Left pane behavior of Windows Explorer in Windows 7
This functionality is still there but turned off by default. You can easily turn it on again:
- Open the "Folder Options" from the control panel
- Select the "General" tab
- Check "Automatically expand to current folder" underneath "Navigation pane"
- Click "OK" and you are done
You can try the instructions in Display and Show Classic Navigation Tree Pane in Windows 7 Explorer (for Users Folder, Control Panel, Recycle Bin and CD/DVD/BD Drives).
Alternatively, you can download xplorer2:
xplorer² is a file and information manager that adheres to the philosophy "efficiency through simplicity". Without reinventing the wheel, it integrates the best features of Windows' shell architecture in a small, resource efficient package that's instantly familiar to work with. But look a little closer and you'll discover a whole new world under the surface that offers power, precision and flexibility, and will boost your everyday productivity no end!
How to Reveal and Show or Display Classic Navigation Pane in Windows Explorer of Windows 7