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

 

[therock]

bono007

Thanks form the post but what are you solving with your setup?

With the other setup posted here the only complaint I have is the columns do not auto size to fit.

 

[bono007]

In my case, you need the tutorial from this site, PLUS, and I don't know if it is the case for anyone, but having the Favorite Links Panel activated will reset the folder settings anyhow. Try opening folders from the favorite links panel, then go directly to the same folders through my computer. See if your settings hold.

Also, if you use CCleaner or any cleanup program, make sure you don't erase any Windows Explorer settings.

 

[dtgVA]

Brink...

This is a wonderful site! I've just downloaded the .reg file... and what do you know....Vista remembers my folder view settings!

Thank you for your hard work and expertise. I particularly appreciate your kind demeanor when replying to questions or comments.

Keep up the good work!

dtgVA

 

[Brink]

You're welcome DtgVA, and welcome to Vista Forums.

Shawn

 

[Brink]

Updated to add steps 25 to 28 in METHOD TWO on the first post.

Shawn

 

[ckuklbac]

Can we take this a bit further?
The column headings in "music details" are of little use to me as they display redundant information (usually based on mp3 tags).

I would like to know how to change the columns chosen by microsoft to ones chosen by me.

Same goes for the "pictures and videos" template. Useless. I want to put in my own headings from the list of headings provided.

Once the new column headings are chosen, can the "Name" column be set to automatically resize according to each folder's content when each folder is opened? I gues it would be great for all columns to resize automatically, come to think of it.

Then I would want to aplly these settings to all sub directories.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

Tommy

 

[spincycle]

Hi Shawn,

When I right click on the file Reset_Folder_View.reg I don't see a "Merge" option. Am I completely missing something?

Thanks,

Jim

P.S. Is there any way to force folders in external (USB) drives to remember their display settings?

 

[Brink]

Hello Jim, and welcome to Vista Forums.

Double check in Default Programs (METHOD TWO at link) to make sure that the .reg file has the current program of Registry Editor (C:\Windows\regedit.exe) set to open it by.

Afterwards, see if you can merge it.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[Brink]

Can we take this a bit further?
The column headings in "music details" are of little use to me as they display redundant information (usually based on mp3 tags).

I would like to know how to change the columns chosen by microsoft to ones chosen by me.

Same goes for the "pictures and videos" template. Useless. I want to put in my own headings from the list of headings provided.

Once the new column headings are chosen, can the "Name" column be set to automatically resize according to each folder's content when each folder is opened? I gues it would be great for all columns to resize automatically, come to think of it.

Then I would want to aplly these settings to all sub directories.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

Tommy

Hello Tommy, and welcome to Vista Forums.

I'm sorry, but I am not aware of any way do set default columns like that for a template.

Shawn

 

[spincycle]

So, I fixed the Default Program setting, which then showed the proper icon on the file (associated with Regedit), but still no right-click "Merge" option. So, I just went ahead and ran it! Now onto the remainder of the steps :-)

 

[Brink]

Jim,

I'm happy to hear that you got it sorted.

 

[cahoszerox]

Mostly likely I will not be on vista forums much, unless I have problems, however one thing I must say.

Your guide was extensive, but not with any unnecessary info, or anything left out

Thanks so much party:

 

[Brink]

Your welcome Cahoszerox, and welcome to Vista Forums.

Shawn

 

[ttor]

Hi, thanks for the very nice tutorial!!

However, it worked for me for no longer than 3 days, now vista starts to change my folder views again... I'm a designer and I have no idea what's going on and where I had been doing wrong but vista is definitely killing me... Do I have to un-tick options such like "Remember each folder's view settings" which I ticked earlier before running this tutorial?!

My system is Windows Vista Home Premium X64...

Thank you!

 

[Brink]

Hello Ttor, and welcome to Vista Forums.

You will need to leave that option checked.

Check to see if any utility programs that you have installed (ex: CCleaner) has an option that clears the folder view or user cache, then disable those options.

Normally Vista would remember the folder view settings for the currently open window for how it was when it was last closed at the location it was opened from.

Hope this helps for now,
Shawn

 

[BleepingCrazy]

Thanks again Shawn, the reg file worked a treat!

 

[Brink]

You're welcome Sam.

 

[trimix]

Hi,

Did the recommended registry edit to have vista remember folder type/view settings. Seems to be working so far except one thing: can't control column width anymore. For some folders the columns are displayed wide enough (like shows Date Modified) while for some folders the column width is defaulted next time I open it (like shows Date Modif...) even if I change it manually. Don't see any discernible pattern in what is displayed: like some music folders show wide enough columns, and some music folders show all columns with same default width.

Anything obvious that can be done to fix this?

Thanks

 

[Brink]

Hello Trimix, and welcome to Vista Forums.

The column width is not as easy as the other folder view settings. If you get one that does not match for the same folder template, then try the Folder Options, View, Apply To Folders option to see if that may help more with it.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[VYP3R]

hi, nice tutorial indeed, but one bad thing, after i applied the reg key and followed the steps, after i rebooted my pc wont start again, it stops at the loading windows screen, and stays that way, i had to go to "restore last good configuration that worked" to enter windows, after restart does the same, so yea, basically i need to format now... not so great u know...