Understanding Windows 7 file structure

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I have just changed from XP to Windows7 and am struggling with the file structure (amongst other things).Using a duplicate file finder I discover that I have loaded twocopies of every one of my picture folders, one lot underC;usersPublicPublic Pictures and the other under C:users{name}My Pictures. When I click on LibrariesMy Pictures all my picturefolders are displayed, but if I click on the small arrow to the leftof My Pictures a new “folder” Public Pictures is displayed, whichshows all of the same folders. I want to delete one of the duplicatesets – which do I delete ?. The same thing applies to the MyDocuments folder, which is also listed as duplicated.

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Public folders are used to automatically share the files within on your network. If you want to delete from somewhere, that’s the place.
I am not sure about My Documents duplication. Do you care to provide more info?

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I have attached three images showing the places where the files can be viewed. According to the duplicate finder the images are stored twice. I have solved the duplicate my documents problem – it was reading the XP copy which I had copied to the new computer and then again copied to the Libraries folder. Of the three locations shown on the screen shots only two are “real” – I want to delete one of those two sets but which one – maybe the C:UsersMikeMy Pictures. All was perfectly understandable in XP but I am lost in Win 7.

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I think I get the idea now – all files are stored in C:users{name}etc but things like pictures can be easily accessed via Libraries. In XP I had one vast My Documents folder with lots of sub-folders including a number for pictures. I had dragged all of the picture folders to LibrariesPictures. What I need to do is put the various picture folders back in C:users….My Documents and then link them to LibrariesMy Pictures – I think. The How To Geek article was very useful – I also see that I am not the only one to struggle.

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I think I get the idea now – all files are stored in C:users{name}etc but things like pictures can be easily accessed via Libraries. In XP I had one vast My Documents folder with lots of sub-folders including a number for pictures. I had dragged all of the picture folders to LibrariesPictures. What I need to do is put the various picture folders back in C:users….My Documents and then link them to LibrariesMy Pictures – I think. The How To Geek article was very useful – I also see that I am not the only one to struggle.

Glad the article helped. You definitely would not want to delete the folders in C:usersusername… because these are your actual files. The files shown in your Libraries are not really duplicates. They are reflections or virtual folders that point back to the real folders under your user folder. If you delete the folders/files in your C:usersusername… then you will see those file names disappear from your Libraries, for example your “Pictures” in the Libraries. But it is also true that if you delete any folders in your Pictures Library, the real folders under C:Users… will be deleted as well, so great care must be taken when deleting one or the other, as what you do to folders in either location affects the other.

You can delete the pictures contained in C:UsersPublicPublic Pictures, and any picture file names located in the Public Pictures Library folder will be removed. If you are sure you have a copy of those pictures in your C:UsersYourUserNameMy Pictures, then you can safely delete the pictures from your C:UsersPublicPublic Pictures folder.

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This MS TechNet FAQ can help in understanding why you find what appears to be a copy of your files in the default Windows Libraries.

This How To Geek article is also very helpful.

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Public folders are used to automatically share the files within on your network.

I think its only local sharing among users of the same computer by default; I believe it has to be turned on in advanced sharing settings to be available to network users.

One thing that can help put more certainty in a library folder is to put the view into details and then add “folder path” as one of the header columns…then you know where each folder actually is!

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Yet another reason why I will never go to 7 and probably 8. Ridiculous structuring. Ugh.

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Yet another reason why I will never go to 7 and probably 8. Ridiculous structuring. Ugh.

Upgrade denial will not help anyone after the 2014 date on which Windows XP will no longer receive any updates from Microsoft Updates.

-- rc primak

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Yet another reason why I will never go to 7 and probably 8. Ridiculous structuring. Ugh.

I do not agree with this. You can have the same sharing you had on XP, on 7. I use it the same way. Windows 7 does add some features to make it easier to achieve some tasks. Public folders are one way to make sharing easier.

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This discussion and confusion is one reason why I have avoided both Public Folders and Libraries. It’s not immediately clear what they do or how the sharing works. Instead, I simply create a folder when necessary and set the permissions specifically. Then I always know what is shared and who it is shared with.

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This discussion and confusion is one reason why I have avoided both Public Folders and Libraries. It’s not immediately clear what they do or how the sharing works. Instead, I simply create a folder when necessary and set the permissions specifically. Then I always know what is shared and who it is shared with.

