Windows Explorer drilling up when computer is idle

[projecttoday]

I have had this problem for some weeks now on my Windows 7 Home Premium computer. When I leave the computer, if there are Explorers open, they drill up all the way. So, I have to drill back down to get to the files I was working on. It didn't do this before. How can i prevent this?

 

[gregrocker]

Can you provide some screenshots using the Snipping Tool to illustrate what you're describing. Provide them in labeled sequence so we can see what happens.

 

[Layback Bear]

Is drilling something like scrolling?

 

[projecttoday]

No. I mean double clicking. So I open Windows Explorer. I double click on the drive. Then double click on a folder. Then double click on that. It shows some files. No problem. Go away from the computer for 6 hours and that's gone. It shows the drives instead. So I have to drill to the files all over again.

 

[gregrocker]

Work through the http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/220165-troubleshooting-steps-windows-7-a.html starting with Malwarebytes scan, then SFC.

 

[projecttoday]

Okay.

There is no setting that controls this?

 

[gregrocker]

What you describe having Explorer revert to a previous window or close opened windows is not normal behavior adjustable in settings. So the first tihng to check for is infection, then if System Files have been corrupted.

Or am I misunderstanding what is happening? If you open a file in Explorer, it either opens in the same window or in a new window depending upon how you've set your Folder Options in Control Panel. Which have you set?

 

[projecttoday]

Sorry, I must have mislead you when I said "that's gone". After you come back, the Windows Explorer window is still there. I just have to re-double click back to the files I was working with. The computer is working fine otherwise (AFAIK). It's been like this for a couple of months now and it's a minor inconvenience that I'd like to fix.

 

[gregrocker]

What I said is that having Explorer change at all the open window is strange behavior that isn't adjustable, and needs to be checked for infection and damaged System files. Please interact with the steps and questions I have given you if you want further help.

I also asked how you have set Explorer to open: in the same window or a new window? Please check now and reply.

 

[projecttoday]

I right-click on the circular button in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen and then click Open Windows Explorer.

 

[gregrocker]

But what is the setting when you open Control Panel>Folder Options?

 

[lehnerus2000]

I think ...

I think that the OP is saying that they open Windows Explorer and navigate to a directory.
If they leave the PC and return later, the Windows Explorer window shows the root directory, instead of the directory it was left on.

Lets say Windows Explorer is open at this directory:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\UMDF\en-US
​

When the OP returns and wakes(?) the PC, it shows this instead:

C:\
​

I have had this problem for some weeks now on my Windows 7 Home Premium computer. When I leave the computer, if there are Explorers open, they drill up all the way. So, I have to drill back down to get to the files I was working on. It didn't do this before. How can i prevent this?

Is the PC set to automatically go to Sleep or Hibernate?

 

[projecttoday]

Exactly. I should have mentioned that the pc is a laptop to which I have attached a monitor (and a keyboard and a mouse). When I go away from the computer I close the laptop lid. Right now I have to leave the laptop open to see anything, so it is left open while I use the computer. Before it would work with the lid closed, but not now. Maybe this problem is related to that.

When I close the laptop, the computer locks. I'm not aware of any sleep function.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Power Options

Exactly. I should have mentioned that the pc is a laptop to which I have attached a monitor (and a keyboard and a mouse). When I go away from the computer I close the laptop lid. Right now I have to leave the laptop open to see anything, so it is left open while I use the computer. Before it would work with the lid closed, but not now. Maybe this problem is related to that.

When I close the laptop, the computer locks. I'm not aware of any sleep function.

Check your settings in "Power Options":

Control Panel > Power Options > "Change plan settings" > "Change advanced power settings"
​

 

[projecttoday]

Thank you!