Windows Explorer Folder View settings

How to Reset Windows Explorer Folder View Settings to Make Vista Remember​

   Information

Vista sets the Explorer window view settings and folder type template according to what folder types are in the window. This will show you how to reset the Windows Explorer folder view settings, turn off Automatic Folder Type Discovery, and increase the folder view cache to have Vista remember the view settings, folder type template, size, or position of a specific window for when it was last closed at the specific path location.

This does not work with the sub Save As, Open With, Open in New Tab (Internet Explorer), etc.... type dialog windows through the File menu bar item though. These do not seem to be able to have their size or position remembered. For these, you can use the free program AutoSizer to resize them.

   Note

• The Windows Explorer window pane Layout settings are universal for all window templates. These are the Search Pane, Details Pane, Preview Pane, and Navigation Pane. They can only be turned on or off for all windows with the same folder template. For example, the Music Details, Music Icons, Pictures and Videos, All Items, Contacts, and Documents.
• This will have no affect on the memory for the Open, Save, and Save As dialog boxes for having them open to the same location.
• External devices (EX: USB drive) will not retain their folder view settings when turned off or disconnected from the computer.

   Tip

It has been reported that installing the Vista SP2 has helped resolved this issue of Vista forgetting folder view settings for no apparent reason.

   Warning

The exact cause of Vista losing it's memory on your folder view settings has not been found yet. This may just reset them for now to help Vista remember them again. It has been noticed that changing a lot of window folder view settings in combination with some unknown applications settings may be triggering this forgetfulness. Make sure that you do not have a setting in a 3rd party program set to clear the folder view setting cache when it is used. (EX: CCleaner - Window Size/Location cache option under Cleaner -> Advanced)

METHOD ONE

Normal Way to Reset a Folder Type View Settings

   Note

This resets the folder view settings for all folders with this same folder template type back to the default view settings. You will need to use METHOD TWO below for Vista not remembering your settings for all the folder views.

1. Open Folder Options from the Control Panel (Classic View), and click on the View tab and Reset Folders button. (See screenshot below)​

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2. Click on Yes to the confirmation pop-up.​

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3. Click on OK to close Folder Options.​

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METHOD TWO

Reset All Folder View Settings to Make Vista Remember

   Note

• This resets all current folder view settings so they will be rebuilt when you restart.
• This will also bring back the Uninstall, Change, Repair, or Uninstall/Change buttons in Programs and Features if missing.

OPTION ONE

Automatically Using a REG File Download

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1. Click on the Download button below to download the Reset_Folder_View.zip file and save it to your desktop.

   Note

This .reg download includes and does all of the Manual section below for you automatically.

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2. Open the ZIP file and extract the Reset_Folder_View.reg file to your desktop.​

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3. Right click on the downloaded Reset_Folder_View.reg file and click on Merge.​

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4. Click on Run button in the Security Warning prompt.​

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5. Click on Continue in the UAC prompt.​

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6. Click on YES in the Confirmation prompt.​

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7. Click on OK in the Success prompt.​

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8. Go to step 29 in OPTION TWO below to finish wrapping this up.​

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OPTION TWO

Manually Through Registry Editor

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Reset Folder View Settings :​

1. Open the Start Menu.​

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2. In the white line (Start Search) area, type regedit and press Enter.​

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3. Click on Continue in the UAC prompt.​

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4. In regedit, go to:​

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HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell

5. In the left pane, right click on Bags, and click on Delete. (See screenshot below)​

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A) Click on Yes in the confirmation pop-up window.​

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6. In the left pane, right click on BagMRU, and click on Delete. (See screenshot below)​

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A) Click on Yes in the confirmation pop-up window.​

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7. In regedit, go to:​

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HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell

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A) In the left pane, right click on BagMRU and click Delete. (See screenshot below step 8)​

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B) Click on Yes in the confirmation pop-up window.​

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C) In the left pane, right click on Bags and click on Delete.​

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D) Click on Yes in the confirmation pop-up window.​

8. In regedit, go to:​

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HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam

