How to make Windows Explorer always use detail view?

How to make Windows Explorer always use detail view? As a developer I work with a lot of source code files etc. and I need to copy these around, rename, etc. I'm sure any developer knows the drill.
Asked by: Guest \| Views: 165

Total answers/comments: 2

Comments display order:

bert [Entry]

"Found the fix here:

Copy the text between the lines below into notepad & save as a .reg
file. Watch out for line wrap -- [HKEY_CURRENT_USER...\Shell] is all
one line.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\AllFolders\Shell]
""FolderType""=""NotSpecified""

Merging the .reg file will set the 'All Items' template for any
folders that don't currently have a view saved with a different
template. You can clear all saved views by deleting the

""HKCU\Software\Classes\Local
Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags""

key BEFORE merging the .reg file. If any folders open with a different
template after clearing the 'Bags' key & merging the .reg file, they
most likely have a template specified via their desktop.ini file.

-- Good Luck,

Keith Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]"

bert [Entry]

"Apparently Windows (Vista, as well as XP) likes to reset the view settings of folders on its own, so you have to install 3rd party software to actually get it to remember the view settings for each folder.

Supposedly XdN Tweaker's ""Make Views Stick"" function in the ""Files & Folders III"" dialog (truly horrendous interface design) will make your folder view settings actually stick. So then you just need set one folder to ""Details"" view, check ""Enable Each Folder's View Settings"", and then ""Apply to All Folders."""