"Explore" option missing in Right-Click Context Menu

Tepid, THANK YOU. Checking both boxes under the Navigation section has provided the required explorer functionality that we had with Windows XP. I've now really warmed up to Windows 7

I think I better familiarise myself with terminology like Navigation Pane vs Folder Tree Structure.

Thanks again :)

ahh yes, I'll document this hint, thanks.

This still doesn't completely service the requirements.

If I have drilled down 5-6 folders deep, with regular, non-explorer tree navigation windows, then having located some files I want to move around in the structure, I could previously with XP simply right click a folder at that level and choose "Explore". This opened an expanded split window at the nav point. I could then drag/drop files within the tree or otherwise navigate it.

Now, if I right click the same folder I can only choose Open, which does not give me access to the tree, it always opens the same type of window I currently have open, Explorer tree if I have a tree open, single pane if that's what I have open.

It worked fine, it should have been left alone. Changing this was as unnecessary as taking our start menu from it's multi-colored, multi-iconed functional design to a monochrome list of menu items which do not draw the eye and allow for quick location/selection of the desired item. Just my opinion.

I agree with kgouldsk - the suggestions here have not serviced my requirements.

Especially when I used to (in Windows Vista) be able to open my Favourites Folders in IE8 by using the 'Explore' option. The removal of the feature has impacted on other components.

What do I mean by 'Explore my Favorites'?
Well, try this...
1. open IE,
2. click on the Favorites icon (under the back and forward icons)
3. Right-click on one of the folders....
== NO EXPLORE OPTION ==
There used to be one when using Windows Vista and XP.

Why would I want it? Well, let's say you wanted to copy and paste a whole lot of links into an explorer folder, and perhaps rename one or two afterwards.... Not so easy, is it?

Previously once you'd managed to Explore the folder, you had it right there - in front of you - you could copy and drag and rename and paste to your heart's desire.

I miss you 'EXPLORE' option.

ahhh.... you're right! LogiEarth, you have solved my problem. I was looking so hard for what I was used to seeing, that I didn't see it.

Okay, so maybe it's not an issue. Alright, alright - definitely not an issue anymore.

I still feel they should have named it "Explore" instead of "Open". Semantics, I know....

Tepid is almost right!
Using his information, add a couple of steps -

Right click on START
Open Windows Explorer then add his steps below:

Also, in Explorer, Hit Alt
Tools / Folder Options
General / Navigation pane
Check both boxes ( Navigation Pane - Show All Folders and Navigation Pane - Automatically expand to current folder )
Now when you Right Click and choose "open in new window"
It will auto expand the folders sub folders on the left.