There are many methods in which to customize your computing environment within Windows XP. These include changing the theme, colors, screen saver and desktop appearance. But did you ever notice that no matter what you do the folders are always the same boring, drab, standard yellow folders? Don’t despair! There is a method to spruce up these folders to make them more colorful, interesting and identifiable by picture.

To change the appearance of a folder, open the folder that you want to modify then:

1. Select View


2. Click on Customize This Folder


3. Select the Customize tab

There are several options available in the dialog box for customizing a folder. The first option allows you to select what type of folder that you want. The type of folder determines what types of task links are displayed when viewing the contents of a folder. For example, if the folder type is set to picture then the task links would include Order prints online and Print pictures.

The next option available allows you to change the standard yellow folder to a picture of your choice.

Note: The picture is only displayed in Thumbnail view. To change to the Thumbnail view for a folder select View | Thumbnails.

To change the folder view to a picture:

1. Click on Choose Picture


2. Browse to picture location


3. Select the picture and click OK

At this point you will be back at the dialog box and there will be a preview of the current selected picture. You can keep this picture, select a different photo or Restore Default view.

The last option available is Change Icon which will switch the standard yellow folder icon to an icon of you choosing. The icon can be one that comes standard or one that you have created yourself. (For details on creating your own icon click on link at bottom of article labeled - Use Custom Icons in MS Windows).

To change the folder view to an icon:

1. Click on Change Icon


2. Select an icon from the list or browse to different location


3. Click on OK

Once you have made all the custom changes to the folder click on OK to save the changes. The folder will now be displayed as you have specified.

Upgrade to Windows XP
If you haven't made the switch to Windows XP there is no better time than the present! More features and a richer computing environment makes Windows XP the ideal operating system.