How to find the Folder Options menu


One of the first things I do after I install a Windows Operating System is to make sure I have access to all hidden folders and that i can see the extension for all files, including common files like ".txt" or ".doc". That is because I want to have complete access to every file or folder from my system.

To make these settings in Windows XP it was pretty easy - while I was browsing through the folders on my system, I selected Tools and then Folder Options from the top menu of Windows Explorer.

When I used Windows Vista for the first time I was a bit surprised to see that the Tools menu is nowhere to be found in Windows Explorer. So where did it go?

It seems that it was hidden from the Windows Explorer default interface. In order to access it, press the ALT key on your keyboard and the old menu will appear.

Tools Menu

Another fast way to find the Folder Options is to use the search box from the start menu. Simply type "folder options" in the search field and the first result should be the Folder Options shortcut.

Start Menu

Click on the it or press the Enter key to open it. Go to the View tab and make the settings you want.

Folder Options

If you want to use the new Control Panel, you need to go to Appearance and Personalization and then click on Folder Options.

Control Panel

If you use the Classic View you will see it in the list of items starting with the letter "f".

Control Panel


Related articles:
Enable the "Copy To Folder" and "Move To Folder" options in your right click menu
Windows Explorer Tips & Tricks



Comments

Types of file viewing options

So far, the way Vista PRESENTS itself to the user is very nice. Many design flaws have been addressed from XP.

But -

What about the file order in the folders?

Does anyone know how to organise a folder by order of dates modified?

It took long enough to get used to that in XP, and with Vista - it seems to be AWOL. Is it just hidden somewhere?

If it's not there, can someone suggest what kind of application might have that ?

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