Set Explorer View as Default for My Computer and Other Folder Windows in Windows XP

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When you open My Computer or any other folder in Windows XP, it shows the Common Tasks in left side as default view.

When you open Windows Explorer, it shows Folder list in left side as default view.

Many people like me find Explorer view more convenient and useful rather than the common tasks pane. So here is a small trick which can be used to set "Explorer" view as default in My Computer and all folder windows. So whenever you'll open My Computer or any folder, it'll show Folder list just like Windows Explorer instead of the common tasks in left side.

1. Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. Now goto:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell

2. In right-side pane, set value of "Default" to explore

3. That's it. Now open My Computer or any other folder, it'll show Folder List in left side pane.

NOTE: To revert back to default view, just delete Default key from right-side pane mentioned in Step 2.

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This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows XP.

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VG

1. You can extract the icons from Vista files like imageres.dll, etc and then apply them using Tuneup utilities.

2. No. You can't get them without 3rd party software like Styler.

3. Logon Studio doesnt create perfect logon screens for XP. You'll need to manually edit "logonui.exe" file and replace bitmaps and code.

4. Not possible.

5. I didnt understand. Which Taskbar icons are you talking about?
software developers

Quite inspiring,

i don't think it is quite the same way as visa! is it?

Anyway, thanks for the post
Kristen

You are the man!!!! Worked great!! I have had a user that had wanted this changed and everytime I changed it and closed the window and reopened it.....back to the way it was even though I had saved the settings...found your glorious tip here....I am so glad there are people like you that don't mind sharing your knowledge with the rest of us computer savvy wanna b's.........
VG

^^ Glad to help you. :)
Faggot85

I know how to solve the issue though. ,
Arvin V. Malabanan

this guide is awesome! thanks for sharing VG!
KB

TQ for your great explanation.
prem pkiet

thanks very useful.............................
alain

I never remember the setting, but i remenber where to find it! Thanks
Ash

A very nice tip. Each time I change my laptop, I end up in this page via google, finally, I have bookmarked this page. Very useful indeed.