XP Folder styles

I find it confusing to edit the style of folders in XP SP2

how can I make all my folders with a different icon than the boring tan default square folder

how can I edit the icon for all my XP folders

 

right click>go to customisze>folder icon

this can only be done on normal file folders

 

I've been working on this for a while (not working very hard, thinking about it once every year or so :) but I've never been happy with the result of the programs that just change folder colors, because it's the same ugly folder just a different color. The icon packs I've seen only include one or two folder icons and change all folders to the new icon, which is barely an improvement, and sometimes make the folders hard to see on particular wallpapers. For years, I've had a template for an empty Grey Folder that I would copy to a new location and rename, whenever I wanted to make a folder that stands out from the usual manilla ones that Windows manufacters. Just a couple of weeks ago I did a fresh install and chose a colorful wallpaper and wanted some new folders. I found some new folder icons that I liked at pixie girl's site (http://www.pixelgirlpresents.com/ take a look and you'll see she has some wallpapers, themes and icons for free download) and edited my template to make some self contained folder icons. My template can only use .ICO files and the folders shown are what I liked with my wallpaper. I now copy one of these "folder prototypes" or samples to a new location and rename it when I want a distinctive looking folder and then move my files into it.

Here are two pics: 1) my current prototypes
2) The hidden files that control their appearance

The second pic shows that the folder contains a desktop.ini file that points to the .ICO file. This combination changes the folders appearance. I mark both files as hidden so the folder appears empty. If you find a Folder.ICO that you like you just edit the desktop.ini in NotePad and change the line "IconFile=rouge.ico" to "IconFile=FolderIconILike.ico".

I can't upload these sample folders here because only text and screenshots are allowed. If you need more help creating one just ask here in the forums. I'll do my best. Or if you send me a Personal Message with an email address I can send you one or all prototypes for you to work with.

 

I might seem like an idiot but when it comes to computers I guess I am I just dont understand how the folders in windows XP are set up I mean the following

idiot warning I am below novice

after downloading the icons you were referring too please explain the next steps to take

 

another question I have and I have a million is:

Evertime I try to upload to web a pic like I did my avatar I browse to folder and it displays in list mode which I change to thumbnail view I have to do this each and every time I upload a JPG and it gets irritating. Now anyway to have this changed?

 

Are you using CCleaner?

If so, go to the Advanced Tab in the Cleaner option and untick (uncheck) the Windows size/Location cache box.

I was having hells own troubles with the way my files displayed (in View) until I unchecked this box. It may help you. If not, someone else please step in. Bazza

 

As a matter fact I am using CCleaner although I am backing up everyting because when I scan for issues I dont want to delete something important. What is your thoughts about CC.

And I will try that thanks for your help it works.

 

Glad it worked for you.

Re CCleaner. I use it every day, together with other CCleaning type programs as each program catches stuff the others miss, as part of my daily PC housekeeping after I log off the Net.

I use CCleaner with all the options ticked ON, except Autocomplete Form History (forget why) and Window Size/Location Cache (as per this post) in the Windows tab.

In the Applications tab, all the options are also ticked ON, except Leechget (my download Manager) and Zone Alarm (Logs) (firewall), so the logs are there if I need to check them out. (Never had to, that I can remember)

These settings work for me. No guarantee they will be OK for you, though, as all PC's (and users) have different combinations of Hardware and Software and different operating requirements / uses. Bazza

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