Why can't I open multiple instances of Windows Explorer? 2

[melburstein]

I like to open two instances of Windows Explorer and then arrange the windows side-by-side. But since switching to Windows 7, I can not seem to create two windows--one for each instance. Instead, the second one replaces the first one. I must be miwssing a setting somewhere. Can someone help? Thnk You.

 

[linney]

Have a look at IE/ Tools/ Internet Options/ General/ Tabs/ Settings, see what you have set there.

There is also an option to Reset IE Tabs to the Default settings in the same area.


How to use Reset Internet Explorer Settings (RIES)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923737#appliesto

Tips for solving problems with Internet Explorer

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/8038f9ac-9bf9-4809-8d75-fc42818d8af71033.mspx

 

[pagy]

After opening your first explorer window, right click the explorer icon on the taskbar and click Windows explorer from the list and a second explorer window opens..

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[melburstein]

I still can't get it to work like it did under XP and Vista. First, let me clarify the fact that I am asking about Windows Explorer and not Internet Explorer. Second, I am opening the first instance by right clicking on the Windows Start icon in the bottom left corner of the screen. To open the second instance, I am right clicking on the same icon. But whereas I used to end up with two open windows, Windows 7 gives me only one.

 

[tlpeter]

It works for me so it is possible
But if you want two pages then go for total commander
Much better to work with




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[kjv1611]

I know that on some machines I've been using, if I try to open 2 copies of the same windows folder/location, it'll only give me one. I have to open one differently, and then browse that one to the correct location. I've seen it happen in XP, Vista, and Windows 7 that I can recall..

For instance, if I open My Computer or 'Computer', and then try to open another instance, it'll just highlight the already open window.

Have you tried holding your <Shift> button while doing what you're trying? I know in 7, that if you have an app open, and then hold <Shift> while left-clicking again, you'll get a new window of the same app (if multiple windows are supported by the app itself).

--

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[linney]

This appears to only work for the Default Explorer window that opens when you right-click the Start Button and select Open Windows Explorer.

Shift + left-click on the Taskbar icon of the Default Explorer window to open a second instance of that window.

Shift + left-click on any other Explorer window via the Taskbar only opens the Default Explorer window in multiples.


It all sounds a bit buggy to me?

 

[tlpeter]

When you do start and then computer it will go to the same screen indeed but if you right click on the icon on the taskbar and click explorer it opens a second screen.



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[TonHu]

Pressing Win+E also works wonders for me, my keyboard skills are way better then my mouse skills ;-)

 

[melburstein]

TonHu. You are a star! I admit that I have seldom used the Windows key on my keyboard. But I tried Win+E just for the heck of it. It does EXACTLY what I want!!! I could not get any of the other suggestions to work for me. So from here on out it is two quick taps of Win+E for me. THANK YOU TonHu.

Mel

 

[manhunter2826]

Thanks TonHu! You are indeed a star. This is the only one which works for me (in XP)! Fantastic. Thanks. Thanks everyone else also for the suggestions; perhaps some of the suggestions work for some versions of Windows and not others??

 

[kjv1611]

Yeah, there are at least a few good shortcuts using the Windows key. Just try them out. Of course, you can find a list online...

Pretty much all versions of Windows (at least 2000 or XP forward, but I think as far back as at least 98... maybe someone else can confirm or deny:

Winkey and E = Windows Explorer
Winkey and M = Minimize all "minimizeable" windows - for most people, this means everything, but there are some apps that aren't truly mimizeable.
Winkey and D = Show the desktop/display - same as hitting the Display shortcut in your quicklaunch menu.
Winkey and R = Open a 'Run' Prompt.
Winkey and L = Lock your desktop.

And in Windows Vista and 7:
Winkey and Tab = 3D Switching between Windows

And there are some new ones just in 7 that I don't remember right at the moment.

Here's at least one supposedly complete list (just found it):

http://www.seoconsultants.com/windows/key/

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[manhunter2826]

Alt+Tab (XP) is useful for switching between Windows instantaneously - especially if the taskbar is over-crowded with multiple windows.

 

[kjv1611]

Very true. And if you download the Windows XP PowerToy, Task Switch Powertoy, you'll have a prettier preview for knowing what application you're opening - well, it's prettier, but it's also more helpful.. Here's a writeup on it:

http://mintywhite.com/software-revi...switch-powertoy-is-an-xp-alt-tab-replacement/

Of course, for an XP install, I usually consider most of the powertoys a standard install, b/c there are several useful utilities in there.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/Downloads/powertoys/Xppowertoys.mspx

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[manhunter2826]

^Thanks for that also kjv.

 

[SgtJarrow]

Winkey and 1 - 0 = Open the program that is pinned to your taskbar in that location

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