I ran into this exact problem awhile ago. I had somehow set my “public” picure folder as default or something like that, and when I deleted pictures from the “public” folder, it would automatically delete from the usermy pictures folder, but it was all my fault as I was trying to place files where they shouldn’t go or at least when I thought they should go. 🙂

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Here’s the link to the issue I mentioned.

http://windowssecrets.com/forums/showthread//141394-What-did-I-do

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I have found no useful purpose for Libraries whatsoever, and don’t use them in any way, shape or form. I’m looking into ways to disengage them from Windows and delete them entirely.

As this thread and many others on many other forums presents, Libraries are a large source of confusion for many people.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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I think I understand “libraries” from using a Mac, but that doesn’t mean I want any on a Windows computer. The Mac file system is impossible for me to understand well enough to make any use of it. The Mac just wants to present you with a library or an app and you’re supposed to use that, not get into the file system and drag things around like we do with Windows. But I prefer to drag things around and have them exist in a single place unless I make a duplicate file, and I don’t want libraries. Windows 7 looks to me like MSs version of the Mac OS in many ways, and not very well done, either. Just like Windows Live Mail looks to me like a lousy version of the already lousy (IMO) Apple Mail. By “lousy” I mean really inefficient. Both feel like crippled email programs to me.

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Another thought on libraries, file systems, and Microsoft. I have always regarded Microsoft’s anal obsession with putting every single file on a humungous (usually the whole hard drive) C: partition as asinine. It represents the worst possible management and single-point-of-failure designs imaginable.

From day 1, I have put as little as possible on C: except for whatever MS requires to run Windows.
I have an Application partition where I direct all software installs.
I have a Data partition where all user data goes including all application related files (when possible). For example, my complete profile for Firefox is on the data drive in a folder called Application Datafirefox. Likewise other apps’ data is in the folder.

This makes backup and recovery much simpler. Migration to new system easier. Improves performance by reducing the mass of data being accessed on C: and spreading it across 3 hard drives in my tower system.

On each drive, after allocating one of the C:; Application; or Data partitions I take up the remainder of the hard drive with a Pool partition which is used to store large volume data like Camera Images, videos, paging, TEMP folder etc. These partitions are 100’s of gigabytes in size.

This has worked for me since the early 90’s.

As for libraries, better left alone.

Not suggesting any other technique is worse or better, that’s up to you to decide.

Cheers – Lloyd

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Windows 7 does add some features to make it easier to achieve some tasks. Public folders are one way to make sharing easier.

…and more difficult to achieve some tasks it must be said; for the sake of increased security; for instance, those same Public folders have to be given permission to be shared over a network in advanced network settings. I don’t really notice any “ridiculous” structuring though, Microsoft just labeled it differently in most cases and had to make some un-aesthetic arrangements to accommodate both 32-bit and native 64-bit applications.
I don’t really consider Libraries to be part of the file structure…its an organizational layer above the file hierarchy, and as such, can be very confusing because its a pseudo layer.

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As for the general case of Windows 7 Libraries, most of the folks I know who do a lot of photo editing do maintain at least one Library of image files on their computers. That way they can organize and get rid of duplicates from many different actual Windows Folder locations, no matter where the folders may be in the Windows Directory Tree. The only alternative would be to use a third-party photo organizer, which may only complicate the problem of duplicates. But if you don’t like Libraries, just don’t use them. Just to play it safe, don’t put stuff in the Public Folder unless you want it to be (potentially) seen over a network.

-- rc primak

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As for the general case of Windows 7 Libraries, most of the folks I know who do a lot of photo editing do maintain at least one Library of image files on their computers. That way they can organize and get rid of duplicates from many different actual Windows Folder locations, no matter where the folders may be in the Windows Directory Tree. The only alternative would be to use a third-party photo organizer, which may only complicate the problem of duplicates. But if you don’t like Libraries, just don’t use them. Just to play it safe, don’t put stuff in the Public Folder unless you want it to be (potentially) seen over a network.

The other alternative to getting rid of duplicates is to not create them in the first place. I organize my photos by subject matter and date as I transfer them from the SD card into my Pictures partition, rename the files in batches, and they don’t need any further organization; they’re always right where I put them.

The only duplicates I have are in my backup drive image files.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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If I can catch the non-technical, less savvy computer users early enough on I recommend they use Picasa exclusively; 86 any other photo management software that comes with a camera. A lot of images can produce quite a large database file but its a very good tool for avoiding duplicates. Also the face recognition software can be used after the fact, if someone batch renamed and later stuck on the same set of photos without remembering they were already there, to easily suss those out and eliminate them.

