Windows – How to add a custom Folder Type to use as a template in Windows Vista (or Windows 7)

There seems to be multiple things that might cause this as an issue, and multiple resolutions as well, hopefully solving or making this "bug" appear less frequently.

1. Manually resetting the folder view cache/settings
   1. Start regedit. (Win+R, enter regedit, press Enter or click OK. )
   2. Browse to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell.
   3. Delete the keys Bags and BagMRU.
   4. Browse to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell, repeat step 3.
   5. Browse to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam, repeat step 3.

Trying some of these additional tweaks might help, mix it with it and see what you get.

• Disabling automatic folder type discovery
  1. Browse to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell in regedit.
  2. Create a new key under Shell, called Bags.
  3. Create a new key under Bags, called AllFolders.
  4. Create a new key under AllFolders, called Shell.
  5. Create a new string value under Shell, called FolderType.
  6. Set the string value of FolderType to NotSpecified.

You can increase the size of the folder view cache as well.

• Increasing the size of the folder view cache

  1. Browse to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell.
  2. Set the DWORD value of BagMRU size to something higher than 5000.
     • Note: If it's not there, create it.

• After resetting the cache/settings + apply tweaks

  1. Log off/on or reboot.
  2. Open a Windows Explorer window and go to the Folder Options window.
     1. Select the View tab.
     2. Check Remember each folder's view settings.
     3. Uncheck Restore previous folder windows at logon.
     4. Hit the OK!

This should do it, or rather, perhaps improve the experience. Nevertheless, using an application as CCleaner with the wrong settings can disrupt and delete your settings, so be aware and checking before you use applications focused on "cleaning up".

eZine Article: Setup a Default Folder View in Windows Vista talks about some registry stuff along with the points in Daniel's answer. Below is from this link

One of the problems many people face once they have installed Vista is that their folder view will change every time they close and reopen a folder. This is annoying right?

Well here is the solution:

1 Open the registry: Simply click on the start orb and type in "regedit" into the search field. A file called regedit.exe will show up at the top, double-click it!

2 Locate the following folders in the registry editor by clicking on the small black arrows to expand the folder structure:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesLocal SettingsSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsShellBags]

[HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesLocal SettingsSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsShellBagMRU]

3 Right click on the folder "Bags" and click on delete, do the same for BagMRU. This is how you get rid of disturbing folder view entries. Don't worry we will now create a new one called "DefaultFolders".

4 Right click on the folder "Shell" that is the parent folder of the folders you just deleted.

Click on "New" -> "Key". Name it "DefaultFolders".

5 Repeat 4. but for the folder we just created and name the new folder "Shell". That way you will create a subfolder "Shell" inside the folder "DefaultFolders".

6 Now we right-click on the folder "Shell" and create a new String: "New" -> "String Value".

Give the string the name "FolderType".

7 Double-click it and type "Documents" into the value field.

8 Almost done, now all folders will have the same folder view as the "Documents" folder. Time to set your default folder view. To do that open up the explorer (Windows-key + E is the shortcut).

Now locate C:UsersYour_User_NameDocuments, where C: is the partition on which you installed Windows obviously. Make sure to set your favorite folder view (mine is Details) there.

Click on "Organize" -> "Folder and Search Options".

Now go to the tab "View" and finally click on "Apply to Folders"!

I have used the steps from Daniel's answer on Windows XP machines.
If they do not work on the Vista, try the eZine article.

Meanwhile, this Vista64 thread suggests Vista SP2 has solved this problem.