I hate the "Libraries" bring back "My Computer"

Another factor in finding the location of files is an organized set of partitions. I like to create dedicated partitions for each group of data types. That way I can find what I want either by manually navigating to it with a file manager, or via the libraries that I have linked to them. I have tried to use drive letters that suggests the contents of each, and I can use the same partition in whatever OS that I'm booted to. So far as I can see, the libraries are just another tool to simplify managing the system.

So, if I have 100Gb+ of data on various non C: drives in several folders, and then put them into Libraries - how do I stop my system backup growing enormously, because that's what happened after I started using libraries and yet the files aren't really there.

Don't move the data to the library locations, move the library location to the data. Open the user account link at the top right of the Start Menu to display a window with all of the libraries. Then with each of them that you choose (leave the ones marked as shortcuts alone), right click a library and go to Properties>Location tab>Move button and navigate to the location where you have that data located, then click the Select Folder button, and if it asks whether to merge the data from the original library location to the new, select yes.

Obviously, this only works well if you already have the data grouped into a good file directory or via dedicated partitions.

EDIT: One word of caution, doing this may cause a problem using the built in backup feature, and you may need to use a third party backup program for that function instead.

Okay, then define "Library" please.

Hello - I am the OP, I have tried using the "Libraries" function on the outside chance that it is just me having difficulty learning a new system, I have been playing with it for a couple of months and I have determined that it is a complete waste of my time and resources, it appears to be an advantage for individuals that store data in multiple locations and is a good way to group those locations into a central location for easier access, I can understand a need for that except for one minor issue that I have, my music is all in one location M:\Music, my photos are all in one location P:\Pictures, my videos are all in one location V:\Videos, my letters and assorted documents are in one location X:\Data and my backups are in one location Z:\Backups, therefore I have absolutely nothing to organize because it already is organized, the use of the libraries function is a redundant step, so I have enabled the “My Computer” shortcut icon and the system works the way I prefer to see it, my drives are one click away, I only have one additional question, all of the Microsoft programs are linked to the “Libraries” so when I use the insert or save function the Libraries window pops up and I still have to search to find my drives, if I disable the “Libraries” function by the regedit method as posted Libraries Folder - Add or Remove from Navigation Pane
Will this remove the “Libraries” function altogether, which I have made my new goal in life - because I absolutely hate it and if I cannot get rid of it I will uninstall W7 and purchase a copy of XP Pro, because unlike most PC users the only thing I use my C:\ for is the OS and the programs (which are backed up elsewhere) and a format of the HD and a new installation with programs is only about a 3 hour process and I have wasted much more than that on W7, BTW I am 53 years old, I am a Licensed Professional Land Surveyor and I have been using Windows OS Systems daily since 1993, and I was around for the Windows ME disaster and the Vista disaster, the real problem I have is; M$ has not learned from those fiascos or listened to the dedicated users as to their workflow, instead they insist on trying to save face on the previous disaster when in fact they have created problems where they did not exist in the first place.

Libraries are awesome. They have simplified file management extremely well. Kudos to Microsoft for this great feature.

I don't get it. Why are some people giving vague and more complex explanations that it actually is (talking to library furies)? I mean, it's basically a shortcut that links to multiple files and folders instead of 1.

[Which is basically what Muad Dib said. Sorry Muad Dib XP]