Finder always opens new windows

Finder always opens new windows for me. It didn't used to do this (its been doing it at least since I was using 10.5.6), and "Preferences > Always open folders in a new window" is not checked. Any ideas?

JRokeach,
Sorry if this sounds to simple, I'm hoping that it is, but in a finder window do you have the toolbar showing? Because if you don't it will open all the folders in there own windows. To fix there is a little button in the top right that hides the toolbar, also if you goto view hide toolbar it will do the same.
If that isn't the case try removing the com.apple.finder.plist found in Macintosh HD -> Users -> YOUR USER -> Library -> Preferences, and trashing it.
Hope that helps,
Weston

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Finder always opens new window

Hello everybody,
maybe this is just a simple one but since the last Update to 10.5.5 I have the problem that my finder aways opens a new window when I hit a folder. I have already checked the preferences and the option "always open folders in new window" is definetly turned off.
Same happens if I use the key kombination APPLE+DOWN ARROW. Since now this has opened the folder in the same window but this has changed, too.
Can somebody help me?
Thanks and bye.

This works fine for me on 10.5.5.
To narrow things down, create a new user and log in as that user. See if the problem happens for that user too. If it doesn't then it is something specific to your account, not the OS. If it doesn't happen for the other user, log in as the user that is misbehaving and navigate to ~/Library/Preferences/ and drag com.apple.finder.plist to the trash. Then Control-Option-Click on the Finder icon in the Dock and select Relaunch. When the Finder comes back up, does the problem still occur?

How to stop Finder from opening new windows to view contents of folders.

I have 2 folders on my desktop, called "Home" and "Work." Both are aliases to files stored in user/documents on my HD. Both contain many folders within folders within folders and, ultimately, documents. When I double click on the "Home" desktop alias, a finder window opens showing contents. When I click on any folder within that window, it does what I want it to...switches to the contents of that folder (within same window, without opening a new one.) This works for everything in that folder.
When I double click on a folder within the "Work" folder, however, it opens a new window at every level. By the time I get to the document I want, I may have 5 or 6 windows open, which I then have to manually close.
I have gone into Finder/Preferences/General and the "Always open new window" box is NOT checked. Any one know why it would still be doing this? (No new applications are opening when I click on the folders, just a new finder window.) And why would it do it for one desktop folder and not the other?
I looked through discussions till my head spun and only saw the Finder/Preferences fix, so I'm hoping there's another fix, like a preference file somewhere that I just need to trash. Any help would be appreciated.
Powerbook G4 Mac OS X (10.3.9)

I don't know if this is the problem, but for windows in "Icon" or "List" view that are set so that the "Toolbar" is not showing, a folder opened within that window will tend to open a new window. This is just a difference in behaviour between the two modes. To show / hide the toolbar, try clicking the elongated button in the upper right corner, in the "titlebar" of the window, or choose "Show Toolbar" / "Hide Toolbar" from the "View" menu.
Additionally, a workaround might be to switch to "Column" view ("View" > "as Columns" ⌘3), since opening a folder within a window in "Column" view does not appear to spawn a new window, even with the "Toolbar" hidden. Another option might be to hold down the "option" key while opening the folder - this causes the previous window to close as the new window is opened.

Finder Windows always open new windows when clicking subfolders

since i upgraded to 10.5.6, my finder windows only open new windows when I click on a subfolder. this is no matter what I do with the setting in preferences.
Also, my finder windows no longer display the side bars with folder icons.
I searched my library (and whole computer) for the finder preferences .plist file and can't find it. (was going to delete it and re-create it).
Any ideas here?

Thanks for the star.
The default of Finder’s Find will not search that folder, but you can change the pulldown menu just beneath where it says Search, from Kind to System files by selecting Other from that menu and then scroll down the next window and check the box next to System files. You’ll then need to change the pulldown menu next to that to “include” instead of “don’t include.”
The next time you do a search using Find, that pulldown menu will have System files as an option, if you think you might want to search for something in your home folder.

Safari always opens new windows/tabs

Every time I click on a link Safari opens a new window or tab instead of just going to that link in the window that I am in. So when I close Safari I have multiple pages/tabs open. It used to just go from page to page without opening new windows or tabs. What setting needs to be changed to get back to the single window?

I figure out what the problem is. I set the Google search to open link in new window, and then it can be opened in tab with one tap. Thanks for help!

Idisk always open new window in icon mode even though finder doesnt

My idisk always open up a new window each time i click on a folder so if i am going into several folders deep i end up with loads of windows open. I've changed the main setting for this and it doesn't do it in finder normally with folders in my profile. is there a way to change this. Im sure it never used to do this. Thanks

This happens when I have multiple windows open. I have one window minimized on the task bar. I then launch a new firefox window and start surfing, opening multiple tabs in that window. Then I close that window. (My original window is still minimized in the taskbar). Now, I launch a new firefox window and the tabs that I had opened in the window I had just closed are all back.
If I close all windows and then launch firefox, it goes to my home page.
FYI, I'm running Windows 7 64-bit.

