split panes - navigation and details

Microsoft Windows XP Professional.

When I click on MY Docs shortcut which is on my desktop, or any other
shortcut, which are usually to folders on network, there is only one window
pane, the details pane showing. I then have to click on the ‘folders’ icon on
the top bar to see two windows. Is there a way to force two windows ie left
(navigation) and right (details) pane to open each time