Set folder view in Windows

Question

In Windows Vista, whenever I open a folder, the selection of columns is nonsensical: album, date taken etc for folders that contain no music or pictures whatsoever. I can select the correct columns for a particular folder, but all the other folders are still wrong, even when I go in to Folder Options and click the button to set the current options to all folders of this type.

How can I tell Windows to use the current column selection for all folders, unless otherwise specified?

Answer 1

eZine Article: Setup a Default Folder View in Windows Vista
talks about some registry stuff along with the points in Daniel's answer.

I have used the steps from Daniel's answer on Windows XP machines.
If they do not work on the Vista, try the eZine article.

Meanwhile, this Vista64 thread suggests Vista SP2 has solved this problem.

Answer 2

First you set the columns the way you want in one folder, then on the Tools menu (Alt+t if the menu is hidden by default), click Folder Options... and then go to the View tab, click Apply to Folders. After confirming, you will see that all your folders (at least of that type) have been changed.

PS. Thanks for asking; it reminded me that I needed to set this up.

Answer 3

See this article from annoyances.org : "Default Folder Template Patch", which says:

Windows Vista has a bug that prevents it from choosing the correct view for a folder based on its contents, which is why you may see thumbnails when they're not appropriate, and no thumbnails when they're needed. The following patch stops Vista from trying to guess how to display a folder, instead forcing it to use the template of your choice.