Windows 7: Windows 7 Picture/File Loading

Is there any way to switch back to the old XP style of loading files in a folder? I use Windows 7 x64 and when I try to open a folder with a very large number of files, it takes 5-10 seconds for Windows to load all the thumbnails etc and then another few seconds to arrange them properly.

What you need for the thumbnails is a better graphics card. Else you can set it to "Always show icons". But the delay should only be for the first time you open them in that session. After that, they should be cached in RAM (provided you have enough RAM for caching).

or just change the view for that folder so it shows icons, tiles, list, etc...that way other folders can still load with thumbnail view...

I already have a mighty graphics card. Windows XP could load this whole mess of files bam instantly, but I suspect Windows 7 is trying to do some additional processing or something that I don't need. Might there be some way to turn this off?

As for RAM, I have 4 gig but I do a lot of gaming, so that probably puts a bit of a squeeze on it. My old computer had much less RAM and ran the same programs, though, so I don't think RAM is the issue.

Right, RAM is not the issue. I just mentioned that in the context of caching.

1. Do you have the same delay when you open the picture folder a second time?
2. Did you try the "icons" setting and did that work faster?

whs i too have noticed on my home rig that it seems to have to reload all the thumbs too...i just wasn't overly worried about it and haven't dug too deep into it and thought that it might be my vid card as well...so i'll be interested to see what the problem might be...

lavee, at this moment I am a bit puzzled because I have only observed that phenomenon with weak graphics. But the OP has a gaming graphics which should not produce that effect. Maybe my proposed little "experiments" will give us some clues.

1. Yes, I encounter the same delay upon the second load.
2. Where do I access the folder options?

It seems to be related to Windows 7 loading the folder through the 'libraries' section instead of straight through the directory. When I open it the old school way everything is fine.

On a side note, how can I show the file extensions?

control panel...folder options...view tab...take check off of "Hide extensions..."

don't remember right off hand but when i go home i'll check to see if i can provide you with any other clues...
lv