Ubuntu – How to get the non-file rightclick menu when files is in list view

There is an upstream bug about this, but unfortunately it's open since 2003 and probably won't receive a fix in the near future.

Don't know if there's a Nautilus script that allows you to expand/collapse all folders.

What does work, is to expand directories "level-by-level" by using the asterisk (*) multiple times (first time it expands all subdirectories, second time all subdirectories of subdirectories, etc.) - it's close to what you want, but admittedly not optimal.

It is intended that dragging the file over the launcher & dropping onto the 'Home Folder' icon, which should be highlighted, will open a nautilus window at the folder where the file is located

At the moment in 11.10, when doing this nautilus may only open a Home folder window instead, no matter where the file is.

If this is the case then it can be corrected by changing the Exec= line in nautilus-home.desktop to look like this (adding a %U, note there is a space after nautilus

Exec=nautilus %U

You can simply edit the existing nautilus-home.desktop in /usr/share/applications

gksudo gedit /usr/share/applications/nautilus-home.desktop

Or of you have a custom nautilus-home.desktop then edit the Exec= in the top section, no need to add %U to any of the quicklist entries

A few usage notes -

The Dash remains open after dropping the file. To raise nautilus click on the Home Folder icon. You can open multiple files by switching back & forth if desired