Hide or Show the Common Tasks Sidebar in Folders

By default, Windows XP displays a "Common Tasks" sidebar in folders. As the name implies, this sidebar allows users to more quickly carry out such common tasks as creating a new sub-folder, sharing the folder, or rapidly accessing other important places on the computer.

However, there are, of course, other ways to achieve these tasks and you may feel that the "Common Tasks" sidebar just wastes your folder real estate, especially if you have folders that contain a large number of files or subfolders. If so, you can easily turn the sidebar off and on as required.

Here's how:

Open a folder, click on "Tools" on the Menu bar, and then click on "Folder Options" to open the "Folder Options" window.
With the "General" tab selected, click "Use Windows classic folders" to turn off the sidebar or "Show common tasks in folders" to turn on the sidebar.
Click "OK" to exit the "Folder Options" window.

Folders should now hide or display the common tasks sidebar depending on your choice in step 2 above. Note that the change will be reflected in all folders, not just the one in which you were working.

XP Tips - Computer Tips for Windows XP