Windows Explorer in Windows 7

[wimbletan]

I have just switched computers and now have Windows 7. In previous windows operating systems it was possible to open two Windows Explorers which I found useful for comparing or moving files between hard disk & external devices. Can anyone please explain why I cannot do this in W7? When I try to open the second window, it appears but fails to operate.

[Allan]

There's no reason I know of that you cannot open two instances of IE. Are you sure it isn't simply that the buttons on the taskbar are grouped together?

[soybean]

Are you opening Windows Explorer by clicking on the icon for it on the taskbar?  If so, to open a second instance of Windows Explorer, try right clicking on the taskbar icon and selecting Windows Explorer.

[Salmon Trout]

This is the way I just did it...

1. Click the Start Orb or press the Windows key
2. In the "Search Programs and Files" box, type Windows Explorer
3. Press Enter

4. Repeat steps (1) to (3) as many times as desired.

Another way is to click on the Start Orb, and in the Start menu, left click Computer, then when Windows Explorer opens, right click any folder or drive and select "Open in New Window".

[Salmon Trout]

Are you sure it isn't simply that the buttons on the taskbar are grouped together?

You can turn this off. Under Taskbar properties you have three options:

    Always Combine, hide labels (Default)

    Combine when the taskbar is full

    Never Combine

[wimbletan]

I appreciate your advise but still unable to get to work.
I have now realised that even if I only open one window and then 'restore down', the page reduces but fickers for 10 seconds or so, then reports 'not responding'.

[Salmon Trout]

even if I only open one window and then 'restore down', the page reduces but fickers for 10 seconds or so, then reports 'not responding'.

What actually happens if you do this twice?

1. Click the Start Orb or press the Windows key
2. In the "Search Programs and Files" box, type Windows Explorer
3. Press Enter

It sounds like there is something wrong. Is this a new PC? With Windows 7 pre-installed?

[soybean]

Are you opening Windows Explorer by clicking on the icon for it on the taskbar?

Exactly how are you opening Windows Explorer.  It can be opened various ways.

[wimbletan]

Hi Salmontrout,
1) If I do it twice before restoring down, the second window covers the first and flickers before reporting 'not responding'
2) Yes it is a new computer with Windows 7 pre-loaded.

Hi Soybean,
I have tried all of the varies ways to open Windows Explorer as advised by previous suggestions. The result is the same.

[Salmon Trout]

Personally I think you need to contact the seller and tell them there is something wrong. It is either not set up properly or has a damaged Windows or display driver installation. I imagine it came with a warranty? Have you only just started to use it?

[wimbletan]

Thanks Salmon Trout, I will contact them tomorrow. I have been using the computer for a couple of weeks, but only discovered the problem when I came to transfer some file from portable hard disk.