XP Folders Explorer Bar on Folder View Permanently

For some strange stupid reason (who am I kidding!), when you change Folders options for Explorer Bar (View > Explorer Bar > Folders ) for a folder and then even if you try to make it permanent (Tools > Folder Options > View > Folder Views > Apply to All Folders ), it doesn't stick, and the next time you open any folder the Explorer Bar isn't there.

Very annoying (or, very Microsoft.)

The workaround is this:

  1. Tools > Folder Options > Tasks > Use Windows Classic Folders (radio buttoned.)
  2. OK
  3. Tools > Folder Options > File Types > Registered File Types
  4. Select (NONE) Folder
  5. Click Advanced
  6. Actions > Highlight explore
  7. Click button Select Default
  8. Click OK
Get on with your life then give a silent piece of thanks to Mr Gates Junior.