Can I get rid of the Windows 7 libraries folder dropdowns?

Question

The default libraries in Windows 7 work such that all subfolders of locations you include appear side by side. I really like that cruft-free look and I don't need any of the information about which included folder the subfolder came from.

On the other hand, if I create my own libraries or view the default libraries in another format, I can't get back to that state. Instead, I end up with a large dropdown option for each included folder that must be expanded to show the subfolders it contains. I don't care about this information and the dropdown header is so large that I can only see a few contained folders.

Does anyone know any ways to get back to the 'flat' subfolder view state?

As an example, here are some pictures of what I am trying to avoid:

Versus what I want (the default for already existing libraries):

Answer 1

You need to change the grouping method for the library.

Right-click on a blank area to the right of some files, select "Group By", and then select (None).

If you want to go back to the way the library was arranged before, click the "Arrange by:" button in the top-right of the screen and choose "Clear changes".

Answer 2

Check out the post by Download Squad on a freeware called Win7 Library tool. Should do the trick.

http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/12/28/free-tool-makes-managing-windows-7-libraries-easier/

Answer 3

Below in the image I've marked the place where you can fix the issue.

So, move your cursor to the left panel, find a blank space and Right-Click.

If you see that you have "expand to current folder" checked, you need to uncheck it.

Finally, close Windows Explorer and then re-open it.

Solved!

Answer 4

Open the folder. Under the organize drop down button select layout. De-select the navigation pane. This will get rid of the left side library information for that folder

Answer 5

In the top right, there is "Arrange by:"

If you change it from folder to name, for instance, the problem is solved (well mostly, I don't think there is a way of ordering them by folder without the dropdown lists. Some of the other options have the dropdowns too, like date ("Last week", and "A long time ago" instead of folder names though.))