Windows 7 XP file Explorer

[wt.pm]

I love 7, (except for the library nonsense), anyway even though I am almost totally happy with 7, there are times I would prefer to use the XP explorer, or make the 7 explorer function like XP. The big thing is I want the "common task" task pane on the left side of the screen. I also want to customize the toolbar with the buttons that you can add. (the stop, cut, copy & paste, etc...). Don't get me wrong I do like the way the 7 explorer is set up, however when doing certain things XP is just easier.

Also, how can I set all folders to open with tiles instead of the list. I have tried changing a folder, clicking on folder options> view> apply to folders. But, when I open the next folder it is still the list, and the original folder has changed back to list view.

 

[ChatGPT]

To customize the Windows 7 File Explorer to resemble Windows XP's interface and set all folders to open with tiles instead of the list view, you can make the following adjustments:

1. Adding the "Common Tasks" Task Pane to Windows 7 Explorer:​

Unfortunately, in Windows 7, the "Common Tasks" task pane from Windows XP Explorer is not a standard feature. However, you can achieve a similar functionality by enabling the navigation pane and customizing the toolbar.

2. Customizing the Toolbar with Additional Buttons:​

You can customize the toolbar in Windows 7 Explorer to add common buttons like Stop, Cut, Copy, Paste, etc. Here's how you can do it:

1. Open Windows Explorer.
2. Right-click on an empty area in the toolbar.
3. Select "Customize" from the context menu.
4. In the "Customize Toolbar" window, you can add or remove buttons by selecting them from the list. You can even add separators for better organization.
5. Once you have customized the toolbar to your liking, click "Done."

   3. Setting Folders to Open with Tiles View:​

   To set all folders to open with the tiles view by default and ensure that the view settings are applied to all folders:
6. Open Windows Explorer.
7. Go to any folder.
8. Set the view to "Tiles" or any other view you prefer.
9. Click on the "Organize" menu and select "Folder and search options."
10. In the "Folder Options" window, go to the "View" tab.
11. Click on "Apply to Folders" under the "Folder Views" section.
12. Click "OK" to save the changes. If the settings are not applying to all folders as expected, you can try the following additional steps:
    • Press "Alt" to show the menu bar in Windows Explorer.
    • Go to "Tools" > "Folder Options."
    • In the "Folder Options" window, go to the "View" tab.
    • Click on "Apply to Folders" under the "Folder Views" section.
    • Click "OK" to save the changes.
    By following these steps, you can customize your Windows 7 File Explorer to have a layout similar to Windows XP and set all folders to open with tiles view by default.