Can't open any folders in Windows Explorer with double click

Like my title read, I can't open any folders in my Windows Explorer with a double click. It gives me the error message "This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Please install a program or, if one is already installed, create an association in the Default Programs control panel." This also happens whenever I try to open any drives, such as C: drive. I can however run programs from Windows Explorer, and can right click, then choose open to open folders.

I have already done extensive searching on the subject, tried deleting autorun.ini files, tried some registry fixes, with no luck. I'm obviously running Windows 7, 32-bit, on a HP desktop.

This may not be the best solution, as I am sure others may have a better solution, but it might work.

Go to start

type cmd into the search bar

right click cmd.exe and choose run as administrator.

Type the following. SFC /SCANNOW and press enter.

See if it finds any errors.

Bruce.

Edited by MrBruce1959, 11 March 2011 - 07:46 PM.

There could be something malicious messing around with file associations on your computer. I've seen simllar beahviour before when a virus messed around with the .exe extension and made all executable programs inoperable. You may want to consider scanning your computer with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware or Spybot Search and Destroy. If you are unsure about using those scanning tools I recommend you head to the Am I Infected? section for assistance from the staff.

Edited by master131, 11 March 2011 - 08:11 PM.

There could be something malicious messing around with file associations on your computer. I've seen simllar beahviour before when a virus messed around with the .exe extension and made all executable programs inoperable. You may want to consider scanning your computer with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware or Spybot Search and Destroy. If you are unsure about using those scanning tools I recommend you head to the Am I Infected? section for assistance from the staff.

That's probably NOT a bad idea.

Good call there master131!

Bruce.

Well the SFC scan came up clean, and Malware Bytes only found 4 minor adware files, which after deleting still left me with the same issue. I'd run a scan with Spybot too, but I figure it's overkill as I frequently clean my system out for such things. Thanks for trying though guys, the more help the merrier.