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A) In the left pane, right click on BagMRU if here and click Delete. (See screenshot below step 8)​

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B) Click on Yes in the confirmation pop-up window.​

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C) In the left pane, right click on Bags if here and click on Delete.​

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D) Click on Yes in the confirmation pop-up window.​

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9. The registry will now look like this. (See screenshot below)​

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Disable Automatic Folder Type Discovery for Templates :​

CREDIT TO: Kristan Kenney: Confessions of a Windows Enthusiast

   Note

This will allow you to have what folder type template you set for the window instead of Vista automatically assigning a default template to it based on the contents of the window. This is when you have your folder template changed to Pictures and Videos from All Items when you put one image file in the folder.

   Note

OPTION: This is an optional section, but it is recommended. Steps 1-9 must have been done first before you do this section. If you decide to skip it, then go to step 21.​

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10. In regedit, go to: (See screenshot below)​

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HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell

11. In the left pane, right click on Shell and click on New and Key.​

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12. Type Bags and press Enter. (See screenshots below)​

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13. In the left pane, right click on Bags and click New and Key.​

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14. Type AllFolders and press Enter. (See screenshots below)​

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15. In the left pane, right click AllFolders and click on New and Key.​

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16. Type Shell and press Enter. (See screenshots below)​

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17. In the right pane of Shell, right click on a empty area and click on New and String Value.​

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18. Type FolderType and press Enter. (See screenshot below)​

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19. In the right pane, right click on FolderType and click on Modify.​

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20. Type NotSpecified (or one below) and click on OK. (See screenshots below)​

   Tip

You can type any one of these values in bold below instead to apply the template as the default for all folder types. You will still be able to change a individual folder type template to what you want and have Vista remember it afterwards.

   Tip

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Value	Description
NotSpecified	All Items folder type template
Contacts	Contacts folder type template
Music	Music Details folder type template
MusicIcons	Music Icons folder type template
Documents	Documents folder type template
Pictures	Pictures and Videos folder type template with large icons

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Increase Folder View Cache Memory :

   Note

This will increase the amount of folders to be remembered for changes to the folder view settings.

   Note

OPTION: This is a optional step, but the increase will help ensure that Vista does not forget. Steps 1-9 must be done first before you do this section. If you decide to skip it, them go to step 25.​

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21. In regedit, go to: (See screenshot below)​

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HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell

22. In the right pane, right click on BagMRU Size.​

NOTE: If you do not have the BagMRU Size value, then right click on a empty space in the right pane and click on New and DWORD (32-bit) Value. Type in BagMRU Size and press enter.​

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23. Click on Modify.​

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24. Dot the Decimal and type 20000 (folders) and click on OK. (See screenshot below)

   Note

5000 is the default number of folders to be remembered.

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Deleting Local Group Policy Setting :​

   Note

This will show you how to check to see if this Group Policy setting has been set to not save the position of open windows or the size and position of the taskbar when users log off, and to delete if it is so that the changed will now be remembered at exit.

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25. In regedit, go to: (See screenshot below)​

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HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer​

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26. In the right pane, look to see if you have NoSaveSettings. If you do, then right click on NoSaveSettings and click on Delete and Yes to confirm deletion. (See screenshot above)​

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27. In regedit, go to:​

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HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer​

28. Repeat step 26 if you have NoSaveSettings here as well.​

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Wrapping it Up :​

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29. Close regedit.​

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30. Log off and log on,or restart the computer to apply the reset and to let Vista rebuild the registry keys with a clean slate.​

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31. Open Folder Options.​

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A) Click on the View tab. (See screenshot below)​

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B) Check Remember each folder's view settings.​

   Warning

If left unchecked, Vista will ignore custom view settings for every folder and have every folder open using default settings instead. Only, uncheck this setting to force all folders to stop using display settings you have specified.

