Article ID: 555522 - Last Review: November 17, 2005 - Revision: 1.0

Windows XP Launching Internet Explorer instead of Windows Explorer

Author: Raghu Boddu MVP
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SUMMARY

When you are trying to launch Windows Explorer using Win key + E or from the Accessories, you may get Internet Explorer instead of Windows Explorer.

CAUSE

This issue is due to the incorrect path given in the program shortcut.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, perform the following:
 
1. Click Start, All Programs.
2. Click Accessories.
3. Right-click Windows Explorer, Properties.
4. Change the target to:
 
%SystemRoot%\explorer.exe
 
If Internet Explorer is launched, the target will be:
 
explorer.exe /n,/e,::{871C5380-42A0-1069-A2EA-08002B30309D}
 
NOTE: If you want Internet Explorer to be launched, you can change the existing target value with the above. 

MORE INFORMATION

However, the following target keys can be used here:
 
To display "My computer" use the following path:
 
explorer.exe /n,/e,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}
 
To display the Root:
 
explorer.exe /n,/e,/root,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}

APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002
  • Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1
  • Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
Keywords: 
kbpubmvp kbpubtypecca kbhowto KB555522
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