Well I discovered a while ago that is possible to put a background image in a specific Windows folder.
The visibilty of the file names is the problem of using this feature. I discovered also, that is possible to change the font color for a specific folder. It made things better.
However it is still a little hard to see when a background image is present. Then I need to put also the font in bold for the specified folder.
I browsed through the internet but didn't find a solution.
Would be nice too, putting a gif animation as background but the image put for the folder, stays static.
What solutions may have to customize Windows Folders and is it possible through KDE/GNOME ??
Thank you. For those unaware that became interested, here is the link:
http://www.xs4all.nl/~hwiegman/desktopini.html
Edit1: I forgot to say the program that automatizes this work. Its name is IESHWIZ which is present in Windows 9x.
Edit2: Be careful when setting up a CLSID value for the Desktop.ini because depending the value you choose, you will lose contact with the folder (I didn't make this mistake).
Edit3: Notice that when you put a value for PersistMoniker or WebViewTemplate.NT5, an extra option will appear along with the ComboBox present in the folder's Customize tab.
Edit4: This would be solved if IconArea_TextBackground and IconArea_Image worked together,but unfortunatly they don't.
Folder Art
Folder Art
Last edited by castman on Tue Aug 18, 2009 6:17 pm, edited 11 times in total.
-
Island Boy
- Posts: 123
- Joined: Wed Sep 19, 2007 7:56 pm
Not all images are good as background image.
Thanks 4 the cool link.
Not all images are good as background image. (hard to see icon or read icon text.)
I use a "image editor" (GIMP, Artweaver, PhotoFiltre...) to cover "noisy" images with 70%-80% white or 70%-80% black (font color to white) to make them usable as background image.
Not all images are good as background image. (hard to see icon or read icon text.)
I use a "image editor" (GIMP, Artweaver, PhotoFiltre...) to cover "noisy" images with 70%-80% white or 70%-80% black (font color to white) to make them usable as background image.
Well, I remember that in the past was possible to WebView folders (a very exploited function).
Now, this option is strongly blocked in Windows XP SP3.
However, I've found many registry keys that may reactivate it back.
I will post the '.reg' code to do a single test against it, proving or not its existence in the Windows XP last version.
Also notes In what registry values doesn't exists anymore.
Edit1:
Edit2: The following registry keys aren't present in the registry: AllowLegacyWebView, AllowUnhashedWebView, RevertWebViewSecurity, and UseSystemForSystemFolders.
Edit3: DefaulValue is present in HKLM, DefaultApplied in HKCU and WebView in HKCU.
I will test it later in a Virtual Machine. Or maybe someone can tell me if it works yet, even w/ these registry values.
My Sources
http://www.pcreview.co.uk/forums/thread-2225117.php
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/819028
Edit4: I could enable the WebView after almost giving up. After putting all the Tweaks possible: my .reg code, using UseLegacyHTT for FolderType in Desktop.ini, using a custom .htt file from the site I pointed, changing to "Use Existing Customizing Template" in Folder's Customize Tab and registering webvw.dll.
It doesn't has gif animation in the Background and also I didn't understand how to get the files name (to turn them in bold). It's JavaScript or VBScript which I don't understand that further. Then I stopped trying.
Might Help Someone Who Can Understand
http://www.virtualplastic.net/html/wv_fld.html
http://www.virtualplastic.net/html/wv_scr.html
Edit5: Trying one last time I could put an animated background image for the WebView, NOT behind the files.
Now, this option is strongly blocked in Windows XP SP3.
However, I've found many registry keys that may reactivate it back.
I will post the '.reg' code to do a single test against it, proving or not its existence in the Windows XP last version.
Also notes In what registry values doesn't exists anymore.
Edit1:
Code: Select all
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2728520d-1ec8-4c68-a551-316b684c4ea7}\ShellFolder]
"Attributes"=dword:00000000
"HideInWebView"=dword:00000001
"HideInDomain"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{3c5c43a3-9ce9-4a9b-9699-2ac0cf6cc4bf}\ShellFolder]
"Attributes"=dword:00000000
"HideInWebView"=dword:00000000
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{D4480A50-BA28-11d1-8E75-00C04FA31A86}\ShellFolder]
"Attributes"=dword:00000000
"HideInWebView"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer]
"AllowLegacyWebView"=dword:00000001
"AllowUnhashedWebView"=dword:00000001
"RevertWebViewSecurity"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer]
"UseSystemForSystemFolders"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VisualEffects\WebView]
"DefaultValue"=dword:00000001
"DefaultApplied"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"WebView"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer]
"AllowLegacyWebView"=dword:00000001
"AllowUnhashedWebView"=dword:00000001
"RevertWebViewSecurity"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer]
"UseSystemForSystemFolders"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VisualEffects\WebView]
"DefaultValue"=dword:00000001
"DefaultApplied"=dword:00000001Edit3: DefaulValue is present in HKLM, DefaultApplied in HKCU and WebView in HKCU.
