Is there a way to permanently delete the libraries in Windows 7. I am a writer. I have thousands of text files in hundreds of folders and never, from the time I started using Windows 2.0, have I had a problem finding a file I want. Create a folder, put in files. Simple. Now when I want to find a file I have to chase around this 'Library' nonsense. 'Useless' is the word that comes to mind. Can I get rid of the Libraries?
You can always delete the libraries, as if you were deleting a normal folder. No one is forcing you to use them, either. I don't, to be honest.
Hello Garza,
Sure you can remove libraries if you like. The tutorial below will help show you how to.
Libraries Folder - Add or Remove from Navigation Pane
In addition, you may want to do this as well.
Start Menu User Folder Buttons - Open to Users Instead of Libraries
Hope this helps,
Shawn
Windows does appear to be trying to force me to use them.
Normal folders don't come back when you delete them. I even tried shredding them. That didn't work. As soon as Windows detects a file it thinks should be in one of the default libraries, the library folder is created, the file is put there and I get directed by Windows Explorer to a library folder that may or may not have the file I need. I spend half my time now trying to find files with reference material that I need to write an article.
I understand that the techies love the new system. I'm not a techie. A computer is a tool I need to use, and I need that tool to work for me and not against me. What I'm looking for is not a work-around. What I'm looking for is a way to destroy the library system and leave a simple folder and file system, the kind that worked so well for so long.
Microsoft has created the worst possible filing system. I once had a secretary who had to be retrained after lunch. She was better organised than Explorer in Windows 7.
Thank you, DeaconFrost - I didn't mean to ignore you. I'm a bit frustrated right now. Please forgive.
Brink - I'm on my way now to follow up on your suggestions. Thank you.
Why don't you make the libraries work for you. They are such a great tool that was created especially for people like you who have a large number of files.A computer is a tool I need to use, and I need that tool to work for me and not against me.
Make a library per subject area - like area1, area2 area3, etc, - as many as you like. Then you have an easy index and can find your stuff easily. You can still create substructures within each library. In addition it allows you to store and access data that is on all kinds of disks, including USB attached disks.
Go with the times, especially if it makes your tasks easier.
You're welcome. Please let us know how it went. :)
Libraries could be real helpful though once you get use to them and understand their purpose and how they work. The link above for how to remove libraries also gives you more information about them to help understand them better as well. You might give them a try for a bit to see if they may help you better once you get more famliar with them.
Was that my ex-wife?
Seriously, I found no use for Libraries at first and set them all to point to one folder, say the Video library only points to My Videos folder.
Since I'm on the GFX Team here I was finding myself constantly going to one folder in My Pictures. I created a new Library which points to that folder and voila'! one click access.
Last edited by Britton30; 31 Oct 2011 at 14:50.
You've deleted Libraries and had them return? That's an interesting one, we should look into. I've never had that happen, so I might not be much help. On my company's 30 systems, I delete Libraries for most people because I know they won't use them. Or, I'll help them create useful ones for their purposes.
Have a look here: Windows 7 Libraries: Frequently Asked Questions
According to the above article: When you delete a Library, you only remove the Library from the Navigations pane of Windows Explorer. Deleting a Library doesn’t actually delete the folders that it aggregates.
In other words, a Library is just a single, convenient viewpoint for folders that are spread all over the place.
On that basis, it seems Libraries can be a useful organisational tool.
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