Use XP Windows Explorer Favorites Menu To Add Folder Shortcuts And Commands

Unlike Internet Explorer toolbar, Windows Explorer does not allow you to customize the toolbar to the point of adding shortcuts to folders, programs or icons for frequently used commands. But fortunately there is a way to simulate adding items to the toolbar, by using the Favorites menu in Windows Explorer. By using the Favorites folder, adding frequently accessed folders or executing commands will allow quick access with out the need to navigate through the file system.

A lot of people may get confused with Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer. Windows Explorer is the program used to navigate around your file system. When you click on a folder or a shortcut to a folder, Windows Explorer opens. Just like Internet Explorer, Windows Explorer also has a Favorite menu:

The Favorites folder is where you can add folders, programs or commands that can be quickly launched as if you added them to the toolbar area.

To get started, open the Favorites folder found in your user profile directory (C:\Documents and Settings\username\Favorites) or by clicking on Start \ Run… and type favorites in the run box and click OK.

Once you have opened the Favorites folder, clean up and delete any items you no longer need. When finished with clean up, navigate to any folder you want to add to Favorites, highlight the folder, and click on Favorites \ Add to Favorites… from the menu then click OK.

You can add the folder to the root of Favorites, or organize into separate folders.

As a System Administrator, I have a need to quickly execute commands, batch files or launch programs when I'm working in Windows Explorer. To do this, open the Favorites folder using the same method as above. Once in the Favorites folder, right click on a blank space and and select New.

From here, select Shortcut and add any executables, programs or applications that you want to launch from the Favorites menu while using Windows Explorer.

On my Windows XP Computer, I have added Task Manager and the Terminal Server Client.

Now when you using Windows Explorer, instead of using the Start menu or needing to minimize all Windows to show the Desktop, you can easily select Favorites from the menu and navigate or launch with ease.