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C) Uncheck Restore previous folder windows at logon.​

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D) Click on OK.​

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32. Make the changes you want for the opened Windows Explorer windows.​

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33. To Apply These Changes to All the Same Folder Type Templates ​

   Tip

For more information on folder templates, see: How to Choose and Customize a Folder Type Template and Columns in Vista and How to Change the Windows Explorer Columns and Sort Order in Vista

A) Open Folder Options​

WARNING: Folder Options must be opened from within the same Windows Explorer window that you are changing or the Apply to Folders button will be grayed out.​

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B) Click on the View tab. (See screenshot below step 31D)​

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C) Click on the Apply to Folders button.​

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D) Click on Yes in the confirmation prompt.​

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E) Click on OK.​

34. To Apply Changes to Just this Window Template​

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A) Close the window when you make your changes to the Windows Explorer window to save the folder view settings for just that one window.

   Warning

Vista will only remember the way it is when you last closed the window.

35. To Apply Changes to All Window Templates​

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A) In step 20 above, you can change the default folder template used of (NotSpecified) to what you want instead for all folder templates without having to restart the computer again.​

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That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

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• How to Back Up and Restore Your Folder View Settings in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
• How to Change a Windows Explorer Folder Type Template in Vista
• How to Change a Default Open Window Size for a Shortcut in Vista
• How to Change Windows Explorer Default Open Location
• How to Use the Windows Explorer Address Bar in Vista
• How to Enable or Disable the Menu Bar in Vista
• How to Change the Windows Explorer Columns and Sort Order in Vista
• How to Enable or Disable Folder Options in Vista
• How to Turn the Preview Pane On or Off in Vista
• How to Turn the Navigation Pane On or Off in Vista
• How to Change the Sort Order for Numbers in File and Folder Names in Vista
• How to Enable or Disable Auto-Hide for Vista Explorer Full Screen F11
• How to Hide or Show File Names in Vista
• How to Disable Auto Arrange in Vista Windows Explorer to have Free Sorting

 

[Brink]

I'm glad that someone was able to explain this better then I was. This is exactly my problem. So the question is:
How do you make a new template and then install them??

I'm unsure if you mean an extra template in addition to the 5 templates alreaddy there (All items, documents, pictures and videos, Music details, Music icons). So if that wasn't your question, can anybody tell me that? How do I get more templates so that I can create more types of folder settings then just these 5?

Anyway, this sytem is working pretty good. Still some minor things which is not perfect, such as width of some columns keeps dropping back and Vista won't listen to my adjustements for that + some other stuff. Definetely not flawless, but it's better if anything. So basically now I just use the enlarged preview window for the folders I want to use in the same way I used filmstrip in XP, and it's actually working quite nice.

Nice tutorial this. Kudos Brink

PS: irvdk, if your question really was how to set the different templates, adjusting the view etc. on the different folders, then I could help you with that one. Just let me know in that case. I've just done that my self.

Irvdk and Dudelidu,

This tutorial will show you how to change a the folder template of a Windows Explorer window to what you want it to be instead.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/77444-windows-explorer-folder-type-templates.html

The main difference is that when you use the Apply to Folders option, it applies the folder view settings to all Windows Explorer windows with the same folder template as you are using the Apply to Folders option in. It will not change the ones with different folder templates.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[irvdk]

Shawn,
In the link you provided all of the views are with the Navigation Pane Layout showing...What I want is for that not to be showing in some of the layouts, but showing in others! I understand how to do all of these things. Simple put I want to be able to use the same template with and without the Navigation Pane.
Thanks,

 

[Brink]

Irvdk,

That would be nice, but unfortunately that is not an option in Vista. What you do in one folder template with the panes happens to all of the same folder templates. I have found no way around this other than changing templates.

Sorry,
Shawn

 

[kuciwalker]

"Warning: The exact cause of Vista losing its memory on your folder view settings has not been found yet."

My inference is that someone at Microsoft has NO IDEA how to code a ****dam*** hash table. Seriously, let's list some symptoms here (some you've mentioned, some I've observed):

• The problem often happens after a lot of folders have had their settings remembered or changed.
• A common instance is Program Files et. al. suddenly looking like Music Icons or Music Details - both of which are often assigned to MANY folders.
• (My observation) occasionally, the problem will mysteriously revert itself.
• (My observation) sometimes changing the type of one folder will alter the type in another <-- this is a damning one
• The problem is alleviated but not solved by increasing the number of folders Explorer remembers.
• (My observation) sometimes when a folder is accessible via two different paths, it looks different depending on which path you used.

