"All Folders" pane missing or Windows Explorer is blank (192315)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q192315
Important This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

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

CAUSE

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

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main

RESOLUTION

Warning If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

For information about how to edit the registry, see Registry Editor Help. Back up the registry before you edit it.

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
  1. Upgrade to the most current version of Microsoft Internet Explorer. For information about how to do this, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

    http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp

  2. Test to determine if the issue is resolved. If the issue is resolved, do not go to step 3. If the issue is not resolved, go to step 3.
  3. 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 was resized. When you remove the value, the window returns to the default position.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/16/2004
Keywords:kbprb kbui KB192315
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.