Unable to open file/folder / Browser page with Left click

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  1. Posts : 11
    Windows 10
       #1

    Unable to open file/folder / Browser page with Left click


    Hi
    I am unable to open files/folders/browser page with Left click.
    Started about a week ago. Win10 appears normal with no new updates.

    All programs open, but files/folders will not open in same window. Left click and Win10 tries to open but the parent file/folder remains in window. Right click - 'Open in new window' - and the file/folder opens as expected.
    Same happens with browser (Edge, Firefox) - initial startup and search is fine but after Google results load, am unable to Left click and load page. Right click and 'Open in new tab' works.

    Have tried Restart (all ok for about 30mins and then as above takes over).
    Was unable to System Restore or Uninstall Update (no SR and UU was too old).
    Virus and Malware scans were negative.

    Reset Windows10 - no change. Completed a fresh install - no change.
    Went nuclear with DBAN and clean install. No change.
    Have know completed Anniversary Install - seemed OK for about 3 hrs - now the problem is back.
    Have looked all over web for ideas but not getting anywhere.

    Have 10+ other comps all Win10 - all on same update cycles - no problems.

    Any ideas?
    Thanks
    Last edited by Hojocolaca; 18 Dec 2016 at 00:36.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
       #2

    I am not sure if I misunderstand something here, but by default a left click is not supposed to open a file or folder. It only selects an item:

    Unable to open file/folder / Browser page with Left click-image.png

    A double click opens an item:

    Unable to open file/folder / Browser page with Left click-image.png

    This is default behaviour. If you want to select an item automatically by bringing the pointer on top of it instead of a left click, and open it with single left click, you have to change defaults in Folder Options. See tutorial: Open Items with Single-Click or Double-Click in Windows 10

    Kari
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 11
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hi Kari

    I use Single Click to open files / folders (changed from Folder Options as you describe).
    I guess another way to describe the problem would be - files/folders/browsers are unable to open in same Window.

    There is also a second problem that appears to be connected - once a window is full screen, I am unable to use Minimise, Maximise, Close buttons. The buttons are visible and highlight when selected but nothing happens when clicked. The only option is to Right click icon in Taskbar and select Close/Exit.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
       #4

    Have you accidentally set Folder Options to open each folder in its own Window:
    Unable to open file/folder / Browser page with Left click-image.png
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 11
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Yes - that is my preferred option. I have Windows set to open in the same window. This does not work.

    If I click on Explorer and open a Folder, it opens.
    If I click on the next level Folder or file, it will not open.

    I have just reset back to 'Open in a new window' - and Folders open again. This is not my usual setting.
    All comps have Single click and open in Same Window. Folders will not 'Go Back or Up a level' with mouse clicks.
    If I use Alt + Up, the windows go back / up level.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 11
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #6

    OK - have confirmed that the problem seems to be that I can no longer 'Open in Same Window'.
    This appears to be the same behaviour that is affecting the Browser links as well.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 11
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #7

    OK - have confirmed that the problem seems to be that I can no longer 'Open in Same Window'.
    This appears to be the same behaviour that is affecting the Browser links as well.

    Still, doesn't seem to explain the Back/Up Level arrows not working?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 11
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #8

    OK - have confirmed that the problem seems to be that I can no longer 'Open in Same Window'.
    This appears to be the same behaviour that is affecting the Browser links as well.

    Still, doesn't seem to explain the Back/Up Level arrows not working?

    Multiple posts? Showing on my screen as 'Edits' - until posting where they become new posts?
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 11
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #9

    OK - have confirmed that the problem seems to be that I can no longer 'Open in Same Window'.
    This appears to be the same behaviour that is affecting the Browser links as well.

    Still, doesn't seem to explain the Back/Up Level arrows not working?

    Multiple posts? Showing on my screen as 'Edits' - until posting where they become new posts?

    ---- Edit, not New Post ---- Edit function worked fine on another computer but not this one - the one with all the problems
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 11
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Have found similar problem from Win7.
    "Open each folder in the same window" not working

    Will try the fix ----> cmd - sfc/scannow and see what happens...
      My Computer


 

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