Is there a way to configure the gnome file manager to open each directory in the same window instead of opening a new one? (Debian 5.0.0)

yes there is... i think you can use the tool "gconftool". i don't remember if this is the right name (use apt to search for "gconf"). i'll use this tool with ubuntu sometimes to tune the desktop settings and if i remember right, the file-manager is part of the desktop...

I have not been able to find a gconftool on Debian "Lenny" 5.0. There is a directory /etc/gconf but it doesn't have anything that appears useful in it. On the Desktop, System -> Preferences -> File Management has a number of options but opening new directory in same window is not one of them. Maybe I should be using a different distribution. I am being forced to change over from Solaris 2.6 to Linux. I like S2.6 and the OpenWindows desktop. Some things about the Linux Gnome Desktop I can customize, some things I can get used to but the file manager behavior is unacceptable. I despise and loathe it. It is wrong.

i just have a look at my virtual ubuntu mashine. the tool is called "gconf-editor". maybe you have to install it first on debian... but this shouldn't be any problem with apt.

I did find gconf-editor. It has many options for the nautilus file manager but open new directory in same window is not one of them. Does the ubuntu version have this option? Maybe I should be using that version instead of Debian?

there aren't any differences between debain and ubuntu gconf-editor (afaik). maybe you've to search a little more for the right option...