Windows Explorer backgound (XP Pro)

**AlanMiller** · 2006-09-02 12:15

For the first time, I've just noticed a folder "view" (the only one, I think) that carries a watermark in the right pane of Windows Explorer. It always sits bottom right, but will disappear under the (shaded) Name column if the display width is squashed up enough. I'm curious as to where this info is stored, and how to effect this effect.

Alan

**Leif** · 2006-09-02 12:50

Strange. I could only just make it out, and wouldn't have noticed it if you hadn't arrowed it. I copied the image and changed the contrast to get a much 'clearer' picture. I suspect it may be the LCD screen I'm using, which means I may be experiencing it myself without noticing!

This thread at dynamicdrive.com talks about exactly the same thing, but without coming to much of a conclusion. The post by 'jscheuer1' includes a link to a screen grab showing an identical watermark, with the suggestion it has to do with giving the folder 'photo album' properties.

What are the properties of your folder? Any particular folder options you may be using that may have something to do with it?

**HansV** · 2006-09-02 12:53

Folders such as My Pictures are maintaned by the OS. For other folders:
- Select View | Customize this folder... in Windows Explorer.
- Select a template for the folder.
- Click OK.
I don't know how this is stored; I assume in the Registry.

**AlanMiller** · 2006-09-02 13:49

Certainly appears to be that setting. Maybe I have to change other elements of the view to see the "photo album" effect.

Alan

**HansV** · 2006-09-02 13:58

If you apply a different template, Windows should automatically adjust the view settings, so you could try switching to another template, then back to Photo Album.

**bigaldoc** · 2006-09-02 14:01

It's really funny that after all this time, I too have never noticed. In cruisin' through bunches of folders on my 4 month old machine, it seems that when one stores JPGs or other graphics in a folder, XP must take it upon itself to change that folder's template to photos. Hans' tip will let you change it to whatever. I did a few of the ones I found just to make sure. Strange, to say the least.

**Jezza** · 2006-09-02 15:41

Hey Alan

Sorry, as an aside You have used that red pen highlighter thingy...I remember many moons ago you were looking for a vector graphic of this, did you ever find it?

**AlanMiller** · 2006-09-02 23:14

Hehe, funny you should mention that. I was digging through Lounge posts trying to find that thread, but I think it must have been on Pix and evaporated long ago. I actually made the one above as a SVG graphic. With all the discussion on screen capture in the Software forum, I thought I'd try out all the freebies I have, to see once and for all if I could get the result I was after. Alas not. The most hopeful candidate - Inkscape - disappointed. It deals with the vector graphic no probs, but can only insert a bitmap "object" fom a file, not the clipboard! <img src=/S/disappointed.gif border=0 alt=disappointed width=15 height=15>. What you see is a jaggies resize of a bitmap rendering of that SVG, from a bitmap only editor. I know it's all possible with other editors, but I'm really at the point where, for my specific and well-defined needs, I might have to write my own capture program. Cooorrrr! Having to write one's own code - what's this world coming to?

Alan

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