Finder not opening new window automatically in Mountain lion 10.8

I recently upgraded to mountain lion 10.8 from Snow Leopard 10.7. Before when I rebooted the computer the Finder would always open a new window. Now it does not and I have to open a new window every time. Is that the way it's supposed to be or is that a bug?

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4889
Migration from Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger to OS X Lion
Migration from Mac OS X v10.4 computers to OS X Lion over your Wi-Fi or a wired network is not supported. However, if both Macs are equipped with a FireWire port, you can use Target Disk Mode to transfer your data:
Verify that both Macs are equipped with a FireWire port. Note that different model Macs may have different FireWire connectors, which will require an appropriate cable, such as FireWire 400 to FireWire 800.
On the Mac you want to transfer data from, Restart, and immediately hold the T key.
Wait for the FireWire logo to appear on the screen. If it does not, restart and try again.
Connect both Macs via the FireWire cable.
On the Mac you want to transfer data to, Open the Migration Assistant application.
Select the option "From another Mac, PC, Time Machine backup, or other disk" and click Continue.
Select the option "From a Time Machine backup or other disk" and click Continue.
Select your other Mac's volume, such as "Macintosh HD", from the list, and click Cont
EDIT: Actually I realize you did follow these directions and if your drive is seen on the new Mac it should work. You're entitled to free Apple support with the new purchase, I'd give them a call.

Clicking Fx in the Vista quick launch bar now always opens new window. How can I get it to open the current instance?

This may be a Vista issue since Opera now always opens with a new speed dial window instead of just recalling the browser. This problem is recent, perhaps a month old.
Fx is not the default so I don't know if it's also a link issue

Make yourself a copy of the Fx in the task list, then you can either create a new instance or activate the existing one.
Probably missing the point, but I have been away from Vista for quite some time.
Regards

Not able to open firefox, will open if I click on firefox icon, go to finder and open "new window". How can I get it to open up right away again. Thanks. RK

When I double click on firefox, it will not open. I am able to open it by going to "file and clicking on "new window". It just happened today. Thanks. RK

Do you mean https://addons.mozilla.org/en-us/firefox/addon/amazon-s3-organizers3fox/?
Please update to Firefox 23, the version you have is horribly out of date and will have alot of problems. [[Update Firefox to the latest version]]

How do I tell Logic to open new windows always on my external monitor (when available)?

Hey guys
I finally got my own copy of Logic 9 from the App Store and I'm very happy with it.
I have a question though. Logic always open new windows (e.g. when opening a project or when opening a plugin, etc.) in my Macbook Pro's monitor, but at home I have a big external screen which I want to use as the main screen.
I already have set the external monitor to be the main screen in the System Preferences, so the dock and menu bar always display correctly on my external monitor when available. But Logic still uses my MBP's monitor as main monitor, so I have to move the windows to the external display every time I open them.
Is there a way to tell Logic to use my external monitor as default when it's availble?
Thanks, Josh

There is a thing in OSX that is called "key focus" or "focus".
When you type on your keyboard (text or any keyboard shortcut), the OS has to know where to send that command to if you have multiple windows open (or multiple applications). The answer is, it directs the command to the window that has "key focus".
The key focus window is the one with the active window title bar (not grayed out) and the colored three buttons in the upper left corner (unfortunately, Logic doesn't use colors).
Now to Logic:
Logic follows the same rules. However, you have to pay attention to multi-pane windows like the Arrange window. This is a window with more windows (panes) inside. Now the question is, which window pane inside that window has key focus. If you look closely, then you see that the window frame changes their shade slightly (sometimes very hard to see). Pay especially attention to plugins. They also have key focus when selected and can receive keystrokes.
Finally to your question.
You cannot set the preferences on which monitor screen Logic opens a window. This is determined by the location of the window that has currently key focus. Any new window and also alert windows and dialog windows (Save, Open) will open on that screen.
So if you want a window to open on you external screen, click on a Logic window on that screen.
I have five monitors on my Logic setup and I use a QuicKeys macro (push one button) that sets the key focus to my main monitor and now any new window will open on that screen screen.
Hope that helps
Edgar Rothermich
http://DingDingMusic.com/Manuals/
'I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.'

Finder opening new Windows despite always open in new Tabs setting.

