Solved Green bar-slowness, usual solution fails; fear to change registry

[winmorgan]

Hi,

In the past few weeks I've been getting the green bar of slowness when I open folders. The usual fix recommended does NOT work. (i.e., Properties > Customize > Optimize > General Items --- that does NOT work).

I found a solution on a closed forum, with several people saying it had helped them, but I'm ignorant about how to implement it as it involves the Registry. Here's what was recommended:

Regedit.exe
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\AllFolders\Shell
New -> String Value "FolderType " -> Data "NotSpecified "

What *exactly* does one type once in the Registry after following the path to Shell (I can get to that point OK)? Right clicking in the window yields New > String Value as one option and produces a new file. Do I rename that new file "FolderType" -> Data "NotSpecified" with the quotes? Without the quotes? Sorry to be new at this....want to proceed carefully but this slow green bar just started a few weeks back and is making me nuts. ...And I know the Registry is dangerous to make changes in.

Thanks for any and all help...

 

[richc46]

Unless you feel very confident do not touch the registry. I would go back with a system restore to before the problem. Everything, except your stuff, will go back to the date that you selected.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html

 

[lehnerus2000]

I'm not sure what that Registry key is supposed to do.
I don't have it (or the problem you describe).

Are you running a System Cleaner like CCleaner, Glary Utilities, etc.?

Does the issue happen with all folders regardless of the contents OR does it only happen with folders that contain pictures and/or videos?

 

[gregrocker]

Doesn't occur with a perfect install to adequate hardware. A perfect install is the same one compiled in http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164 and will stay that way exactly as long as you stick with the tools and methods therein.

With 16gb RAM I'd test your http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105647-ram-test-memtest86.html and then if necessary work through the other http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/220165-troubleshooting-steps-windows-7-a.html

 

[lehnerus2000]

Also, have you tried cleaning your icon cache?

Tutorial
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/49819-icon-cache-rebuild.html

 

[winmorgan]

Lehnerus2000,

First of all, many thanks! I am not running a System Cleaner, but I'm assuming from what you said that I should get one. Is there one in particular you'd recommend?

Second, the Icon Cache Rebuild completely seems to have done the trick via the downloaded file...no more green bar filling up and folder windows can be sorted by name, date, etc., immediately.

BTW, someone asked if it was happening only with video and image file folders but it was happening with all folders.

Thanks again!

 

[lehnerus2000]

Lehnerus2000,

First of all, many thanks! I am not running a System Cleaner, but I'm assuming from what you said that I should get one. Is there one in particular you'd recommend?

Second, the Icon Cache Rebuild completely seems to have done the trick via the downloaded file...no more green bar filling up and folder windows can be sorted by name, date, etc., immediately.

BTW, someone asked if it was happening only with video and image file folders but it was happening with all folders.

Thanks again!

No problems.

Regarding System Cleaners, I asked because some default settings might have been causing your problem.

There are two camps, some members:

1. Are opposed using any System Cleaners.
2. Recommend/suggest using CCleaner (I use it myself).

If you decide to use CCleaner, remember to create the backup files when it asks.

I asked about picture and video folders as generating thumbnails for those file types can take ages.

I've got a bunch of scans saved as bmp files and it takes multiple seconds for the thumbnails to appear.
I should convert them to png files, but I haven't got around to it.