Software

You can set the folder view so that all folders are viewed the same instead of each folder having it's own view. However, that means that all of your picture type of folders won't have thumbnails.

Assuming you're running Windowsx XP, in Explorer, highlight the top level folder (usually C in My Computer) and set the columns you want to be viewed. Then click Tools, Folder Options. Go to the View tab. Near the top, there is a button which says "Apply to All Folders".

In Vista, the procedure is a bit different, but you should have the same options.

In Explorer set up how you want your view. Click on Tools then Options.
Click on the View tab and then the Apply to All Folders button.
Click on Yes then OK.

If this doesn't work it may be a permissions issue and you'll need to see you IT peron.

EMD

Set up a folder the way you want it to look. then go to Tools, Folder Options. On the View tab, in the advanced settings box, uncheck "Remember each folder's view settings" then click apply. Then click the "Apply to All Folders" button.

This assumes that you have Windows XP. Vista may be slightly different.

Have you considered doing what I did over 12 years ago - dump Windows Explorer and use something far more user friendly:

http://www.free-downloads.net/programs/2xExplorer

Not only is it fully configurable (in your case, you won't be wanting to ADD any columns anyway), it's also TWIN-pane, and it's FREE.

Give it a try - you won't realise how good it is until you do!

:)