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Truly hate Windows 7's Windows Explorer, help

SoftwareEng

Senior member
Apr 24, 2005
553
4
81
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!
 

SoftwareEng

Senior member
Apr 24, 2005
553
4
81
(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).
 

Robert Munch

Senior member
Oct 11, 2006
899
0
76
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.
 

AnonymouseUser

Diamond Member
May 14, 2003
9,943
107
106
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 :)
 

Zaap

Diamond Member
Jun 12, 2008
7,162
424
126
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
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
27,370
240
106
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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jobz

Member
Jun 9, 2009
117
0
0
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.
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
27,370
240
106
It's not a slider - a simple drop down menu. As for alternatives, there are several - even good old ZTree for Windows. :)
 

SoftwareEng

Senior member
Apr 24, 2005
553
4
81
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 :)
 

Barfo

Lifer
Jan 4, 2005
27,539
212
106
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 :)
how?
 

atran5e

Golden Member
Sep 13, 2008
1,292
0
71
Got some issues with it as well. Used to love Explorer, now it's more like a chore :/
 

GZFant

Senior member
Feb 18, 2003
437
0
76
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 :)

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..
 

Nizbot

Senior member
Oct 13, 2004
765
1
81
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..

What folder are you trying to do this to?(c: root?) Are you logged in as the administrator?
 

AnonymouseUser

Diamond Member
May 14, 2003
9,943
107
106
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..

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?
 

GZFant

Senior member
Feb 18, 2003
437
0
76
What folder are you trying to do this to?(c: root?) Are you logged in as the administrator?

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).
 

AnonymouseUser

Diamond Member
May 14, 2003
9,943
107
106
Again, I am not sure if it is related to the music folder being on the F: drive rather than C:(Win7 drive).

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.
 
Last edited:

GZFant

Senior member
Feb 18, 2003
437
0
76
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.

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

I am running admin btw.
 

AnonymouseUser

Diamond Member
May 14, 2003
9,943
107
106
Just tried it and nothing. On the windows drive they are all same.. Very interesting this is becoming..

I am running admin btw.

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).

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

Does this pertain to your problem?
 

Loop2kil

Platinum Member
Mar 28, 2004
2,605
21
81
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.
 

GundamF91

Golden Member
May 14, 2001
1,827
0
0
Ok, what are alternatives to WinExplorer?

So far I heard about "xplorer2" and "Total COmmander"?
 

Auric

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 1999
9,591
2
71
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.
 

abaez

Diamond Member
Jan 28, 2000
7,155
1
81
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.