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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
@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:

Was this answer helpful?

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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.

Was this answer helpful?

0 comments

55 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2011-09-09T14:24:41+00:00

    I found this thread full of people who feel the same way. One user created a workaround that looks a little work intensive at first, but then streamlines the process once you're used to it, here: http://www.sevenforums.com/customization/37230-viewing-folder-thumbnails-like-xp.html#post1046220

    If you really need this for your work, this might be an easier workaround than going back to XP or adjusting to Linux.

    Best of luck.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2011-09-10T14:29:38+00:00

    again, as I said, why should users find complicated workaround to a problem that did not exist in XP? that is so utterly counterproductive.

    The feature existed in XP, it was a one-click affair, it was practically and widely used. Why was this dropped in win7 and replaced by something nobody likes, doesn't make sense and p...s a lot of people off? And why does msn not listen to its customers?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2012-01-07T10:22:50+00:00

    The 3D icon design is simply not as effective for visualising information as the flat design was.  

    This has so often been the case with Microsoft over the past 10 years, think charts, graphs, and now folder icons too.  The people at Microsoft design who think Windows and Office are enhanced by hard-to-see-3D should read some Tufte.  Windows 8 seems to be better in this regard, so perhaps those people have learned or gone?  So, can we have an option of flat folders put back in Windows 7 please?  Pretty please?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments