Windows 7 my computer opens 2 new windows

[gnarf]

90% of the time clicking on any drive C:\ D:\, cdrom drives, or even my network drives, opens up 2 new windows of that drive. I find it very annoying to have 3 open explorer windows when I only wanted 1. If I open a drive then close the two windows then open the drive again only one window opens. The folder options are set to open each folder in the same window. This just happened on a recent reformat. thanks for helping. forgot to mentioned win 7 pro x64 previous install didn't have this problem

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you're experiencing an issue where opening certain drives or folders on Windows 7 Professional x64 is resulting in multiple windows opening up instead of just one. This can be quite frustrating, especially if you're used to a different behavior from a previous installation. Let's try to troubleshoot and fix this issue:

Troubleshooting Steps:​

1. Check Folder Options:
   • Confirm that the folder options in Windows Explorer are set to open each folder in the same window.
   • To do this:
     • Open Windows Explorer.
     • Go to the "Organize" drop-down menu.
     • Select "Folder and search options."
     • In the "General" tab, ensure that "Open each folder in the same window" is selected.
     • Click "Apply" and then "OK."
   []Restart Windows Explorer:
   • Sometimes, issues related to Windows Explorer can cause unexpected behavior. Try restarting Windows Explorer to see if it resolves the problem.
   • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
   • Under the Processes tab, find Windows Explorer, right-click on it, and choose "Restart."
   []Run System File Checker (SFC):
   • Use the System File Checker tool to scan and restore corrupt system files that could be causing this issue.
   • Open a Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following command:

      sfc /scannow

   []Check for Malware:
   • Malware can sometimes cause unexpected behavior in the operating system. Perform a full system scan using your antivirus software.
   []Update Drivers:
   • Make sure all your drivers are up-to-date, especially the ones related to storage devices and network drives.
   []Check Recent Changes:
   • If this issue started after a recent reformat, review any changes made during that process. Ensure all settings and drivers are configured correctly.
   []System Restore:
   • If the issue persists and you can pinpoint when it started, consider using System Restore to revert your system to a point before the problem occurred.

     Additional Tips:​

     • Third-party Software: Check if any third-party software or services are conflicting with the normal functioning of Windows Explorer.
     • Windows Updates: Ensure that your system is up-to-date with the latest Windows updates.
     By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue of multiple windows opening when accessing drives or folders in Windows Explorer. Let me know if you need further assistance or if the issue persists after trying these solutions.