"All Folders" Pane Missing or Windows Explorer Is Blank

ID: Q192315

The information in this article applies to:
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, make sure you understand how to restore it if a problem occurs. For information about how to do this, view the "Restoring the Registry" Help topic in Regedit.exe or the "Restoring a Registry Key" Help topic in Regedt32.exe.

SYMPTOMS

When you start Windows Explorer, the All Folders pane may be missing, or the entire Windows Explorer window may be empty.


CAUSE

This behavior can occur if the ExplorerBar value in the following registry key is damaged: 


   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main


RESOLUTION

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys And Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or the "Add and Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics in Regedt32.exe. Note that you should back up the registry before you edit it.

To resolve this issue, use Registry Editor to delete the ExplorerBar value in the following registry key, and then restart your computer: 


   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main


MORE INFORMATION

The ExplorerBar value contains positioning information for the All Folders pane in Windows Explorer. The value is created only if the window has been resized. Removing the value returns the window to the default position.

Additional query words: no folders 


Keywords          : kbui win95 win98 
Version           : WINDOWS:95
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: January 27, 1999