You have inadvertently activated CloseView, a utility designed to aid the visually impaired. To turn off CloseView, type Command-Option-O. To learn how to use CloseView, refer to the Macintosh User's Guide.
When using CloseView, notice that its shortcut keystrokes are very similar to shortcut keystrokes built into the new Finder. When trying to open the folder, you may have inadvertently used the keystroke to activate CloseView. In general, the slight differences between the Finder and CloseView commands may cause confusion.
For example:
Finder: Command-O Opens window
CloseView: Command-Option-O Turn on/off CloseView
Finder: Command-X Cut
CloseView: Command-Option-X Turn on/off magnification
Finder: Command-UpArrow Go to next higher level
CloseView: Command-Option-UpArrow Increase magnification
level
Finder: Command-DownArrow Go to next lower level
(open icon)
CloseView: Command-Option-DownArrow Decrease magnification level
It is unlikely that a novice or casual user would stumble across CloseView, because it is never installed by the System 7 Installer (not even by Easy Install). In fact, if a pre-System 7 version of CloseView was in the System Folder, the System 7 Installer deletes it. To install CloseView, drag it into the Control Panels folder or the System Folder.
CloseView was designed for the visually impaired who may not be able to see their keyboard. A mis-keyed command could cause them a great deal of confusion.
CloseView does not display zoom effects when windows open or close. For many people, the zoom effects are useful for visual orientation, showing what the computer is activating or putting away. Without the zoom effects, items just appear and disappear from the screen.
Note: CloseView is written as a single word, not as Close View.