[Solution] “Play All” Option Opens “Copy Items” and “Move Items” Dialog Box in Windows XP

I have received many mails from several AskVG readers regarding this common problem. If you use Windows XP then you might also have faced this problem.

Problem Description:

The problem occurs when you select a media file (it might be an audio or video file) and click on “Play All” link given in common tasks section (the sidebar present on the left in Windows Explorer):

Play_All_Media_Files.jpg

It opens 2 annoying dialog boxes. First a “Copy Items” dialog box appears.

Copy_To.jpg

When you close it another “Move Items” dialog box appears.

Move_To.jpg

After closing this second dialog box, your media file starts playing in Media player.

Solution:

Actually this problem occurs when “Copy To” and “Move To” options are added in file/folder context menu. It might be done by a tweaking software or you added it intentionally.

You just need to remove these 2 options from context menu to solve this problem.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. It’ll open Registry Editor.

2. Now go to following key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AllFilesystemObjects\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\

3. Remove Copy To and Move To keys under it.

Removing_Copy_to_Move_to_Options.jpg

4. That’s it. Now you’ll not see those 2 annoying dialog boxes any more.

NOTE: If you want a ready-made registry script which can do the task automatically, then download following ZIP file, extract it and then run the extracted REG file. It’ll ask for confirmation, accept it:

Download Registry Script

Published in: Troubleshooting Guides, Windows XP

About the author: Vishal Gupta (also known as VG) has been awarded the Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) award. He holds a Masters degree in Computer Applications (MCA). He has written several tech articles for popular newspapers and magazines and has also appeared in tech shows on various TV channels.

Comments

NOTE: Older comments have been removed to reduce database overhead.

  1. How to set top & left position of copy item dialogue box so whole dialogue box is visible in maximized state?
    At present i have to scroll down to select copy or cancel command button as they are hidden down

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