I have already submitted this to Apple. But wish to open a discussion here, to probe and see, if this issue frustrates other users. It would be nice to get some empirical weight behind my already submitted request.
The Issue: I have already set in Finder »always open in new tabs«. Despite this, when for example one clicks on »view Download in Finder« (Safari), or via a Spotlight-search clicks CMD+R to view a search-result in Finder, a new Finder-Window gets launched. This is really frustrating and quickly clutters up the desktop. Could Apple please fix this, so that »always open in a new tab« really does just this? (Or at the very least, opens a new tab in the last opened Finder-window).
The same irritation ist true for Terminal. I just wished users would be have the option to open everything in the same (e.g. the last opened) window.

Start Firefox in [[Safe Mode]] to check if one of the extensions is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox (Tools) > Add-ons > Appearance/Themes).
*Don't make any changes on the Safe mode start window.
*https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Safe+Mode
*https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Troubleshooting+extensions+and+themes

Cmd-click in finder on title bar opens new window - why?

This is a feature I used all the time previously, but since I've updated to 10.5.2 it always open a new window when I select a dir further back. Does anybody know how I can make it not open a new window, just navigate in the existing window?

..."cmd-click in finder on title bar opens new window"...
Holding down the cmd key while opening a folder in the "Finder" has caused the folder to open in a new window for quite some time. I can't recall what the behaviour was with respect to the Titlebar in earlier OS X versions, but if it has really changed in 10.5, perhaps it was to make it more consistent with the behaviour of folders in general.
Are you sure you weren't using ctrl-click in the past?

Always enjoyed being able to open new windows in a tab. However, after upgrading found I was no longer able to do this.

Have search all over web and tried every solution I could find; explored addons, restored, even reinstalled 19.0 but I am still unable!
It is very frustrating.
Would appreciate suggestions (never thought I'd say this but Safari is looking good!).
Thank you.

Let me see if I understand the original problem. You can checked the preference on the following tab to divert new windows to tabs instead:
Firefox menu > Preferences > Tabs
And that was not working correctly, either on all sites or a few particular sites.
Note that by default, sites that open a new window with particular specifications, such as the size, bypass that setting. To force even those windows into a new tab, you can use the about:config preference editor.
In a new tab, type or paste '''about:config''' and press Enter. Click the button promising to be careful.
In the filter box, type or paste '''link.o''' and pause while the list is filtered.
Double click these and set the value as desired:
'''(A) browser.link.open_newwindow'''
'''3 = divert new window to a new tab''' (default) (checked*) 
2 = allow link to open a new window (unchecked*) 
1 = force new window into same tab
'''*''' First checkbox in Options > Tabs
'''(B) browser.link.open_newwindow.restriction''' - for links in Firefox tabs
'''0 = apply the setting under (A) to ALL new windows (even script windows) 
2 = apply the setting under (A) to normal windows, but NOT to script windows with features (default) 
1 = override the setting under (A) and always use new windows
'''(C) browser.link.open_newwindow.override.external''' - for links in other programs
-1 = apply the setting under (A) to external links (default) 
'''3 = open external links in a new tab in the last active window''' 
2 = open external links in a new window 
1 = open external links in the last active tab replacing the current page
Sorry, that's a lot of data, but hopefully it's reasonably clear.

Finder won't stay selected if other programs open and can't open new window

I have just noticed a new problem. If other programs are open, Finder won't stay selected program. If I alt tab to it or click on it in dock, it shows on menu bar for a half second and goes away. If I right click on icon in dock and select open new window, it will not do so. If I select a folder from the desktop, it opens in Finder with no problem and I can move within the Finder at will.
I have updated all software. I am running the current Macbook Pro 15in. No other problems noted so far.
Any ideas? Thanks in advance

Hi Sleddaddyfro, and a warm welcome to the forums!
Do you have another account you can log into?
One way to test is to Safe Boot from the HD, (holding Shift key down at bootup), run Disk Utility in Applications>Utilities, then highlight your drive, click on Repair Permissions, Test for action in Safe Mode...
PS. Safe boot may stay on the gray radian for a long time, let it go, it's trying to repair the Hard Drive
Reboot, test again.
If it only does it in Regular Boot, then it could be some hardware problem like Video card, (Quartz is turned off in Safe Mode), or Airport in 10.4 & below, or 3rd party add-on, Check System Preferences>Accounts>Login Items window to see if it or something relevant is listed.
Stuffit AVR has been a big one, if you have that use the Pref Pane to turn it off, but others have been implicated too. Check System Preferences for a Stuffit Pref Pane and disable AVR.

I have tried to set my homepage to a specific website. However, whenever I open a new Safari window, it always returns to the last page I was at before I closed Safari. Any ideas? I did this was Safari preferences, open new window to homepage...

I have tried to set my homepage to a specific website. However, whenever I open a new Safari window, it always returns to the last page I was at before I closed Safari. Any ideas? I did this under Safari preferences, open new window to homepage...

Safari is opening using the resume feature. To disable that, quit Safari using Command+Option+Q or Hold Option when choosing the menu item Safari>Quit.

Finder always opens new windows

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