It even works pretty well for the type who thinks all the photos are IN Picasa, even after the 5th explanation that they are only organized and shown in there, not stored there. :o:

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I’ve been asked to expound on how to get rid of the Windows 7 Libraries “feature”. I recommend that first a full system backup is in order, which is my advice when making any significant changes in the Windows OS. How To Geek has a simple and straightforward registry hack that will do the job very nicely. I’ve examined the file, and it is short and sweet and to the point. One must be logged on as a member of the Administrators Group in order to merge the .reg file with the system registry, but it removes and disables libraries for all users. (How To Geek also offers a way of reversing the disabling of libraries if one should find the need to do so).

It will disable the Libraries “feature”, and also remove “Libraries” from the left pane of Windows Explorer. It was quite painless for me, and since I never use the Library “feature” for any reason, the only real result is that it “unclutters” the left pane of Windows Explorer for me. The registry merge deletes 6 registry entries (libraries) and adds one (to remove the “Library” icon from the left pane of Windows Explorer.

I have observed no adverse effects whatsoever. YMMV; and again, do a full system backup beforehand, just in case. Bear in mind that you will need to know where your files are actually located or use Windows Search to find them once you disable Libraries. You might want to do some exploratory work beforehand so that you’ll be able to locate important files easily. This was not an issue for me, because I use my own filing system and have never used the Libraries “feature” for any reason; I already know where all my files are.

So if you’re tired of hearing all the praise and the encouragement to “get used to it”, and just want to run Windows your way, this is the most straightforward and simplest method I’ve found.[/SIZE][/FONT]

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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When I talk my new-to-Win7 users through Libraries, most reply along the lines of “hey, that’s cool”. It should be noted that these are mostly non-technical users on non-domain joined stand alone desktops who just want to store and easily retrieve documents, photos etc. More technically savvy users, or those who just wish to bend the OS to their will often glaze over the Library talk I give them.

The description I most often use (for non-technical users) goes something like this:

[INDENT]There’s a really neat new feature in Win7 called Libraries. They help you organise and find information without you having to worry too much about exactly where it is on your PC.

OK, so what is a Library? Well, in the real world a Library is a big stone building with thousands of books, magazines, CD’s DVD’s etc. So what happens when you walk through the door to your real world library? You look around you in bewilderment as to where the book that you want may be. You walk up to the index, look-up the book in that and it tells you that it’s in Hall 2, Row 4, Stand 2. Now, you go over to Hall 2, Row 4, Stand 2 and there indeed is you book.

Great, so what does that have to do with these Library things in Win7? Well the Library that you see in Win 7 is just like the Index machine, only better. When you find the book in the Library (the index in the real world), you click on the document and the Windows automatically takes you to the document and opens it in the default program used for that document type.

You see, the thing that you see in the Library is actually a link to the real document, not the actual document. It works kind of like a link on a website. So you no longer have to remember that it’s on Hall 2, Row 4, Stand 2, or walk over there and make a mistake finding yourself at Hall 2, Row 3, Stand 2: clicking on the link takes you automatically to your document.

Even better, you want to save a photo somewhere? Well Windows recognises it as a photo and takes you to you Photos Library to store it. Similar with Music, Documents, Videos etc.[/INDENT]

Next, I introduce the user the the powerful search facilities in Win 7 & couple that to the Library: by which time most are sold on the idea.

OK, it’s a somewhat patronising walkthrough for any power-users here in the Lounge, but I find for most man-in-the-street users, it allows them to see what a Library is and how it can make their document access easier. I also take the time to make sure they know how to find the documents down a real path if necessary, just in case.

Do I use Libraries? Yes of course – simple, fast and efficient {for me}. Do I also know where my files really are – you bet I do!

As with all things new and different with our systems: YMMV

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I understand both sides of the Libraries issue. The opinions expounded by bbearren seem to be those of the “technically savvy users” that Tinto Tech mentions. The rest of the masses, I believe fall in the group that Tinto Tech is talking to in his discussion.

For those technically savvy users that just believe the Libraries are useless or just get in the way, then go for it, disable them as bbearren discusses and make Win 7 work the way you want it to, and this may very well include many of the very intelligent users of this Lounge, if some of the answers I have read are any indication. I am truly amazed at the complex and astounding answers that my fellow Loungers come up with for the assorted questions that are asked every day. If I could have his permission I would like to save this for future reference.

