Folders remain open on desktop

Question

Hi, all -
In finder, when opening folders within folders, all stay open until the red "X" is clicked. For instance, when getting a recipe that resides in the "recipe" folder, which is in the "document" folder on the hard drive, there are three open windows (Mac HD, Documents and Recipes).
Checked Finder preferences, and the box that says, "Always open folders in a new window" is NOT checked.
I would like the default to be that as folders within folders are opened, only the last opened remains open.
Thanks.

Answer 1

You could access the last location folder by an alias and
so that item alone would open, and when done, you'd
just close one folder without ever opening up the others.
A folder of alias accessed items can be created on the
root level of the hard drive (if you are the only user, no
issue regarding access to originals, permissions, etc)
and such a folder can be dragged into the Dock in the
space near the Trash. This can act as an extension to
the Dock, but this window may be shaped to better
fit the side of the screen so it stays out of the way when
accessing applications or locations via alias items.
{Active link to the Documents folder, if you use that often,
could essentially be created (symbiotic link, if folder is
dragged into the Dock, near the trash icon in Tiger.) A
click on that would open only the last location, too.}
There likely is a way to Script the functions of files
and folders, whether or not the action could be
chosen as system-wide or only specific items, is
another matter. Someone expert should know this...
Good luck & happy computing!