Windows 7 - explorer - left pane behavior

Question

On Windows 7

When I use explorer (the "hard disk browser", not the website browser), I am constantly annoyed by a particular detail.

I navigate to a directory in the left pane's tree view. When I select it, the right pane shows its contents.

If I then double click on a subdirectory in the right pane, the tree view in the left pane stays where it is.

I would like it to change to the directory I just double cliked on in the right pane, like in Win XP.

I understand perfectly that this is not a bug and that I should be also using the breadcrumb thing at the top, but I'd like to make Win 7 behave like Win XP because, well, at work I have XP and will apparently have it until hell freezes over (or in the case hell is cold, until it boils) and I already have to do way too much doublethink. My usage of explorer is based on thoughtless compulsion. My brain usually doesn't enter into it because of years of always training on the same interface.

Is there a way to configure explorer so that it behaves like in Win XP?

Thanks!

Answer 1

This functionality is still there but turned off by default. You can easily turn it on again:

• Open the "Folder Options" from the control panel
• Select the "General" tab
• Check "Automatically expand to current folder" underneath "Navigation pane"
• Click "OK" and you are done

Answer 2

You can download xplorer2

xplorer² is a file and information manager that adheres to the philosophy "efficiency through simplicity". Without reinventing the wheel, it integrates the best features of Windows' shell architecture in a small, resource efficient package that's instantly familiar to work with. But look a little closer and you'll discover a whole new world under the surface that offers power, precision and flexibility, and will boost your everyday productivity no end!

Or you can try these instructions

How to Reveal and Show or Display Classic Navigation Pane in Windows Explorer of Windows 7