All of this just screams to me that Explorer is hashing the pathname and using that as an index into a hashtable to store the settings, and isn't checking for collisions!

I really want to stab someone at MS for making a mistake that would get you a failing grade on a highschool-level compsci assignment.

 

[Brink]

Hi Kuciwalker, and welcome to Vista Forums.

I agree that it should have been written just a bit better.

These listed items that may also help you keep it from reverting back.

• If you use the Apply To Folders option, it will change the folder view settings in all Windows Exporer windows with the same folder template that you used the Apply To Folders option in.
• Folders like the user folders use a junction point (symbolic link) to have them in two locations but are still the same folder without them being a shortcut. Because of the two locations, each location will have it's own folder view settings for the same folder.
• Some utilty programs have various options to clear some of the different folder view settings. (Ex: Window Size/Location Cache, Custom Files and Folders, etc...)

Hope this helps some,
Shawn

 

[dudelidu]

Shawn,
In the link you provided all of the views are with the Navigation Pane Layout showing...What I want is for that not to be showing in some of the layouts, but showing in others! I understand how to do all of these things. Simple put I want to be able to use the same template with and without the Navigation Pane.
Thanks,

I've been wanting to do the same since I launched Vista for the first time about a week ago. Believe me I know how you feel. What seams to be the ONLY solution is for you to program different folder templates to appear with/without the navigation pane. I do this with the preview pane and it's working pretty good. Basically what you do is:

1. Step 1-7 method 1, step 1-7 and 25-28 method 2 in this tutorial. Maybe that's too much, but that's what I did.
2. Then you go to the folder you want the navigation pane visible in.
3. Then you right click and choose customize folder, then choose a different folder type i.e. music icons and click ok.
4. Then adjust this folder exactly the way you want it (with/without navigation pane, with/without preview, what details in the "sort by" columns etc.).
5. Then you click "alt" and choose "Tools" and then "folder options". Inside folder options click "View" and then "Apply to folders", accept/agree the warning message.
6. Now when you want another folder to look the same as the one you just made, do step 2 and 3 over again and in step 3 you choose the same folder templates as the one you saved.

This way you can make about 5 templates which you can use as templates, and then change the content and save each folder the way you want simply by exiting them (i.e. size of icons, what "sort by" values etc., not for the layout such as navigation pane, for that you must choose the template you now have made through step 2 to 5 or simply make yet another template with the different layout).
This workes for me. Now I have some folder with navigation and preview. Some with only preview, some with big icons, some with details list etc. Try it and see if it solves your problems.

 

[dudelidu]

"Warning: The exact cause of Vista losing its memory on your folder view settings has not been found yet."

My inference is that someone at Microsoft has NO IDEA how to code a ****dam*** hash table. Seriously, let's list some symptoms here (some you've mentioned, some I've observed):

• The problem often happens after a lot of folders have had their settings remembered or changed.
• A common instance is Program Files et. al. suddenly looking like Music Icons or Music Details - both of which are often assigned to MANY folders.
• (My observation) occasionally, the problem will mysteriously revert itself.
• (My observation) sometimes changing the type of one folder will alter the type in another <-- this is a damning one
• The problem is alleviated but not solved by increasing the number of folders Explorer remembers.
• (My observation) sometimes when a folder is accessible via two different paths, it looks different depending on which path you used.

All of this just screams to me that Explorer is hashing the pathname and using that as an index into a hashtable to store the settings, and isn't checking for collisions!

I really want to stab someone at MS for making a mistake that would get you a failing grade on a highschool-level compsci assignment.

