How do I get Classic Folder Icons Back?

Anonymous
2010-03-20T15:16:47+00:00

How can I get back the folder icons from windows xp?  I need my folder icons to be flat square folders, which I can customize with one photo from inside the folder shown on the front?  These open folders sitting sideways with documents and pictures falling out, are driving me crazy.  I work with thousands of photos every day and need a quick simple way to identify what is inside each folder.  Now I have to spend hours opening each folder and looking through the photos...such a waste of time.  Why is such a simple folder icon gone in Windows 7?  I need it back!

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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@CmdrKeene 90,631 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2010-03-24T21:23:27+00:00

Try making the icons larger to accommodate the picture.  For example:

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Anonymous
2010-03-23T15:47:24+00:00

Periwinkleblue,

Hello, I’m afraid that changing the file displayed/icon would be the closest choices for customizing the folder in the way you would like, short of possible third party tweaks.

If this is a feature you would like reinstated, please leave your suggestion at Windows 7 Feedback.

Lisa

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-06-06T00:41:30+00:00

    I too came here trying to restore the flat folders. I do not like these folders at all. I do web design and work with tons of graphics and image folders and this is driving me crazy.

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  2. @CmdrKeene 90,631 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2010-05-17T21:09:24+00:00

    Go to your stored folder on your EHD, and select any file.  Then hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard while you scroll your mouse wheel to turn up the preview size.

    If this was helpful, please vote by clicking the green triangle. If it solves the issue, click Propose as Answer. Thanks!

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-05-17T21:01:35+00:00

    I have tried this with digital scrapbooking supplies stored on a WD Passport EHD. It will not work! I have thousands of kits, each one in it's own folder, and I cannot see what's inside of the folder! If I moved them all to the computer's internal HD, it would work but I really don't want to do that move.

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