Windows XP drops the Customize This Folder Wizard of earlier versions in favor of the Customize This Folder command, whose dialog box lets you apply folder templates or custom images. Most of the time, though, you'll be satisfied with the default folder settings.
To customize a folder:
1. In Windows Explorer, select a folder; then choose View > Customize This Folder (Figure 5.21 ).
or
Right-click a folder icon; then choose Properties > Customize tab.
2. Select a folder template from the list, and specify whether you want the template applied to all its subfolders as well.
The Documents template is for generic folders. Other templates are designed for photo, music, or video folders.
3. To place a picture of your choice on a folder in Thumbnails view, click Choose Picture; then navigate to and select an image file.
If you change your mind, click Restore Default to use default pictures.
4. To change the folder's icon in every view except Thumbnails, click Change Icon; then navigate to and select an icon.
The icon replaces the standard folder icon.
5. Click OK (or Apply).
Tips
Right-click an empty area in Explorer's right pane to choose Customize This Folder.
Customize This Folder isn't available for system folders such as Windows (or WINNT), Program Files, Shared Documents, My Documents, and other "Shared" and "My" folders.
In Thumbnails view, Windows uses the first four files in a picture, music, or video folder to identify it. The folder's sort order determines which files are displayed (Figure 5.22 ).