New user questions

[FDM]

Transitioning from XP to Win 7 Pro and am slowly climbing the learning curve at advanced age. I have found the Tutorial and have fond many answers to my expanding questions. Here are a couple that I need help with:

1. Is there a way to configure 7 Window Explorer to look like XP - i.e., the folder/file tree where one can drag and drop files and folders and,

2. In OS (C I find 3 different Program Folders: Program Files, Program Files (x86) and Program Data. What is the difference - each appears to have programs that are functional?

 

[Bongo]

Have a look at Classic Shell - Start menu and other Windows enhancements it may be what you want for Windows Explorer.

As for the Program folders with a 64-bit system you get Program Files (that's where 64-bit programs install to) and you get Program Files (x86) (that is where 32-bit programs install to) and Program Data is where all the program store their data.

Jerry

 

[scr]

Is this what you want?

Image Source:Hotkey to show/hide left-hand `treeview` of Windows Explorer - Super User

Note: There is no Hot Key as stated, the link is only to provide the source of the image.

 

[ThrashZone]

It does sound like your missing the Navigation pane ?
Also like Bongo has posted here is a local tutorial,
Look more like x-p,
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/77626-convert-windows-xp-style.html
And a somewhat popular threads on Answers.com,
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-desktop/how-to-make-windows-7-look-like-xp/257ad2da-b7e4-4ca4-9795-8da1db1429a7

 

[matts6887]

I agree with Bongo in terms of the program files and program folders he is referring to. That is is pretty much in a nutshell.

 

[whs]

I personally think it is a mistake trying to simulate XP facilities in Windows 7. Win7 is so much more powerful than XP that it is worth learning the new ways - especially in Explorer with all the library facilities.

 

[matts6887]

I do agree with whs above. Windows 7 is by far a way better operating system then xp. Better designed, etc.

 

[FDM]

Many thanks to all responders for their input. I just got comfortable with the XP windows Windows Explorer split screen tree that made it easy to drag and drop files from one location to another. I haven't yet found a simple way to accomplish it other than copy and paste in Win 7 apparently it is not possible or practical.
FDM

 

[whs]

Drag and drop is a very dangerous operation. Sometimes one drags the wrong file and then you don't find it any more. The proper way is this:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/516-context-menu-add-copy-folder-move-folder.html

 

[ThrashZone]

Drag and drop can be a unpredictable operation for sure,
I've always right click drag and drop because it gives options Copy to/ Move to/ Create shortcut to/ and my personal favorite Cancel
Which cancel has saved a few booboos

But there is also Cut and Paste ?

 

[FDM]

You guys are great teachers - with your hand holding and time, I may yet learn to use features of Win 7. I read in one of the web pages that was mentioned in this thread that "You can also change the taskbar to show the words rather than just icons". Anyone know how that is accomplished?

The soon to be 82 year old pupil

 

[BugMeister]

see here:
How to Display Text on Taskbar Buttons in Windows 7 « My Digital Life

 

[FDM]

Thanks Thrashzone, would love to be able to right click to get to Copy to Folder and Move to Folder, Move to Desktop etc but none appear when I right click to get to the contect menu.

 

[Golden]

Thanks Thrashzone, would love to be able to right click to get to Copy to Folder and Move to Folder, Move to Desktop etc but none appear when I right click to get to the contect menu.

Try these:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/516-context-menu-add-copy-folder-move-folder.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/45421-send-context-menu-remove-restore-default-items.html

 

[FDM]

Finally understand how the context menu works - was unaware that I had to select a file or folder before it would function. Another member explained it.

Mary