Opening multiple excel workbooks at once

[Bill]

I am transitioning from Windows XP to Windows 7, using MS Office 2000.My work
requires that I open and work with multiple excel workbooks at one time
(sometimes between 40 and 50 workbooks). All of the files I work on at any
given time are kept in one folder. In Windows XP, I open the folder, then
"select all", then "open", all of the files will then open sequentially
without requiring me to open each file individually. Now in Windows 7, I
select "Organize", then "select all", then "open". Unfortunately only 1 file
will open, not all of the files selected. Any suggestions.

Many Thanks

Bill