I feel you pain!!!!!!!!! The last 7 days I've spent talking trash about Microsoft 24/7 until my mouth'd gone dry! Seriously, what the hell? But I'm not gonna blow out too much steam here in this thread. My friends have to be that valve for now. I seriously freaking hate Vista, and most likely I will never ever feel it any different unless some freakishly big updates is available for download which changes the one gazillion things I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A CHOICE WHETHER I WANT IT LIKE THIS OR NOT (where "not" in most cases means the way they've done it in every single OS since Gates was the skinny nerd sit'n in his garage, only in Vista it's different and unchangeable). Did someone say maximized windows????

I bought a Mac 6 months ago to try to see if I could accept the differences in the OS. At that time I thought PC OS was smarter in many ways. Now I really regret my choice of delivering that Mac back to the shop. I definitely would have kept the Mac if I knew the things about Vista which I know today. Not a doubt in my mind. Hell, I even tried selling my new PC to my mum so I could just forget about it all and get me a Mac

*pulling hair out of head*

 

[irvdk]

My friend,
I have been using Vista for 18 months now. I started out with the business edition and then bought Ultimate. With some of its flaws I still think its great!! I would NOT go back to XP. There is a learning curve with every new operating system as there is with everything in life.
There are lots of other choices when it comes to operating systems, so why make yourself so crazy and upset. Find one of the many other ones out there that you would enjoy using.

 

[dudelidu]

I would NOT go back to XP. There is a learning curve with every new operating system as there is with everything in life.
There are lots of other choices when it comes to operating systems, so why make yourself so crazy and upset. Find one of the many other ones out there that you would enjoy using.

Never said I was going back to XP.

Learning curve? Of things that you can't learn? Things that are just like this and which you can't change? That's learning material!? Nope....sorry....that's just flaws and functions impossible to understand and which will keep me annoyed for a long time. I've been waiting for this operating system for 5-6 years. You've had it for 18 months, I haven't even had for 18 days. So my anger is fresh in mind. In 18 months I too probably is going to be laid back and totaly in harmony with the functions which makes me have to double the number of clicks to perform many of the tasks I want.

The many other OS out there? Please.....if you count earlier versions of MS then yes it's many. if not, then my options is extremely limited. But one of the reasons I longed to upgrade from XP was the constant instability in XP. Vista is more stable but more stupid. Simple as that. So it's not like it's an easy choice. It's just not. Thats why I'm so upset. But hey, maybe I'm lucky and get rid of my PC and swap OS once and for all. Fingers crossed.....

 

[irvdk]

You could always go to Linux....talk about options.....I run that as a virtual machine and have four of those running. So I really think that you have many options to chose from. I have 3 machines that run XP SP3 and have 0 problems with stability. One of them is Overclocked and still no stability problems.

I wish you good luck in whatever you decide to do.

 

[Brink]

Hi Irvdk and Dudelidu,

Let's stay on topic about the Folder View Settings.

Thank you.

 

[demo123]

Hi Brink,

is there a way to start device-manager and perfmon.msc maximized?

Everytime i start device-manager or perfmon.msc it comes up only in window-mode.

best regards

 

[Brink]

Hi Demo,

I tried various ways to do so with these, but I have not had any luck with them either.

Sorry,
Shawn

 

[demo123]

Thanks for response Shawn,

i´ll keep my eyes open about this,maybe you too.

best regards

 

[maclover]

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Worked perfectly. Saved me HUNDREDS of future hours.

Seriously.

Thanks!

Cheers,

Dan Denley

 

[Brink]

Your welcome Dan, and welcome to Vista Forums.

Shawn

 

[WildEagle]

Thanks, recently my Vista 64 SP1 started forgetting my folder view settings, and this tweak came in handy.

 

[Brink]

Your welcome WildEagle. Thank you for the feedback.

Shawn

 

[moha84]

It worked well and like a charm, but after few days Vista back to forget view settings again and have had to do all steps here once again and now I lost view settings again , it seems I have had to do all these steps every time vista lose it memory.

anyone experienced this issue who followed these steps? any suggestion to force vista to not forget it again please, it annoying me a lot.

P.S. I don't use any 3rd party software to clear my systems cache ever.

 

[Brink]

Hi DrT,

I have noticed that these windows that cannot have their folder views remembered all have the UAC prompt with them. It seems as if this is interfering somehow.