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Truly hate Windows 7's Windows Explorer, help

S

SoftwareEng

Senior member
I'd fire the guy who designed the Windows 7's explorer "feature" that doesn't show file sizes for mp3 files. I am viewing contents of my folders in the Details view, but because these files are MP3s, Windows Explorer goes into the stupid media style display with columns for Artist name, creation date, Album, etc. But all I want is the REGULAR details, like date, file size, etc. I DON'T want the media-style details!!!

And I want this to apply to all folders, not just the current one. How can I turn off the multimedia-style listing?

Thanks!
 
(I realize I can add another column with File Size, but Windows doesn't remember this fact for all other MP3 folders, and resets the view to the stupid media-style view).
 
Yes I truely hate that feature too. From I remember this also occurred in Vista. I tried to apply my settings to all folders but, alas when a .mp3 sat in a directory somewhere that dumb rating chart view shows up instead.
 
Try this:

Open a folder containing some mp3s > Check "Size" from the drop-down list > Organize > Folder and Search Options > View tab > Apply to Folders

You're welcome 🙂
 
Try going to the root folder where your MP3 files are, IE: My Music.

Right-click/properties/ Customize tab. Choose general items or documents from the 'optimize folder for:' drop down. Check also apply this template to all subfolders. All music folders in the directory should now display like normal folders.

musiclist.jpg
 
Windows Explorer will show the size of MP3 files if, under View, you select CONTENT. Works for me!

content.jpg


All of the albums in the left pane are all MP3, and this is Windows 7.
 
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Why keep using that crap? I couldn't believe my eyes when I first saw they introduced a slider to select different views. It's like MS couldn't decide how best to display folder contents and simply stick everything but the kitchen sink in there. There are plenty of more capable alternatives. Try xplorer2.
 
It's not a slider - a simple drop down menu. As for alternatives, there are several - even good old ZTree for Windows. 🙂
 
Thank you, guys. I don't do heavy file management that would require an Explorer alternative. I was able to configure Explorer to show just the file size in the mp3's Details view without the artist and other crap 🙂
 
AnonymouseUser said:
Try this:

Open a folder containing some mp3s > Check "Size" from the drop-down list > Organize > Folder and Search Options > View tab > Apply to Folders

You're welcome 🙂
Click to expand...

Not sure if I am doing anything wrong but this does not work. My "Apply to Folders" button is greyed out. Not sure what I need to apply to get my .mp3 folders to show date/size etc..
 
GZFant said:
Not sure if I am doing anything wrong but this does not work. My "Apply to Folders" button is greyed out. Not sure what I need to apply to get my .mp3 folders to show date/size etc..
Click to expand...

What folder are you trying to do this to?(c: root?) Are you logged in as the administrator?
 
GZFant said:
Not sure if I am doing anything wrong but this does not work. My "Apply to Folders" button is greyed out. Not sure what I need to apply to get my .mp3 folders to show date/size etc..
Click to expand...

I don't know what the issue is with your system, but I couldn't find any reason it would do that. I did see this, though:

How do I change folder options?

capture_14102010_230209.jpg


Leads to this:

capture_14102010_225747.jpg


Who would have thought it was right there the whole time?
 
Nizology said:
What folder are you trying to do this to?(c: root?) Are you logged in as the administrator?
Click to expand...

I am trying to configure the start/music folder, which I failed to mention(my apologies) is designated to my other harddrive. It is not the on the windows drive. Could that be the problem?

Here is what it looks like:


Again, I am not sure if it is related to the music folder being on the F: drive rather than C🙁Win7 drive).
 
GZFant said:
Again, I am not sure if it is related to the music folder being on the F: drive rather than C🙁Win7 drive).
Click to expand...

To rule that possibility out (or verify it), choose a folder on the C drive and see if the option is still unavailable.

EDIT >> I checked to see if I could duplicate this "bug" on a WinXP computer's D drive with a limited user account, but it was fine, the option was available.
 
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AnonymouseUser said:
To rule that possibility out (or verify it), choose a folder on the C drive and see if the option is still unavailable.

EDIT >> I checked to see if I could duplicate this "bug" on a WinXP computer's D drive with a limited user account, but it was fine, the option was available.
Click to expand...

Just tried it and nothing. On the windows drive they are all same.. Very interesting this is becoming..

I am running admin btw.
 
GZFant said:
Just tried it and nothing. On the windows drive they are all same.. Very interesting this is becoming..

I am running admin btw.
Click to expand...

A google search netted this:

One important thing to be aware of with Windows 7 and Folder Options, and more precisely with Libraries, is that Libraries folder options cannot be applied to all folders (of the same type). They can only be applied to the current/local folder (i.e. Libraries >> Pictures). If you want to apply your Libraries >> Pictures folder options globally, to other folders of the same type, using the APPLY TO FOLDER button you must do this from inside your account folder (i.e. from within the Yoingco >> Pictures folder) and not from the Libraries >> Pictures folder simply because the APPLY TO FOLDERS button is not available from Libraries. This is because Libraries is classed as a shortcut link to the PICTURES folder only whereas using your username folder (i.e. Yoingco) is using the direct path (path name).
Click to expand...

More info here. This excerpt is from the bottom of the page.

Does this pertain to your problem?
 
Another explorer annoyance is when you try and double-click on a file on the far right of the screen it will jump back to the center and your second click is always on another file...pisses me the fuck off while I'm using my HTPC.
 
If W7-64, then narrow the selection to those file managers which display both 64 and 32-bit context menus, otherwise some integrated application functions may not be available.

This excludes the otherwise nice but commercial XYplorer and likewise ye olde PowerDesk.

Freeware to consider includes Nomad.NET and the aforementioned FreeCommander. I am interested in hearing of any other good 'uns as well.
 
I've always used Powerdesk. It can do split view but it can also allow you place shortcuts on the bar to whatever proggies you want. I looked for quite a bit of proggies that can do both but no cigar.
 
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