Change Windows XP's Browse Folders setting on the fly

by Greg Shultz | May 16, 2007 7:00:00 AM

Tags: Construction, Change Windows XP, Greg Shultz, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows, separate window, window, Windows XP Tips Newsletter

Takeaway: You don't have to change the Browse Folders setting in Windows XP if you want to open a folder in a separate window. Here's how to change the setting on the fly with a simple keystroke combination.

Your Windows XP system probably has the Browse Folders setting configured to Open Each Folder In The Same Window in the Folder Options dialog box. However, sometimes you may wish to open a folder in a separate window. For example, you may want to have two windows open in order to use drag and drop to copy or move files from one folder to another.

For these cases, there's a little known keyboard trick that you can use to easily open a folder in a separate window without having to change the Browse Folders setting. Simply hold down [Ctrl] as you double-click the folder. When you do, the folder will open in a separate window.

Keep in mind that this tip only works in folder windows in which the Common Tasks pane is visible. If the Folders tree is showing, this tip won't work.

Note: This tip applies to both Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional.

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Print/View all Posts Comments on this article

thanks but... deICERAY | 05/17/07

Problems? NOW LEFT TR | 05/17/07

This is a web site for IT professionals Palmetto | 05/17/07

Difference? soatone | 05/17/07

Not much difference Palmetto | 05/17/07

Try these chinmoy1955@... | 05/18/07

All here may well be Professionals but not all "Experts" cmate@... | 05/17/07

Agreed Palmetto | 05/18/07

Snippity techytype@... | 05/18/07

Are you talking to me? Palmetto | 05/18/07

Forgot more than most... al@... | 05/20/07

classic view... michael.leach@... | 05/17/07

rather harsh post dude orcsattheg8 | 05/17/07

Please ask your mother skipper747 | 05/17/07

Mom says... Palmetto | 05/17/07

Thanks Mum brothertech | 05/18/07

Exploded view at the start dharris@... | 05/17/07

...Let me guess, glass half empty kind of guy? wescrook | 05/17/07

Edited by moderator stelu123@... | 05/18/07

don't knock the tip just because you can't use it smackdab2@... | 05/23/07

Other simple solution for Folder Tree View Gabriel S | 05/17/07

I like the keys Wild Bill H | 05/17/07

contrary to the article... cerberus6977@... | 05/17/07

Cool clonyz@... | 05/17/07

Inexperienced users and "experts" all gain GreyTech | 05/18/07

another tip jc@... | 05/21/07