Windows 7 comes with an advanced and re-designed Windows Explorer. Although it is easy to use but its not very customizable.
You can't customize command bar, you can't remove items from navigation pane. Although these things are possible by using registry tricks and 3rd party apps which we have mentioned in past.
One similar issue is that "User Home" folder, "Control Panel" and "Recycle Bin" items are only visible in navigation pane when you select "Show all folders" option. These items are not shown in normal view.
Today in this tutorial, we'll tell you how to show these 3 items always in navigation pane as shown in following screenshot:
1. Type regedit in RUN or Start menu search box and press Enter. it'll open Registry Editor.
2. Now go to following keys one by one:
To add Control Panel:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{26EE0668-A00A-44D7-9371-BEB064C98683}\ShellFolderTo add User Home Folder:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{59031a47-3f72-44a7-89c5-5595fe6b30ee}\ShellFolderTo add Recycle Bin:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}\ShellFolder
3. Now you'll need to create a new String value PinToNameSpaceTree in right-side pane but Windows will not allow you to create it as you won't have proper permissions.
To get permissions, first right-click on "ShellFolder" key and select "Permissions".
It'll open a new window. Select "Administrators" in user list and check "Allow" box given for "Full Control" permission.
Click on OK button to apply the changes.
4. Now create a new String value "PinToNameSpaceTree" in right-side pane. Leave its value as blank.
5. That's it. Log off or restart your system and you'll get the desired item visible in Windows Explorer's navigation pane.
This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows 7.
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macpro622776
Hey VG, is there a way to customize the command bar?
Mark Anthony
yeah, working..
can we re-position it ?
Emil
Thanks for sharing!
Tried it and it works terrific, much easier find specific folders after amended this.
Hope Windows 8 will come with this feature !
You don't know if it's possible to put GodMode there too?
I've tried with this trick but can't make it visible in the folder tree even ShellFolder is there under
key HKCR\CLSID\{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
Good article & really helpful!
Arc
Hey VG I want to know that how to set background for explorer in windows 7?i've seen it in windowblinds 7 they have given an option for it.
VG
^^ Check following:
http://www.askvg.com/vista-folder-background-set-your-desired-wallpaper-as-folder-background-in-windows-vista/
Arc
Thanx VG. Working great with my win 7 x64.