Managing Windows Explorer Folder Options

You need to consider the Folder options of Explorer to control the way folders
work and files display.

General Tab

Tasks
Default is to Show common tasks in
folders. This divides folder window into a task and folder pane. The task
pane give access to File and Folder Tasks, Other Places, and Details.

Recommendation: Select Use Windows classic folders
and get a lot of space back.
Browse Folders
Default is to Open each folder in the
same window. Leave it as is. You don’t want dozens or hundreds of windows
opened up. If you want a particular folder to open in its own window, hold down
Ctrl while double-clicking the
folder you want opened in a new window.
Click items as follows
Default is Double-click to open
an item (single-click to select).
You can choose whether to require a
double or single click to open files and folders.

View Tab

Folder Views
The Apply to All Folders button
will apply the View options specified in the folder from which you chose Folder Options to All Folders. Good
choice if you want one standard but not if you want different options for some
folders.
Advanced Settings
Some of the defaults are defined to protect you
against yourself. Consider implications and definitely experiment with these
settings. Puzzled about meaning of a setting : right-click the setting and pick
What’s This. Actually What’s
This works in most of Windows.
- Remember each folder’s View settings : if you want
  different settings for certain folders
- Display the contents of System Folders: option for
  admins
- Show hidden files and folders : option for admins
  and techies
- Show Control Panel in My Computer : maybe
- Use simple file sharing (Recommended) : not if you
  are used to classic file sharing
- Hide extensions for known file types : not for me
- Display the full path in the Title bar

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