Desktop folders question

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. Posts : 17
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit
       #1

    Desktop folders question


    I'm running Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit with all updates.

    I like having a tidy Desktop.
    I create folders on my desktop for icons that have similar applications/usage.
    For example, my astronomy applications, geocaching applications, games, etc.

    I don't like the way these folders open, giving me full access to my icons, but also to all my drives etc.
    I like that when I want to explore my file systems, but when I want to play games I only want my icons displayed; ie. just the contents of that folder.

    Is there any way to achieve this, without upsetting my general settings in Explorer?

    Thanks

    Chris
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 4,049
    W7 Ultimate SP1, LM19.2 MATE, W10 Home 1703, W10 Pro 1703 VM, #All 64 bit
       #2

    Toolbar?


    You might be able to create a toolbar to do what you want.
    Strange I couldn't find a tutorial about it.

    Basically:
    1 - Create a folder somewhere on your HDD.
    2 - Add the required shortcuts.
    3 - Right click on the Taskbar.
    4 - Select "New toolbar" from the "Toolbar" pop out menu.
    Desktop folders question-new-toolbar-1.png
    5 - Navigate to the folder you made and select it (I'll use "My Documents" for this example).
    Desktop folders question-new-toolbar-2.png
    6 - A toolbar should appear on your Taskbar.
    Desktop folders question-new-toolbar-3.png
    As you can see, the toolbar shows the folders and shortcuts that are in "My Documents".

    Whatever you choose from the list will still open a normal "Windows Explorer" window though.

    If you deselect the new toolbar (in the toolbar list) it will disappear and you will have to create a new one.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2
    windows 7 pro 64bit
       #3

    Go to explorer->organize->layout amd turn off what you don't want. Before you ask, I don't know how to make windows 7 let you place the icons within the explorer window though. (can't turn off auto-arrange) If you figure it out, let me know.
      My Computer


  4. Arc
    Posts : 35,373
    Microsoft Windows 10 Pro Insider Preview 64-bit
       #4

    One very nice and eyecandy way is to use tabbed docks or drawers. These cab be created with Stardock ObjectDock Plus ; but unfortunately it's not free.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 8,398
    ultimate 64 sp1
       #5

    easilyConfused said:
    Go to explorer->organize->layout amd turn off what you don't want. Before you ask, I don't know how to make windows 7 let you place the icons within the explorer window though. (can't turn off auto-arrange) If you figure it out, let me know.
    Windows Explorer Auto Arrange - Disable :)
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 284
    Windows 7 Professional 64bit
       #6

    There are several launchers that will do what you need in organizing your shortcuts and many are free.

    Look at MadAppLauncher from Sourceforge.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 17
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Thank you for the suggestions!

    I checked out the idea of launchers, as I remember trying one a couple of years ago.

    FSL Launcher seems to do everything I need, and seems to work very well.

    The only icon left on my desktop now is the Recycle Bin, and I guess that can stay.

    Thanks again,

    Chris
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 279
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       #8

    Right-click the taskbar and check the offered Desktop. This "moves" all the icons onto the taskbar. If the taskbar is not locked and all the desktop icons are shown on the taskbar, manually sort the icons and move the folders icons to the far right end. Then shorten the desktop icons shown to hide the folders. The folders end up being cascading drop-down menus. The icons remaining can be direct-access or drag-and-drop.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Desktop folders question-capture.png  
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 708
    Windows 7 Pro
       #9

    It sounds like you setup your desktop very similar to how I do it. I make a folders on my desktop for different categories of programs (Applications, Graphics, Communications etc) and drop the shortcuts to these programs into the Folder that suits the category.

    Desktop folders question-desktop.jpg

    I then turn on the Desktop Toolbar. This allows me to see inside each folder on my desktop without actually opening the folder. This works great for me.

    Hope it gives you another option.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 279
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       #10

    Yes, huffman, similar. To the left on the taskbar, I also pin handy executables and explorer folders. The folders can then be dragged-and-dropped onto the shortcut executables on the right. Never have to peek under the windows to see what's on the Desktop. The cascading drop-down menu will show new entries should newly installed programs place shortcuts on the Desktop without asking for permission.
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 19:15.
Find Us