filesystemsfile-propertiesvirtualfilesystemdesktop.ini

Automate displaying Attributes column in Windows File Manager


I am trying to automate displaying the Attributes column in Windows File manager in the Details view. This column should be displayed for a specific folder only (not for all folders in the system). As far as I know, this could be made via a desktop.ini file.

I have placed the desktop.ini file in the folder, marked it as a system, hidden, and read-only. I have also tried marking the folder in which my desktop.ini is located as system and read-only.

My desktop.ini partially works, at least I was able to change the folder icon. I guess I describe the Attributes column incorrectly. Here is my desktop.ini file:

[{B725F130-47EF-101A-A5F1-02608C9EEBAC}]
Prop4=13,Attributes

Here is the Attributes column that I am trying to automate: How to automate displaying attributes column in Windows File Manager


Solution

  • As I know it's impossible. details view shows data depended on file type, not folder settings. you can get more info about desktop.ini

    So what can we do using the file desktop.ini?

    Sadly, in Windows, folders are folders while in unix, folders are files so metatags cannot be added to them in Windows....

    The reason desktop.ini works is because that file is used to keep a folders layout view and its parameters. Since it is a relation to the folder, you can add anything to it and it will be information about the folder.

    For example I created test folder and put in it desktop.ini:

    [.ShellClassInfo]
    IconResource=C:\Windows\system32\SHELL32.dll,15
    [ViewState]
    Mode=
    Vid=
    FolderType=Generic
    [{F29F85E0-4FF9-1068-AB91-08002B27B3D9}]
        Prop2 = 31,My folder
        Prop3 = 31,secret
        Prop4 = 31,John Doe
        Prop5 = 31,how it works
        Prop6 = 31,this is comment
    

    where:

    Prop2 = 31,Title
    Prop3 = 31,Subject
    Prop4 = 31,Author
    Prop5 = 31,Keywords(Tags)
    Prop6 = 31,Comment
    

    more info

    When i go to a higher level i can see these properties:

    enter image description here

    But some solution exist

    I think this is close to what you want, but not completely because for all folders.

    How to Customize the Details Pane in Windows 10

    result:

    enter image description here

    I think it's impossible to set columns in folder automatically because it does deep in Windows:

    The code and settings that remembered individual folder window size and position are gone (along with the ability to set an arbitrary icon order as opposed to sorting on a property). I think this disappeared in the transition from XP to Vista. However, your view mode (Details, List, Icons, etc.), column choices, and sort order should be remembered for individual folders. If they aren't, it's possible you've reached the limit (5000) for saved views. To check, copy & paste the following command into a PowerShell window:

    ((gp 'HKCU:\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU').NodeSlots).count
    

    when you add some setting for the forder this number will increase (i checked it)

    This is path in RegEdit:

    HKCU:\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU
    and
    HKCU:\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags
    

    And when I created new folder and add Attributes column in it, I saw in RegEdit this:

    enter image description here

    As you can see, no paths, no names

    But

    there is also a software solution

    Explorer column interaction (get/set: which appear, width, ascending/descending order)

    The End