Windows Explorer is not refreshing automatically

Marty999

I am running XP Home and have a problem with Windows folders not refreshing automatically, I have to hit F5 to update the view. This only happens with Shared folders which are available to other members of my family and appears to be a known issue (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823291).

This Microsoft document explains the situation very well and recommends that a Hotfix is obtained, and as Dell pre-installed Windows on my PC it tells me to contact them for help.

Does anybody have any experience on this matter please?

albertross_2

Have you tried the registry fix in your link?

start, run, regedit

1. Locate and then click the following key in the registry:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
2. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click DWORD Value.
3. Type NoSimpleNetIDList, and then press ENTER.
4. On the Edit menu, click Modify.
5. Type 1, and then click OK.

Marty999

No I haven't, as when I read the instructions I took it to mean that I need to install the Hotfix first. Did I misunderstand?

albertross_2

It's not 100% clear (I'm also not sure if it relates to your issue), but I'd try it and see if it helps, just be careful you don't delete anything accidentally in regedit.

Do you have service pack 2 installed?

Marty999

albertross wrote: »

Do you have service pack 2 installed?

Yes I have SP2 and I am bang up to date with all the Microsoft updates.

Marty999

Well I have since discovered that the Hotfix mentioned is indeed contained in SP2, so I took the plunge and edited the registry as instructed. It did not seem to make any difference, but I have now discovered that if I choose to view my folders without the folder list/tree visible in the left hand pane, the folder does not refresh automatically, but if I have this list visible it does refresh automatically. Furthermore, if I click on the folders button again to remove the list from the left hand panel, the folder still refreshes automatically until I close it, and upon re-opening it reverts to non-refresh mode. Weird!