"Bob Butler" <noway@nospam.ever> wrote in message
news:OHyv6$r2HHA.5772@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> "Michael Solomon" <user@#notme.com> wrote in message
> news:ejzVW9q2HHA.4720@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>
>>
>> "Bob Butler" <noway@nospam.ever> wrote in message
>> news:#pIvjaq2HHA.4004@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> When the folders pane is displayed in Explorer under Vista the +/- icons
>>> are only visible while the mouse is over that pane. If the mouse is
>>> moved to the toolbar or the details pane or anywhere else all the
>>> visible cues as to which folder has sub folders are lost. Is there any
>>> way to make those remain visible at all times? Failing that, can
>>> anybody give any reason why they'd want this information should be
>>> hidden most of the time?
>>>
>> Actually, it is more of an arrow than a +/- sign and as you've surmised,
>> what you are seeing is by design. I'd only be guessing at why they did
>> it and it would likely take a registry hack to change it. It's possible
>> some theme package might make the change. Check out WindowBlinds,
>> http://www.stardock.com/products/windowblinds/
>> Or, do a Google search on Windows Themes or Vista Themes.
>
> Thanks, I've actually got it set to Windows Classic so it is a +/- for me
> and I forgot that they changed that as well. As you noted, the quetion
> still holds. Somebody went out of their way to add this "feature" which
> as far as I can see has no upside.
>
I agree, Bob, especially if that fade in/fade approach holds for classic
view. That said, as one who once lived in Explorer, I rarely use it now
that I have Vista. I have found far more convenient ways to navigate around
and I also find using Computer in a similar fashion to the way I once used
Explorer a better more efficient way to operate; that, in conjunction with
using the favorite links.
If you open the computer folder, you'll both a folder list and favorite
links. Plus, the down arrows in the address bar above the toolbar also
offer useful ways to navigate. Sometimes moving up in a folder, sub-folder
to say the next sub-folder above can be a bit awkward but I may not have
found a simple way to do that yet...maybe its in the help system
somewhere...I didn't get a manual so I have to um, er, Explore!
Still, I'm with you on this, the fact I rarely use it anymore does not
change the fact the plus and minus are useful at a glance navigation tools
which should not have been eliminated simply for cosmetic reasons. At the
very least, they should have left the arrow always visible.
--
Michael Solomon
Backup is a PC user's best friend
DTS-L.Org:
http://www.dts-l.org/