Explorer window file path/search toolbar won't unlock

[Meisha]

I'm on Win 7 64bit, and my Explorer windows always have the file path section at the top left adjusted too small with the Search bar on the right being much too long. The right-click menu has "Lock the toolbars" unchecked, and when I roll over the divider, I see the arrow icon to show that it should slide, but it doesn't. It won't budge. Does anyone know how to fix this? Thank you for your help!

 

[file3456]

can you take a screen shot? Go to the search box and begin entering snipping tool. The go to File | save as and paste the image here or upload to imgur.com

 

[Meisha]

Thank you for your reply. Here's a screen shot. I've circled the divider bar that won't move, even though it is supposed to be unlocked, according to the right-click menu.

 

[file3456]

Does this help? Unable to resize Windows 7 Search box in Windows Explorer - Super User

 

[Meisha]

No, that just says to uncheck "Lock the toolbar" with the right-click menu. Mine is already unchecked. Thank you for trying, though. I'm grateful for any other suggestions.

 

[Megahertz07]

On the Explorer, put your mouse on the border where you marked in red. A double arrow will show up. Click and move to the right to enlarge file path section and decrease the Search bar.

 

[Meisha]

Thank you for your reply, megahertz07. The double arrow appears, but the toolbar divider won't move. Neither clicking on it nor right-clicking on it will work. It thinks it's locked when it isn't. It seems like something somewhere is corrupted and needs resetting. Do anyone know if there's a place in Windows to reset such things?

 

[Megahertz07]

Sorry Meisha, it isn't right click. It's left click (Normal click). My mistake.
Click while the double arrow appears and move it to the right.

 

[Meisha]

No, it doesn't work. It must be corrupted. I hope there's a way short of reinstalling Windows to fix it, but I actually considering that, since it really hurts productivity not to be able to access the full file paths.

 

[Megahertz07]

Open a CMD window and type
sfc /scannow

If it finds any issues, reboot and do it again two more times.

 

[Meisha]

It's been this way for months, so I've rebooted many times. I wish that would fix it, but thank you for suggesting solutions.

 

[Megahertz07]

My Explorer toolbar is locked and I can enlarge file path section and decrease the Search bar. Don't understand why you cant.
You have a exceptional computer. Is it a company computer?
Did you look at group policies (gpedit.msc)? You may have a restriction set.

 

[MourningStar]

... I've rebooted many times. ...

yes, but did you run 'sfc /scannow' (as advised) between each reboot?

 

[file3456]

I HATE when people can't do what was posted.

Do an sfc /scannow. That may fix your issue. If not, a repair install may work. If not, you have some software or something interfering.