Customize your folder views..
Thursday, January 15, 2004 by subdude | Discussion: WinCustomize News
Vebwiev is a custom Webview for Windows Explorer. (View of Windows explorer invoked by selecting 'View as Web Page'). It is compatible with Windows 98 / ME / 2k / XP. Vebwiev gives your boring Windows Explorer a new look. Now that you've skinned the *outside* of Windows you can get rid of the boring Windows Explorer UI!! (I had to do a bit of tweaking to get this to run under Win2k SP3 but the FAQ on the page explained how to make it work.)Features (Taken from the web page)
* A refreshing new UI. (highly influenced by the XP/Longhorn look)
* Selecting a file :
All audio/video (include mp3s, avis, mpegs, real media files etc) files can be previewed through explorer itself. select the file. (any audio/video file). preview should be available in the left pane. In addition, mp3 id3 tags can be read and modified from within vebwiev.
*Preview for image files and html files etc.( jpg, bmp, gif, htm etc etc yadda yadda) along with dimensions and colour depth for image files.
*Preview for text files!! . the contents of any text can be previewed by selecting a text file in the filelist. Check the feature out by trying it on any of the supported files like txt, ini , inf, htt, nfo, diz, css, log, js ,vbs,c , cpp.....and of course , you could add your own. Textarea comes with word wrap and save feature.
*Try selecting a folder : the info panel gives information regarding :
name and type of folder (duh!)
size in bytes. (it works for folders too and not just files.)
a list of all subfolder and collapsible list of files with their respective sizes. list of subfolders are hyperlinks to navigate to those subfolders.
*Windows XP style "Task Panes" offer few quick links to navigate to Special and system folders and perform other functions like opening the display properties / add remove programs etc.
*View contents of Zip, Cab, Rar files and extract individual files from these archives. Inflates readme inside zip file when zip file is just selected in Folder view.
*Information content in the Vebwiev pane optionally fades in/out.
A very cool mod for the Windows UI that I found totally by accident and wanted to share with the folks here! Enjoy!
zickandthepeople
Reply #3 Monday, January 19, 2004 2:22 PM
Reply #3 Monday, January 19, 2004 2:22 PM
can u tell me step by step how do i install this, it seems like the readme.html is important in this, but for me doesnt work......so thanks in advance 
Big Doug
Reply #4 Monday, January 19, 2004 9:45 PM
Reply #4 Monday, January 19, 2004 9:45 PM
It's easy. Copy the unzipped download into your Windows/Web directory, fire up the readme, and hit the button 'set as default webview', and reboot. NOTE: XP has issues with using these older-style webviews. There will be a small regfix on the site that you need to get first...THEN install it.
I've been using Vebwiev for a while now (going on over a year) on my 9x machines, because it adds SO much functionality. I recommend it for any 9x machine. XP...well, I think the original does fine for what I need. My $.02
I've been using Vebwiev for a while now (going on over a year) on my 9x machines, because it adds SO much functionality. I recommend it for any 9x machine. XP...well, I think the original does fine for what I need. My $.02
Ben Pruitt
Reply #5 Tuesday, January 20, 2004 1:43 PM
Reply #5 Tuesday, January 20, 2004 1:43 PM
Someone set this guy up with some server space! He has a hot product and has to host it on Tripod! I'm sure now that WinCustomize has featured his software, Tripod won't be enough to support it.
subdude
Reply #6 Tuesday, January 20, 2004 3:14 PM
Reply #6 Tuesday, January 20, 2004 3:14 PM
I'm glad everyone liked it as much as I did.. 
zickandthepeople = What platform are you on? If you're having troubles w/ this and your using Win2k (especially SP3 +) you should read the FAQ on the VebWiev page; there's manual instructions and I had to use them to get it to work on my Win2k box. Also be aware that this uses ActiveX scripting and you may have to lower INTRANET security settings to get rid of the annoying messages - and authorize the script w/ your virus scanner if you have script detection enabled. I did both and am fine now and truly enjoying it...
zickandthepeople = What platform are you on? If you're having troubles w/ this and your using Win2k (especially SP3 +) you should read the FAQ on the VebWiev page; there's manual instructions and I had to use them to get it to work on my Win2k box. Also be aware that this uses ActiveX scripting and you may have to lower INTRANET security settings to get rid of the annoying messages - and authorize the script w/ your virus scanner if you have script detection enabled. I did both and am fine now and truly enjoying it...
Techprototype
Reply #7 Tuesday, January 20, 2004 3:53 PM
Reply #7 Tuesday, January 20, 2004 3:53 PM
just from the screen shots im about to cream, only problem is the link is temp unavib , this is worst than meeting the girl of your dreams , and then she moves away. I WANT THIS APP , subdude can you email it to me PLEASE
[email protected] thank you !!
