Windows Vista
The Windows Explorer Environment
Windows Explorer is used to manage files, folders, and drives. It can be used to create folders for storing information, rearrange files or folders, locate files or folders, and delete files or folders that are no longer needed. Windows Explorer also provides functions for burning CDs and mapping network drives, as well as a variety of other file management tools. This document describes many of the components of the Windows Explorer dialog box and provides you with descriptions of the different functions found on the toolbar. For information on using Windows Explorer to manage files, refer to Working with Files.
Opening Windows Explorer
There are two options for accessing Windows Explorer in Vista -- the right click option and the Start menu option.
Opening Windows Explorer: Right Click Option
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On the Taskbar, right click the START button
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Select Explore
Windows Explorer opens.
Opening Windows Explorer: Start Menu Option
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From the Start menu, select Computer [name]
HINT: The title of the [Computer Name] selection will vary depending on which computer you are using. It will be located in the START menu between the selections Recent Items and Network.
OR
From the Start menu, select All Programs » Accessories » Windows Explorer
Windows Explorer opens.
The Windows Explorer Window
This section describes the various parts of the window and their respective purposes.
| Part of Window | Purpose |
| Navigation tools | Includes buttons to move forward and back in the navigation history, as well as an address bar and a search bar |
| Command bar | Contains a dynamic set of commands, decided by which file or folder is currently selected |
| Navigation pane | Provides access to the drives and directories available |
| File list | Displays the contents of the selected drive/folder |
| File/Folder details pane | Displays information about the selected item |
The Windows Explorer Command Bar
The Windows Explorer Command bar provides shortcuts for accomplishing tasks. The Command bar is a dynamic feature that only displays buttons appropriate to the folder or file type you have currently selected. For example, if you have a folder selected, the Burn option will appear, so that you can quickly burn that folder's contents onto a disc.
The Organize and Views functions are available from the Windows Explorer Command bar at all times. Organize provides options for rearranging files and folders, as well as the layout of Windows Explorer itself (e.g., toggling the Preview pane on and off).The Views function allows you to alter how large or small icons appear in the File list.
Example Command Bars
Following are three examples of the Windows Explorer Command bar during different activities:
NOTE: Only contextual commands are shown, the Organize and Views commands are available from the Command bar at all times.
EXAMPLE: This is how the Command bar appears with the Computer selected in the Drives/Folders list:
EXAMPLE: This is how the Command bar appears with a folder selected in the Drives/Folders list:
EXAMPLE: This is how the Command bar appears with a picture file selected:
