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Windows XP and Explorer

Change the Folder Type

SUMMARY: Configure Windows XP to provide special functions for folders containing pictures, music, video, or general documents.

Windows XP automatically attempts to determine the type of files inside each Explorer folder and act accordingly. This way it can display folder details, item types, and options geared towards the main file type.

From time to time Windows XP may not correctly determine a folder's main file type, or it may forget previously configured settings. Luckily it is easy to change the type of a folder as can be seen in the below movie:

Changing the type of Windows XP folder in Explorer

The steps taken in the movie are as follows:

1. From an Explorer window, choose "View" - "Customize this Folder".

2. When the folder properties multi-tabbed dialog box appears click the pull-down underneath "What kind of folder do you want?".

3. Choose the folder type:

* Documents
* Pictures
* Photo Album
* Music from various artists and albums
* Music from one artist
* Music from one album
* Videos

4. When satisfied with your selection, click "OK" to save your settings.

Note that if the left pane shown in the above movie does not appear in your Explorer folders, you can re-enable the left pane common tasks.