Left Panel is Missing (or Grayed Out)
in Windows Explorer


(Courtesy of M. Maltby MS-MVP)

This particular problem is often the result of a damaged Internet Explorer 6 install. Yes I do realize you are talking about Windows Explorer rather than Internet Explorer but the two are very closely linked. May I suggest that you try repairing IE6.

Do this using Control Panel>>Add/Remove Programs and highlight Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, click Add/Remove and then on the next screen select "Repair Internet Explorer" and then OK.

  Also see the following article:
"All Folders" Pane Missing or Windows Explorer Is Blank [192315]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;192315