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The default libraries in Windows 7 work such that all subfolders of locations you include appear side by side. I really like that cruft-free look and I don't need any of the information about which included folder the subfolder came from.

On the other hand, if I create my own libraries or view the default libraries in another format, I can't get back to that state. Instead, I end up with a large dropdown option for each included folder that must be expanded to show the subfolders it contains. I don't care about this information and the dropdown header is so large that I can only see a few contained folders.

Does anyone know any ways to get back to the 'flat' subfolder view state?

As an example, here are some pictures of what I am trying to avoid:

Got

Versus what I want (the default for already existing libraries):

Wanted

5 Answers 5

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You need to change the grouping method for the library.

Right-click on a blank area to the right of some files, select "Group By", and then select (None).

screenshot

If you want to go back to the way the library was arranged before, click the "Arrange by:" button in the top-right of the screen and choose "Clear changes".

screenshot

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  • Just to note: I've had an issue where the folder groupings will disappear for no discernible reason and this does not bring them back. However deleting and remaking the library solves the problem.
    – rovyko
    Apr 4, 2017 at 12:24
1

Check out the post by Download Squad on a freeware called Win7 Library tool. Should do the trick.

http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/12/28/free-tool-makes-managing-windows-7-libraries-easier/

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  • 1
    Thanks for the link, but it doesn't actually answer my question since it only covers managing what goes into libraries, not actually displaying them.
    – Clueless
    Jan 11, 2010 at 15:53
0

In the top right, there is "Arrange by:"

If you change it from folder to name, for instance, the problem is solved (well mostly, I don't think there is a way of ordering them by folder without the dropdown lists. Some of the other options have the dropdowns too, like date ("Last week", and "A long time ago" instead of folder names though.))

0

Open the folder. Under the organize drop down button select layout. De-select the navigation pane. This will get rid of the left side library information for that folder

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  • I don't think this is what the OP is asking for. In the screenshot of the desirable result the Navigation Pane is showing.
    – mprill
    Feb 18, 2013 at 17:43
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Below in the image I've marked the place where you can fix the issue.

The long drop down on the left panel

So, move your cursor to the left panel, find a blank space and Right-Click.

Right click on the left panel to find if you have "expand to current folder" checked

If you see that you have "expand to current folder" checked, you need to uncheck it.

Solving the issue

Finally, close Windows Explorer and then re-open it.

Solved!

Solved Issue. The image shows the result

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