Need help reverting from Q-Dir back to default windows file explorer in w11

infinity · Jun 11, 2022

I'm using the portable version of Q-Dir and there's no proper uninstallation mechanism. I tried removing the folder manually, but when using Win+E, the default file explorer doesn't come up. How do I restore this?

Berton · Jun 11, 2022

The Portable version of programs generally are .zip downloads and decompressed into a folder, I use several on a USB Thumb drive and can use them copied to an internal drive. Only thing I have to do is create a shortcut to the .exe/Executable file which double-clicked opens the program. If no longer needed I just delete that folder and the shortcut. I use FreeCommander and MultiCommander in that manner, also 7-Zip Portable, HWInfo. It's been awhile since I've used Q-Dir, can't recall if I still have it on a machine.

infinity · Jun 11, 2022

As mentioned after deleting it, pressing win+e still tries to open Q-Dir instead of the default explorer.

Berton · Jun 11, 2022

I would guess that was the installed version rather than the portable. Might need a Registry cleaner to remove entries. Maybe something here:

reset windows 11 shortcut keys - Google Search

Spunk · Jun 12, 2022

Delete the folder in the Hidden Folder %AppData% Reset Q-Dir Explorer to defaults as in fresh Install (Uninstall, Autoupdate)

infinity · Jun 17, 2022

this is a nightmare.. I used their registry script to restore to default, but pressing Win+E now brings up command prompt instead of File Explorer. Can anyone help to restore it back to usual behavior?

Berton · Jun 18, 2022

I haven't found anything to help except maybe for a reset of Win11. The longer one uses Windows the more will be seen that File Explorer [or previous Windows Explorer] is quite a bit at the core of the OS, sometimes no easy way to correct what seems to be simple.

glasskuter · Jun 18, 2022

@Berton is correct. Sometimes what seems simple...isn't. It would take some time and a lot of careful and knowledgeable attention but you could search for and remove the q-dir registry entries. But if you go messing around in the registry be sure and back up the registry first.