Windows XP folder views

Change The Way A Folder Looks in XP

Article by Marc Liron - Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience)

Windows XP allows you to change the way a folder looks and what functionality you would like to apply to it.

For instance if I have a selection of pictures I have taken with my digital camera I will want to store them in a folder created just for those pictures.

But by default when I create a new folder in Windows XP the folder is created as a general documents folder.

Why is this important?

Well when you are in any given folder on the Left hand side of the folder windows you will see a list of tasks that you can perform - this is called the Task Pane So, by creating a folder specifically for photos you will also get a Task Pane for that folder that is suited to working with photos.

Windows XP was designed to make things easier for you and this is one example!

To customise a folder simply select View from the Menu, then Customize This Folder... see the screenshot below:

The following folder Properties window should appear:

1) To make a folder specific to the type of files you are going to store in it then select the pull down menu in the section marked "Use this folder type as a template". This will then give you the specific folder Task Pane associated with that particular type of file.

2) You can give the folder a picture if you wish! Use the Choose Picture button to select a picture then it will be displayed in the Preview section. If you do not like it simply hit the Restore Default Button. Please note that this will only work when using the Thumbnails view. For customising the folder in ALL the other views use step 3.

3) You can also change the icon that is displayed... Why stick to the standard folder icon? You can use the Change Icon... button to view possible alternatives. If you do not see something you like there are websites on the internet where you can download Windows XP icons.. Just do a search in www.google.com , or even buy a program to create your own!

Windows XP is just waiting to be customised the way you want it to work and look for you!

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