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If I open a file from the Files, or Projects, or Search Results windows in NB7, it correctly opens the file in the other window where all my source files are opened. Now in NB8 they open up in the same File, Projects or Search window. So I have to drag each source code tab over to the source code frame. This happens both if the noted windows are within the same frame, or if they are in separate frames (floating windows). I've tested with "Appearance > Document Tabs > New document opens next to active document tab" both selected and unselected. Same result. I rated this a P2 since it is difficult to navigate a large project when every single new source file has to be dragged into the correct position. Usually the File, Projects, etc. windows are tall and narrow, so useless for editing source. The only other workaround is to live with the Files and Projects and Search Results tabs embedded in the same window as the source code, which sort of defeats the whole ability to arrange windows in a border layout, or as separate frames. (I'm calling it a P2 because I've been using NB since its beginning, and I've never reverted to an older NB before... I'm actually considering going back to NB7 to regain productivity.) Hopefully I just overlooked an option setting?
Workaround: I noticed that I can drag a file node (before it is opened into a tab) from the File window directly to the Editor window. So that's a reasonable workaround to the fact that it won't automatically open there when I double-click on the file. Note: this only works if I drag the file and drop it on top of an open source file (the Editor). If I drag it to a tab position on the Editor the file actually opens up in the File window instead of the Editor, even though the cursor icon indicates that the Editor's tab area is a legal drop zone. (I'm also wondering why I'm the first to report this pretty annoying problem... Could it only be my system?)
Most likely you've accidentally drag and dropped some document window into 'Projects' docking spot so now all new document windows will open in that area. Please try menu Window - Reset Windows and reopen if the problem persists. You might be also interested in this plugin: http://plugins.netbeans.org/plugin/53828/?show=true
"Reset Windows" helped. Thanks for that useful help, and the plugin tip! For what it's worth, I'm not sure your explanation fits though... I had several windows dragged off separately, e.g. Files, Projects, Search Results, etc. If I double-clicked in any of those windows, the associated file would open up in the same window I just clicked in. Your explanation would make sense if the files always opened in one of those windows. I probably caused the problem due to all the window options and dragging/docking permutations I was trying due to a different problem: any windows on my secondary monitor would pop back to the primary monitor whenever I clicked on them. Now that problem is back. :-( I'll open that bug report separately.