1.

Note: I have tried opening multiple files under a fresh install of WinXP Home and it works fine for the first few times, then abuptly stops. IE: The program will revert to opening the first file only.

The actual program used is not relevant as the same thing will occur with any of the programs I have on my machines.

Again any ideas, anyone??

TIA

Regards
Trumpy81

 

[linney]

Have you been tweaking any Registry Settings lately?

Some general things to try.

Try checking the option to launch folder's window in a separate process (Folder Options/ View).

Specifies that each folder is opened in a separate part of memory. When you open each folder in a separate part of memory, the stability of Windows can be increased. However, your computer's performance might decrease slightly.



See if System Restore will get you back to a restore point before your problem with Explorer.

Try Safe Mode (Do you have this problem in Safe Mode?).

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp

If they don't work you could try repairing windows itself by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

 

[trumpy81]

GDay linney,

Thanx for the help mate. Unfortunately, I've already tried the suggestions you made except for turning on 'folders in a seperate process'. I tried that and it made absolutely no difference, nor did using 'classic folders'.

I suspect that the problem is in the registry, as I also noticed a custom filetype I had installed was missing after I installed a few MS Updates. Of course, as is usually the case, I did not notice after which patch or program I installed, that it actually appeared.

Rolling back the system using 'system restore' didn't repair the problem, obviously I couldn't roll back far enough :-(

I've also been through the registry with 'Registry First Aid', without making any changes, in the hope that it would show some form of corruption or other misconfigured entries, but to no avail :-(

Your help is much appreciated though.

Regards
trumpy81

 

[bcastner]

How did you add the 'Move to' and 'Copy to' context menu items?

Like this:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AllFilesystemObjects\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AllFilesystemObjects\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\Copy To]
@="{C2FBB630-2971-11D1-A18C-00C04FD75D13}"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AllFilesystemObjects\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\Move To]
@="{C2FBB631-2971-11D1-A18C-00C04FD75D13}"

----------------- end .reg file copytomoveto.reg

Try deleting the two keys and rebooting.

 

[trumpy81]

GDay bcastner,

Firstly, I added the 'Move To' and 'Copy To' buttons to the toolbar only (via toolbar customization), they weren't a part of my context menu at all.

Secondly, your suggestion worked like a charm :-D
removing the:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AllFilesystemObjects\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\Move To]
@="{C2FBB631-2971-11D1-A18C-00C04FD75D13}"

entry was all that was required.

An interesting note was that the 'Copy To' entry was blank and both of the toolbar buttons are still present and functioning.

Again, thanx for the help.



Regards
trumpy81