I have been really battling this new 'feature' in VS2008. 

The solution explorer synchronizes with the active tab in the editor window. 

I would prefer the solution explorer to stay as i've left it and not repositon its contents to show/set focus on the filename of the file i'm working on.

 Anyone one else bugged by this or know of a way to change the behavior?

You can change the default settings of the IDE.

Go to Tools -> Import and Export Settings

HTH

 tools\options\projects and solutions\general\track active item in solution explorer

I am just blown away by that.  I must be getting old.  I thought I scoured those options. 

In fact, I took one last look just before I posted, and actually set another option on that SAME tab which I thought I would prefer.  Unbelievable.

Thanks - you've made my day.

This is not your fault! 

This is the fault of the man who designed this poor ui for the option dialog  ( why is this dialog modal?, why is this fixed size(?!), why are three lines(!) listboxes in everywhere?, where is the apply button?, why cannot see effects with an apply button (color settings etc.)?, nothing has improved here form years)

lol - i couln't agree more!  Especially the size thing.  This is rampant in much of the software I use.  I just sit there and stare at this 19 inch wide screen I have and wonder why in hell I have to scroll vertically AND horizontally in this little postage stamp sized modal dialogue that's been put up.  Unbelievable!