New user looking for "desktop folders?"

from WinCustomize Forums
I have been around the site a bit, and have downloaded some desktop objects and themes, but I was wondering about a particular feature. Is there a known way to make a 'container' on the desktop for files, basically a regular explorer window that stays locked and in the background as if it were part of the desktop, but over regular desktopX effects? I have my main icons on the desktop, but want a fast access area to my downloads folder.

I might just have to make something for use here, if I can manage to find some inspiration.
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Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
There are several ways I can think of to do this, assuming you are using Windows XP. You can create a shortcut on your desktop to any folder just by right clicking on the folder and then clicking on 'Send to...'>'Desktop (create shortcut)'. From there, you could use IconX to have this icon show as part of your DX theme, and you can even use some of the IconX effects to make it zoom or what have you. This is the simplest way I can think of doing it, and wouldn't require any great graphics skill. Just use an existing icon.

You could also create a simple DesktopX object that would open the folder in Explorer. The instructions for doing this are in the DX2 documents that come with the program.

You could also drag the folder icon from explorer or the folder shortcut from the desktop to the Quick Launch area of the taskbar to create a QuickLaunch button to open the folder.

Or you could create a new toolbar on the task bar. Right click on a blank area of the task bar, then click on 'Toolbars'>'New Toolbar...'. A New Toolbar window will pop up. Browse to the folder you want to use and click on it, then click on the 'OK' button. A toolbar with the name of the folder will open to the left of the system tray. Then when you click on the >> button, a vertical menu pops up displaying the contents of the folder.

Hope one of these suggestions works for what you want to do.



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Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
A for effort, but not really helpful in the least. :/ sorry. The idea came from my Mac at work. On the Mac, you can't tell drives or new files where on the desktop to appear, they pop to the right side, filling in empty spaces willy-nilly.

The concept is to have a 'My Documents' folder that I can always see the contents of (unless I cover it up with programs) but appears to be separate from the main 'desktop' items. I am a very disorganized person, and if it takes dragging a file from one place to another on my desktop, it might as well stay where it is.
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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well the point of my post was that once anyone of those methods was done, you would no longer have to drag anything anywhere you would only have to click to open it. I didn't realize you wanted something to magically appear on your desktop to solve your problems. Sorry.



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Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I wasn't trying to be a butthead, I just tend to sound really sarcastic when I type, sorry. :/

I have been using various flavors of windows and dos since the Tandy 1000. Its just Stardock programs I am somewhat unfamiliar with. I know you can put a folder or a folder shortcut in the start menu, desktop, or quicklaunch, that's not the issue.

Think of an explorer window with no toolbars, buttons, or anything except a scrollbar and icons, locked to the desktop. Is there a way to display the contents of a folder in icon form in a persistent window on DesktopX? That's all I wanted to know.