Show the task pane in Windows Explorer

When you view the Disk Drives, Folders and Files on your computer using Windows Explorer, or My Computer, there is usually a panel of useful tasks displayed along the left-hand side of the window:

However, sometimes on some computers this left panel seems to get 'lost' (this could be due to changes made by installed software or changes you make yourself):

If you want to get these tools back, just do the following.

1. Click Tools, Folder Options...

   
   
   

2. In the window that appears make sure the General tab is selected

   
   
   

3. Click the Show common tasks in folders option

   
   
   

4. Click OK to apply the change and close the Folder Options window.