I will test it later in a Virtual Machine. Or maybe someone can tell me if it works yet, even w/ these registry values.
My Sources
http://www.pcreview.co.uk/forums/thread-2225117.php
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/819028
Edit4: I could enable the WebView after almost giving up. After putting all the Tweaks possible: my .reg code, using UseLegacyHTT for FolderType in Desktop.ini, using a custom .htt file from the site I pointed, changing to "Use Existing Customizing Template" in Folder's Customize Tab and registering webvw.dll.
It doesn't has gif animation in the Background and also I didn't understand how to get the files name (to turn them in bold). It's JavaScript or VBScript which I don't understand that further. Then I stopped trying.
Might Help Someone Who Can Understand
http://www.virtualplastic.net/html/wv_fld.html
http://www.virtualplastic.net/html/wv_scr.html
Edit5: Trying one last time I could put an animated background image for the WebView, NOT behind the files.
Last edited by castman on Tue Aug 18, 2009 6:16 pm, edited 3 times in total.
if you want to customize your folders to this extent, i would suggest looking into a replacement for Explorer. i use Directory Opus, and it lets me do much of what you describe. it's the most expensive file manager available, however.
others may let you customize to an equal extent. try looking into them.
others may let you customize to an equal extent. try looking into them.
Well...Making.Everything.Clear
The problem in using a replacement for Windows Explorer is that people are used to the interface. In addition of Windows Explorer is very integrated with Windows.
More than a Windows replacement for Windows Explorer, I want someone to say if it is possible through KDE/GNOME, 'cause I may install Mandriva Linux One last version in my computer.
Thanks Anyway.
Explaining MySelf
I was learning what WebView means for but I won't enable it inside my host computer, because it's too much dangerous.
I also don't want an installer-like replacement for Windows Explorer. I will give the options:
1. Another way of tweaking Windows Explorer options (If Exists)
2. A Portable Freeware File Manager only, to just see my folder customized like I explained, ShellExecute things and Get Out.
3. A way of executing WebView without enabling it in my host computer (w/ internet access disabled inside too). I finally discovered the use of a Portable IE!! (This statement is bullshit: Portable Windows Explorer!!)
4. How to have these requested features inside Linux, without opening a security hole like Explorer's WebView.
More than a Windows replacement for Windows Explorer, I want someone to say if it is possible through KDE/GNOME, 'cause I may install Mandriva Linux One last version in my computer.
Thanks Anyway.
Explaining MySelf
I was learning what WebView means for but I won't enable it inside my host computer, because it's too much dangerous.
I also don't want an installer-like replacement for Windows Explorer. I will give the options:
1. Another way of tweaking Windows Explorer options (If Exists)
2. A Portable Freeware File Manager only, to just see my folder customized like I explained, ShellExecute things and Get Out.
3. A way of executing WebView without enabling it in my host computer (w/ internet access disabled inside too). I finally discovered the use of a Portable IE!! (This statement is bullshit: Portable Windows Explorer!!)
4. How to have these requested features inside Linux, without opening a security hole like Explorer's WebView.
Last edited by castman on Tue Aug 18, 2009 6:18 pm, edited 4 times in total.
Re: Well...Making.Everything.Clear
it doesn't have to be. i have not started explorer.exe in several months. it's not necessary if you have other (better) tools to replace it withcastman wrote:Windows Explorer is very integrated with Windows
so i stand by my suggestion. right-clicking on a folder in DOpus, i can set its label to any color, or to just bold. any folder can have a unique background image as well. oh, and it can be portable too
Hummm
All my old posts in one
I did further tests in My Virtual Machine installing IE 7 and looking at the results and I discovered that old Windows Explorer uses IE 6 interface to WebView while new Windows Explorer uses it own standard interface and executes IE 7 when a external address is called.
Now, I need somebody help with these 2 statements:
1. Everything Thinstall executes gets thinstalled - Except one instance programs already in memory, he only overwrites.
As I see when I get to virtualize Windows Explorer, I still need to take care because it is can call IE 7 and cause a mess in my system.
2. If WebView is enabled in the virtual file system an external Call to IE would not only overwrite Windows Explorer in memory but also enable WebView temporary for IE 7.
As you may have understanded I still not clear about Thinstall virtualization techniques and I would need reviewing the Thinstall manual.
I am using a version of ThinLoader I built myself using an old cracked version of Thinstall (3.358).
I know there are many file managers around but things would get better if we could use the built-in Windows file manager.
I couldn't customize to the extent I wanted using WebView.
WebView is just HTML behind a filelist object. You can assign width, height and position to the area of the FileList (Nothing beyond).
I tried to force to show FileNames in Bold. Unfortunatly, without success.
I tried to stretch Icons in width parameter. Doesn't work anymore.
I discovered that to Activate WebView you only have to include these registry keys and set through desktop.ini (only .htt files) and customize tab to use existing WebView.
