XP-Style Folder Thumbails in Explorer


  1. Posts : 23
    Windows 7 x64 Ultimate
       #1

    XP-Style Folder Thumbails in Explorer


    Hello

    I'm just curious to know if this is possible (either with settings built into W7 or a third-party program).

    If we cast our memories back to Windows Explorer in XP, I remember that if you right clicked a folder (directory), properties and then 'customize' you could set the folder icon to be a thumbnail image; like so:



    (Sorry about the size, i just found it through a google search)


    Anyway, I want to do something similar for my music folder; where i have a picture of the band on the folder, not this 'slipped-in' image that you get currently.

    Here's my current folder structure in W7.



    Ive tried going to customize, choose file to show on folder etc. - but that doesnt change anything.

    I also want it to show like this in the music library.

    Many Thanks
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 12,120
    Win 7 Pro x64 / Win 10 Pro
       #2

    I do not know a easy way but here is one way of doing it.
    Before
    XP-Style Folder Thumbails in Explorer-1.png

    Open your music folder go to Organize then Folder and search options.
    XP-Style Folder Thumbails in Explorer-2.png

    Go to the View tab and put a check mark by Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
    And uncheck Hide Protected operating system files. Click Apply and OK. (you can change this back when done)
    XP-Style Folder Thumbails in Explorer-3b.png

    You will get a warning click yes.
    XP-Style Folder Thumbails in Explorer-4.png

    You will see Album Art jpgs you will need to convert one of them to .ico I used gimp.
    XP-Style Folder Thumbails in Explorer-5.png

    After you have converted it put it back in your music folder.
    XP-Style Folder Thumbails in Explorer-6.png

    Close your music folder and right click on it and choose Properties go to the Customize tab and choose Change icon.
    XP-Style Folder Thumbails in Explorer-7.png

    Click on the Browse button and browse to your music folder.
    XP-Style Folder Thumbails in Explorer-8.png

    Choose The Album Art and click open.
    XP-Style Folder Thumbails in Explorer-9.png

    Choose The Album Art and click OK.
    XP-Style Folder Thumbails in Explorer-10.png

    Click Apply and OK
    XP-Style Folder Thumbails in Explorer-11.png

    You may need to right click and click on Refresh.
    After.
    XP-Style Folder Thumbails in Explorer-12.png

    Jerry
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 23
    Windows 7 x64 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Aah yes that is a way to do it... I didn't realise you could do it in GIMP! (I'm used to working with Photoshop & Fireworks)

    Many thanks for your suggestion!
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 12,120
    Win 7 Pro x64 / Win 10 Pro
       #4

    deadevil13 said:
    Aah yes that is a way to do it... I didn't realise you could do it in GIMP! (I'm used to working with Photoshop & Fireworks)

    Many thanks for your suggestion!
    You're Welcome if this solved it at the top of your first post should be a place to mark as solved.
    Jerry
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 5,642
    Windows 10 Pro (x64)
       #5

    *cough* use the Music Library. Top right "Arrange by" pick either Artist or Album, adjust the view to thumbnails. When set to Artist, double click to open to Album view, change the settings to how you want, open an Album change the song list to what you want. From there on, all Albums and Songs will have to same settings.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails XP-Style Folder Thumbails in Explorer-shot-20110720t043739.png   XP-Style Folder Thumbails in Explorer-shot-20110720t043808.png   XP-Style Folder Thumbails in Explorer-shot-20110720t043819.png  
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 12,120
    Win 7 Pro x64 / Win 10 Pro
       #6

    logicearth said:
    *cough* use the Music Library. Top right "Arrange by" pick either Artist or Album, adjust the view to thumbnails. When set to Artist, double click to open to Album view, change the settings to how you want, open an Album change the song list to what you want. From there on, all Albums and Songs will have to same settings.
    Good to know logicearth I don't use libraries I did not know that thanks.
    Jerry
      My Computer


 

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