But, for those masses that use their PC’s for basic things, but most likely do not know how those PC’s work, and are the people that need the help to solve the problems that are posed here, I applaud Tinto Tech for an excellent, easy to understand explanation of the Library feature. If I might have his permission I would like to save this for future reference as well.

I wish to thank both of you for excellent additions to this discussion!

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I understand both sides of the Libraries issue. The opinions expounded by bbearren seem to be those of the “technically savvy users” that Tinto Tech mentions. The rest of the masses, I believe fall in the group that Tinto Tech is talking to in his discussion.

For those technically savvy users that just believe the Libraries are useless or just get in the way, then go for it, disable them as bbearren discusses and make Win 7 work the way you want it to, and this may very well include many of the very intelligent users of this Lounge, if some of the answers I have read are any indication. I am truly amazed at the complex and astounding answers that my fellow Loungers come up with for the assorted questions that are asked every day. If I could have his permission I would like to save this for future reference.

Ted, permission granted! But credit where credit is due; my own method was a bit clunky, and I didn’t post my own before for that reason. But the registry hack from How To Geek is both minimalist and elegant, and they also offer an equally well written registry hack to restore libraries functionality for those who decide that they would rather have them than not.

But, always backup first, preferrably with a drive image!

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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…..easy to understand explanation of the Library feature. If I might have his permission I would like to save this for future reference as well.

Of course Ted: I hold monopoly on finding ways to help people understand technology!

What I often find particularly effective in during those explanations is linking the Search Programs and Files text box in the Start Menu to finding information in Libraries. I also take time to explain the default save location and how to manipulate that if needed.

I find Libraries efficient and useful, but I know that that’s not the case for everybody.

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Anything “pseudo” I find is not easily understood by the masses. Its not so much the retrieval using the “index” but rather the making of the “index” cards. My solution is halfway between, I set the Library to only have one default location. That way they don’t have to be messed with, AND, they don’t mess with optional save locations because there is only one location per folder label.
That way I never hear the dreaded, “I saved them in My Pictures and now they’re not there!”

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Thank you both. As you both know, I am a fervent advocate of drive Imaging as well. So many of the problems we all encounter each day could have easily been fixed with a good up to date Image. And it is so easy to create these Images in most cases I just don’t understand why anyone who knows about imaging doesn’t do it. I guess that’s the reason, most don’t know about it.

I wish you both and all my “friends” and acquaintances here on the Lounge a great day.

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I have not received my new PC with Win 7 yet. After seeing this Win 7 library issue my brain gives me a flashback to the saying in my head of “Be careful of people taking your money so they can pay them self to complicate your life.”

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True Evolvei but in almost all cases, Windows is very customizable an the discussion here has run the gamut from totally disabling it to valiantly continuing to explain it to all; to my method of making it so only one location exists in the library so its always the default and needs no further thought. Its good to have that choice.

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Still going through the same thing with the Office collection of programs. Microsoft moving everything to supposedly improve the customer experience of Microsoft Products. Meanwhile the majority of Office customers are wasting time and effort attempting to learn a new system when the previous system worked fine. If Microsoft wants to improve the customer experience why not give the customer the option to keep what worked so as not to disrupt their workflow while adding new optional features that can be added in if the customer chooses to? Like optional DLC Microsoft add ins.

Glad the government does not have the option to change where all the streets are and change all the street names every few years to improve the customers experience.

I have no resistance to improvement. I do have resistance to unwanted changes by others that complicate my life under the guise of improving my life. How many millionaires are there at MS. Who’s life are they improving?

Maybe I do not understand how libraries is any better than me putting a shortcut on the taskbar to open whatever I regularly need to open. Looking forward to getting my new PC to check out Win7. Probably would have been better for me to wait to comment at all. Guess I am excited about finally ordering a new PC with Win 7.

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Evo,

Maybe I do not understand how libraries is any better than me (sic) putting a shortcut on the taskbar to open whatever I regularly need to open.

A library is like a shortcut to MULTIPLE locations of SIMILAR file types. Let’s not get all Libertarian here. I agree with the previous poster who said that if you don’t want libraries, just don’t use them. I don’t.

Zig

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If you keep a clean file system – that is, you make a folder for photos and you make subfolders under it for topics or locations or seasons or whatever you want, and you put ALL photos from your camera(s) in there, then there is no need for a library because that picture folder IS your library. If you make a folder for documents and subfolders under it for the various topics or clients or projects or whatever, then you have no need for a documents library because all your docs are in there. And that would include PDFs and .txts etc. so I am using the term “documents” as a general term. I think this is why so many are questioning the need for libraries.

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