I was only wasting my time ( 
)
I discovered the following tweak from TweakUI, what helped me a lot.
All my old posts in one
I did further tests in My Virtual Machine installing IE 7 and looking at the results and I discovered that old Windows Explorer uses IE 6 interface to WebView while new Windows Explorer uses it own standard interface and executes IE 7 when a external address is called.
Now, I need somebody help with these 2 statements:
1. Everything Thinstall executes gets thinstalled - Except one instance programs already in memory, he only overwrites.
As I see when I get to virtualize Windows Explorer, I still need to take care because it is can call IE 7 and cause a mess in my system.
2. If WebView is enabled in the virtual file system an external Call to IE would not only overwrite Windows Explorer in memory but also enable WebView temporary for IE 7.
As you may have understanded I still not clear about Thinstall virtualization techniques and I would need reviewing the Thinstall manual.
I am using a version of ThinLoader I built myself using an old cracked version of Thinstall (3.358).
I know there are many file managers around but things would get better if we could use the built-in Windows file manager.
I couldn't customize to the extent I wanted using WebView.
WebView is just HTML behind a filelist object. You can assign width, height and position to the area of the FileList (Nothing beyond).
I tried to force to show FileNames in Bold. Unfortunatly, without success.
I tried to stretch Icons in width parameter. Doesn't work anymore.
I discovered that to Activate WebView you only have to include these registry keys and set through desktop.ini (only .htt files) and customize tab to use existing WebView.
Code: Select all
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer]
"AllowLegacyWebView"=dword:00000001
"AllowUnhashedWebView"=dword:00000001
"RevertWebViewSecurity"=dword:00000001I was only
wasting my time ( )I discovered the following tweak from TweakUI, what helped me a lot.
Code: Select all
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer]
"AltColor"=hex(3):00,FF,00,00
"AltEncryptionColor"=hex(3):40,00,80,00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Colors]
"HotTrackingColor"="0 0 128"
Last edited by castman on Tue Aug 18, 2009 6:12 pm, edited 6 times in total.
I currently use Lovely Folders to customize windows folders. It works pretty fine foe me.
Lovely Folders is $19.95 http://www.lovelysoft.com/
Folder Art
I discovered 2 very good programs for Window Management: WinExplorer (nirsoft - open source), WinSpy++ (catch22 - open source) and Diver++ Manager (This one did what I was looking for)
http://nirsoft.net/utils/winexp.html
http://www.deskex.com
http://www.catch22.net/software/matrix.asp
Another Interesting Open Source: WindList. Only can change text strings and resize but has nameless window support (and also class and invisible support)
http://www.geocities.com/pv_wer/progs/windlist.html
Send Messsages and Inspect Messages (Not Open Source):
http://missdeer.googlepages.com/en.htm LLYF Toolbox
http://www.maxoutput.com SendMsg
http://www.windows-spy.com Winspector Spy
Those applications are not open source but they complete the list
http://www.bttsoftware.co.uk/wndlist.html Window List
http://www.geocities.com/belthurgp WinSpy 2
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/Syst ... avan.shtml WinSpy
http://www.nakencow.tk CowSpy
Didatic purposes
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Programmin ... -Spy.shtml Microsoft Control Spy
http://docs.geoshell.org/display/R4/Def ... nager.html
I finally understand what the classes\folder\shell\open key stands for. I think ViSplore uses this method, I will test it carefully later.
http://nirsoft.net/utils/winexp.html
http://www.deskex.com
http://www.catch22.net/software/matrix.asp
Another Interesting Open Source: WindList. Only can change text strings and resize but has nameless window support (and also class and invisible support)
http://www.geocities.com/pv_wer/progs/windlist.html
Send Messsages and Inspect Messages (Not Open Source):
http://missdeer.googlepages.com/en.htm LLYF Toolbox
http://www.maxoutput.com SendMsg
http://www.windows-spy.com Winspector Spy
Those applications are not open source but they complete the list
http://www.bttsoftware.co.uk/wndlist.html Window List
http://www.geocities.com/belthurgp WinSpy 2
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/Syst ... avan.shtml WinSpy
http://www.nakencow.tk CowSpy
Didatic purposes
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Programmin ... -Spy.shtml Microsoft Control Spy
http://docs.geoshell.org/display/R4/Def ... nager.html
I finally understand what the classes\folder\shell\open key stands for. I think ViSplore uses this method, I will test it carefully later.
Last edited by castman on Sat Aug 22, 2009 3:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Folder Art
Tested: Not Portable
WinSpy++: http://www.catch22.net/software/
It's Portable if you don't select any settings, otherwise it saves to HKCU\SOFTWARE\Catch22\WinSpy++ 1.5.
WinSpy++: http://www.catch22.net/software/
It's Portable if you don't select any settings, otherwise it saves to HKCU\SOFTWARE\Catch22\WinSpy++ 1.5.