Windows 7 file mismanagement

[Asolepius]

Am I the only one who is thoroughly irritated by the way Win 7 organises (or disorganises) files? Why does it display all the files in a sub-folder aggregated with all those in the root? How can I tell whether a file is in the folder or in the root? Then, when I want to open another file, usually from an app, I can't simply back up one or two folders and then down again to an adjacent one, I seem to have to start at the top all over again. I have read up about libraries, which are to me a useless idea. Is there a way to turn off all this idiocy?

 

[Cuddles]

Is there a way to turn off all this idiocy?

I assume so, because it doesn't do any of that for me. I haven't changed any settings though, so I have no idea where you'd find it.

 

[SonOfLaertes]

I assume so, because it doesn't do any of that for me. I haven't changed any settings though, so I have no idea where you'd find it.

Ditto. I did change my settings but I remember the default as nothing like you describe. Try going to tools-> folder options-> general and click "restore defaults" or tools-> folder options-> view and click "restore defaults".

 

[Skeptical Greg]

Do you have a screen shot of what you are talking about ?
I can't picture what you are referring to ..

 

[The Norseman]

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/21462/how-to-enable-or-disable-the-libraries-feature-in-windows-7/

 

[Skeptical Greg]

Oh, O.K., I missed the OP was referring to libraries..

I just use Explorer like I always have .. ( tweaked to suit me... )

I find the libraries useful to some extent..

 

[Mongrel]

Even within the libraries, any explorer window should be navigable from the "address bar"

Each of the elements separated by an arrow is individually clickable, so if in the image above clicking Libraries will take you straight back to that folder, skipping the bit in the middle.

Another thing to remember is that if you have a commonly used folder you can have it appear in the favourites by navigating to it then right clicking Favourites on the left > Select "Add current folder to favourites list".