"Michael Solomon" <user@#notme.com> wrote in message
news:e04VLZs2HHA.464@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>
>
> "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.
Not sure I understand you here... opening "Computer" *is* Explorer, just a
slightly different way to start it.
> 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.
I can understand making it an option, but like removing the underscores from
the accelerator keys, all this does is make the interface provide less
information and that makes it harder to use.