Windows 7: 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

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.

5 - Navigate to the folder you made and select it (I'll use "My Documents" for this example).

6 - A toolbar should appear on your Taskbar.

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.

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.

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.

Windows Explorer Auto Arrange - Disable

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

Look at MadAppLauncher from Sourceforge.

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

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.

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.



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.

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.