Windows 7 - Can't 'Open' folders

Recently, I haven't been able to open my 'Music' or 'Videos' folders simply by double-clicking on them. However, I have been able to open- said folders - by right clicking and selecting 'Open'- but it's not like I want to be doing this for as long as I own my netbook. I want my Windows to go back to the way it was before all this happen- double-clicking on folders would open them- instead of giving me these pop-ups.

Every time I double-click, I get a pop-up that says "This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Please install a program or, if one is already currently installed, create an association in the Default Programs control panel".

I currently have Windows Media Player and Microsoft's Zune software installed on my PC- with regards to managing my media (photos, videos and music). Both programs work fine.

The earliest restore point I could go back to is on September 29th 2010. This problem has existed before then.

What do I do? Please help me!

you could try this tutorial ,see how you get on.
I'm off to bed now so good luck
SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker
oh! and welcome to sevenforums

Thanks for the welcoming.

I ran the command prompt. It finished and found an issue or two but wasn't able to automatically fix them.

Here's what it said "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix them. Details are included in the CBS.Log windir\Logs\CBS\CBS.log. For example C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log".

From here, I don't know what to do...except for continue onto step 2.

So I ran step 2 and here's what it said:

• Repairing 1 components
  
• Beginning Verify and Repair transaction
  
• Cannot repair member file [l:18{9}]"debug.exe" of Microsoft-Windows-NTVDM-System32, Version = 6.1.7600.16385, pA = PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE_INTEL (0), Culture neutral, VersionScope = 1 nonSxS, PublicKeyToken = {l:8 b:31bf3856ad364e35}, Type neutral, TypeName neutral, PublicKey neutral in the store, file is missing
  
• Unable to repair \SystemRoot\WinSxS\Manifests\\[ml:24{12},l:18{9}]"debug.exe"
  
• Cannot repair member file [l:18{9}]"debug.exe" of Microsoft-Windows-NTVDM-System32, Version = 6.1.7600.16385, pA = PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE_INTEL (0), Culture neutral, VersionScope = 1 nonSxS, PublicKeyToken = {l:8 b:31bf3856ad364e35}, Type neutral, TypeName neutral, PublicKey neutral in the store, file is missing
  
• This component was referenced by [l:198{99}]"Microsoft-Windows-Foundation-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~x86~~6.1.7600.16385.WindowsFoundationDelivery"
  
• Repair complete
  
• Committing transaction
  
• Verify and Repair Transaction completed. All files and registry keys listed in this transaction have been successfully repaired

ok well thats slightly beyond me so i shall go ask someone to have a look

You will need to run a repair install to fix the errors sfc /scannow caught (but couldn't fix).
Repair Install

~Lordbob

do you have this problem with all folders? or just the two you mention?

are they folders or libraries?

maybe your context-menu has gone awry, and open is not the default for folders any more?

when you right-click on a folder, is the word Open in bold?

Another voice for a Repair Install.

My opinion is directly due to the messages from you CBS.log file.

Somehow some files got corrupted and can't be repaired which would normally never get corrupted.

Do you maybe have the habit of not closing all programs before you abruptly remove power from the computer. Despite all of the wonders of sleep and hibernate, If you want to avoid problems, then close all programs and then power off using the SHUTDOWN option from clicking on the ORB in your taskbar. Do not power off by hitting the power off button.

Next is if this is a laptop, then do NOT set the laptop on that nice carrying case.

When you do you are blocking all vents and circulation to the laptop. You strangle your laptop when the laptop sets on a surface which blocks air flow.

If the repair install succeeds, then immediately run Check Disk.

Another cause of your problem is a disk going bad. Disk Check

Download Speccy which is free and will let you monitor your temps, amongst other things. Another cause of problems is heat. In fact, heat is one of the major causes of problems. Speccy - System Information - Free Download

I found out earlier this afternoon, that I'm now having this problem with all files/folders on my PC.

When I right-click on a file, folder or a song, the word 'Open' is not bold.

I have a netbook, so I can't do anything that involves me re-installing Windows 7.

Do you have a Win 7 DVD?