Big XP Icon/filetype/drawer problem

[adolescent]

File Folder doesn't have an open or explore entry by default, just find.  If the WinAmp is default (highlighted item) then you can remove it by clearing this value with REGEDIT (you don't need to delete the value, just replace it's content with an empty string):

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\(Default)

Folder can be cleared in the same way, or just set to open in you want to open all in the same window.

[adolescent]

Not sure.  It might be an icon cache issue.  Try deleting the IconCache.db file located in C:\Documents and Settings\{Username}\Local Settings\Application Data.

[adolescent]

Hmm, odd.  Maybe there's something really wrong then.  :-D

Another thing to try is to install Microsofts Tweak UI Powertoy and choose the Repair / Rebuild Icons option.  This is supposed to fix the problem you're having (but then, so was deleting the cache file itself).  Interesting thing is it doesn't just delete the cache file, so there must be something too it.

[adolescent]

Ok, another thing to try that I just noticed.  Right click on a HTM or HTML file (whichever was affected) and choose Properties.  What does the "Opens with:" line say?  

(This is a wag but I noticed my PNG files don't have icons (show default executable icon), nor a default application, but when they are clicked they open up in the default picture viewer)

Otherwise, you can try deleting the HTM or HTML filetypes all together and just re-enter them.  You'll have to manually add in the actions so write the stuff down first.  A reboot between removing and adding probably wouldn't hurt either.

[adolescent]

@boing

Your install is messed up then, nothing wrong with Windows XP.  Default is to save settings for ~400 folders.  This value is set higher with SP2 or you can set it yourself.

Bill Gates would kick your ass.  :-D