How to change the folder background in Windows Explorer

In previous versions of Windows it was possible to personalize the picture that was used as the background on each of the folders by simply going to Tools > Folder Options. Some of us may have noticed that this function is missing from Windows XP, so with the help of this tip we can fix this problem.

Here is how it can be done:

First of all you will need to download a small file that was used in Windows 2000 (this can be found in the %systemroot%\system32 folder)

IEShWiz.exe (53KB)

Once this has been downloaded then you will need to copy it into the following folder:
%systemroot%\system32

Click “Start”, “Run” and type “regedit”. Click “OK” so that you have the Windows Registry open in front of you.

Go to the following key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\

1. Create a key that will be called Personalization, by right clicking on the shell and selecting New and key.
2. Create a second new key that will be called command inside the same folder as the first one.
3. In the right hand side of the editor, double click on the entry (by default) and input the following “IESHWIZ.EXE %1” in the field. Press the OK button and close the registry editor.

You can also download the following reg file that will perform these changes for you!

From now on you will see a new shortcut item appear on your drop down menu, accessible when you right click on the folder icon that you want to personalise. This will directly open the wizard that will allow you to personalise the folder in any way that you want.

The “Folder Personalization” wizard will start:

Click [Next].