Library feature....I hate it...how to disable?

It's the best thing about Window 7, once you get it you will like it but until then you may not, there is a learning curve.

People need to understand that Libraries only point to the actual file that is stored in the user files. It doesn't waste any space at all actually. Once you understand that concept it's so much easier.

You also have full control over which folders are in the library and who you want to share them with. First pictures is to choose who you want to share with. Second is which folders will appear in the Library.

I love it, if your as scatty and disorganised as me when saving folders then liabary is a god send, save folders how I like then add them to the Liabary.
Sactty folder system automatically organised. Can't see an issue with that!!

I agree with most here.. When I first started using Libraries, I hated them. I was completely turned off, and resentful. Boy, was I in for a happy awakening... I started playing with them a bit.. Now, consider, I am one who has over 4 terabytes of files spanning multiple drives, external drives, network computers, servers, etc.. With libraries, I can group directories into what I see as a simple 'Virtual directory', and in one quick step, view contents spanning multiple drives, computers, directories, in one location.. As soon as I started leveraging this new functionality, I was completely sold, and have never looked back. I would say to those who do not like them.... for now, just set the standard "my documents" folder as the default save location for your documents library, and do the same for pics, movies, etc.. and you will hardly notice a difference in functionality. Then, over the course of time, consider adding another folder full of docs on a network location into the mix, and then, and then.. and see where that gets you..

Arrange by type, and you can select all word documents spanning mutiple drives/devices in one folder view sorted alphabetically, and it appears nearly instantly.. very useful imho..

Now, if you have very few files you need to manage in the first place, this feature will provide no real benefit for you. In short, it was not designed for you, but simply setting your default save locations in the library to be the folder you want, will essentially cause them to function just like the same old folders you have always known and loved.. For folks like me, who have tons of files.. it is incredibly useful..

Matthew,

What is missing? The old Documents and settings user structure is still present in Windows 7 with the ability to re-direct the location to another drive - It is augmented by the libraries feature not replaced. The only real change is the renaming of "Documents and settings" to "Users" which in my opinion is actually a more suitable title[/QUOTE]

A couple of things are missing...

1. You can't store 'document' directory on most NAS -- Win7 insists on being able to index the files using it's own mechanism. Since almost all off-the-shelf NAS boxes are based on SAMBA (linux) -- I'm screwed.

2. Intuitively, I should be able to click on 'Matthew' on the main menu and see my stuff.

3. Intuitively, I should be able to right click on 'Matthew' on the main menu and have the option of setting the location of my choice. The option is offered if you dig around using Windows Explorer but not for the 'Matthew' container. Only on the pre-defined subfolders (e.g. Music, Documents, Videos).

4. I find it odd that I can't create new folders in the 'Matthew' container and set their direction. This right seems to be limited, once again, to the pre-determined folders.

For all the flexibility of the 'new' library functions -- they've always been there - I used shortcuts to points to data stores in many different locations. This is just a prettier implementation of the shortcut metaphor.

So...to answer the original posters question...you can't disable or override the library function although I've seen some people tinkering with registry settings to restore the functions that have been lost.

At the risk of being labelled a crank...it would be a nice philosophy for Microsoft to let people organize their stuff according to their tastes and interests. I resent having to reorganize my datastores in the predefined folders.

A couple of easy coding fixes (SP1) would restore the flexibility without upsetting those who like the library metaphor...

because i havent found out how to actually go to a folder from the library (either you cant do it or i cant figure out how) makes this feature pretty useless unless you put everything you have in the librarys.

also the library builds the list of contents in it when you access it which can be annoying when i go to my music library and wait for 4 or so seconds while it builds the list of all my music. if i just go to the folder my music all my songs are displayed instantly.

msimon1960 said:

Matthew,

What is missing? The old Documents and settings user structure is still present in Windows 7 with the ability to re-direct the location to another drive - It is augmented by the libraries feature not replaced. The only real change is the renaming of "Documents and settings" to "Users" which in my opinion is actually a more suitable title

A couple of things are missing...

1. You can't store 'document' directory on most NAS -- Win7 insists on being able to index the files using it's own mechanism. Since almost all off-the-shelf NAS boxes are based on SAMBA (linux) -- I'm screwed.

Yes, you can. I am.

2. Intuitively, I should be able to click on 'Matthew' on the main menu and see my stuff.

You can.

3. Intuitively, I should be able to right click on 'Matthew' on the main menu and have the option of setting the location of my choice. The option is offered if you dig around using Windows Explorer but not for the 'Matthew' container. Only on the pre-defined subfolders (e.g. Music, Documents, Videos).

You have never been able to do this.

4. I find it odd that I can't create new folders in the 'Matthew' container and set their direction. This right seems to be limited, once again, to the pre-determined folders.

Statement doesn't make sense...yes, you can create new folders under 'Matthew.'

For all the flexibility of the 'new' library functions -- they've always been there - I used shortcuts to points to data stores in many different locations. This is just a prettier implementation of the shortcut metaphor.

So...to answer the original posters question...you can't disable or override the library function although I've seen some people tinkering with registry settings to restore the functions that have been lost.

At the risk of being labelled a crank...it would be a nice philosophy for Microsoft to let people organize their stuff according to their tastes and interests. I resent having to reorganize my datastores in the predefined folders.

A couple of easy coding fixes (SP1) would restore the flexibility without upsetting those who like the library metaphor...[/QUOTE]