left-handside folder bar in windows explorer turned to gray

Problem: left-handside folder bar in windows explorer turned to gray

Solution:

1. Open a command prompt.
2. Enter the command cd \Windows\System
3. Verify that the command prompt shows C:\Windows\System.
4. Enter the command regsvr32 /i shdocvw.dll
5. Enter the command regsvr32 /i browseui.dll

Alternative solution:

1. Close Windows Explorer
2. Start the Registry Editor
3. Expand HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
4. Locate the value named “ExplorerBar” and delete it
5. Restart Windows Explorer