[email protected] thank you !!
subdude
Reply #8 Tuesday, January 20, 2004 4:47 PM
Reply #8 Tuesday, January 20, 2004 4:47 PM
I've set up a d/l at one of my freebie isp webspaces (since I started this whole thing )
PLEASE! Try the original link first; if that doesn't work go here:
http://users.rcn.com/rapitera/xfers/vebwiev20.zip
)PLEASE! Try the original link first; if that doesn't work go here:
http://users.rcn.com/rapitera/xfers/vebwiev20.zip
stark23x
Reply #9 Wednesday, January 21, 2004 7:07 AM
Reply #9 Wednesday, January 21, 2004 7:07 AM
Am I drunk? I cannot, for the life of me, make this software do anything.
The website is of absoluetly no help at all. Anyone actually familar with how to make this work? XP Pro, IE6 updated to the latest patches.
The website is of absoluetly no help at all. Anyone actually familar with how to make this work? XP Pro, IE6 updated to the latest patches.
subdude
Reply #10 Wednesday, January 21, 2004 12:03 PM
Reply #10 Wednesday, January 21, 2004 12:03 PM
As I mentioned before, the FAQ on their website has instructions for manually activating this as well a reg patch that may be required to re-enable ActiveX plugins locally. In my case (Win2kPro SP3 and IE6) this was required to get it to work. Since the author is exceeding his BW limits , I have cut and pasted it here
From the page:
Attention!! : Windows 2000 SP3 and Windows XP SP1 users. It seems that Microsoft has, in the above mentioned service packs, added security fixes to Windows Explorer, which do not allow "unsigned" templates to run. A solution is being worked upon. Till then, 2k sp3/XP sp1 users may experience some difficulties with the installation.
I have Windows 2000 SP3 / Windows XP SP1 installed on my computer. Vebwiev won't work!!! Bah. Crap.
Ans : Microsoft has released a Knowledge base article detailing how custom webviews may be made active once again under Windows 2k, Read it here http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;819028 Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. To re-enable custom webviews in the above mentioned Operating systems, install this reg file merge.
(Again, I am hosting this file to help out) http://users.rcn.com/rapitera/xfers/XPfix.zip
After downloading the zip file, unzip it to obtain a single Registry (.reg) File. Merge this file into the registry (Right click the file in explorer and select "Merge"). In the remote case that merging this registry file fails to revive the webview, please follow the steps in the following workaround.
Workaround for Windows 2000 with Service Pack 3 installed :
The following is a step by step method to set Vebwiev for all folders. Submitted by Julian Becker.
- Install Vebwiev regularly using the "Install" button in Readme.html.
- Then use the standard procedure to customize a folder, using the Folder Customization wizard. Choose Vebview from the list of installed webviews while customizing and check the "Edit" Box.
- Then add a break at the beginning of the file and remove it again (so that no changes are made).
- Save the file and continue the folder editing to finish the customization process.
- Now the folder you have chosen has Vebview applied to it.
- Copy all files from the subfolder "Folder Settings" (hidden folder) to %SYSTEMROOT%\Web (where %SYSTEMROOT% means the path to the folder where Windows has been installed). Customizing a single folder with Vebwiev, somehow seems to "sign" the code.
- Navigate to %SYSTEMROOT%\Web and rename folder.htt to folderold.htt.
- In the same folder (%SYSTEMROOT%\Web) rename the file named vebwiev.htt to folder.htt.
- Refresh Explorer!!
I also have Norton Antivirus installed on my computer. Each time I open up a explorer window, Norton says that a malicious script is being executed. How do I disable this? Are you sure Vebwiev is safe?
Ans : Disable a) Scripts monitoring and
Activex monitoring in Norton Antivirus. Ofcourse, some people might consider this a security lapse. Suit yourself on this issue. Vebwiev does not try anything funny with your system or crucial files. It is basically a pretty innocuous piece of software. Another solution could be to uninstall NAV (yeah, sure).
I hope this helps you out!
From the page:
Attention!! : Windows 2000 SP3 and Windows XP SP1 users. It seems that Microsoft has, in the above mentioned service packs, added security fixes to Windows Explorer, which do not allow "unsigned" templates to run. A solution is being worked upon. Till then, 2k sp3/XP sp1 users may experience some difficulties with the installation.
I have Windows 2000 SP3 / Windows XP SP1 installed on my computer. Vebwiev won't work!!! Bah. Crap.
Ans : Microsoft has released a Knowledge base article detailing how custom webviews may be made active once again under Windows 2k, Read it here http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;819028 Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. To re-enable custom webviews in the above mentioned Operating systems, install this reg file merge.
(Again, I am hosting this file to help out) http://users.rcn.com/rapitera/xfers/XPfix.zip
After downloading the zip file, unzip it to obtain a single Registry (.reg) File. Merge this file into the registry (Right click the file in explorer and select "Merge"). In the remote case that merging this registry file fails to revive the webview, please follow the steps in the following workaround.
Workaround for Windows 2000 with Service Pack 3 installed :
The following is a step by step method to set Vebwiev for all folders. Submitted by Julian Becker.
- Install Vebwiev regularly using the "Install" button in Readme.html.
- Then use the standard procedure to customize a folder, using the Folder Customization wizard. Choose Vebview from the list of installed webviews while customizing and check the "Edit" Box.
- Then add a break at the beginning of the file and remove it again (so that no changes are made).
- Save the file and continue the folder editing to finish the customization process.
- Now the folder you have chosen has Vebview applied to it.
- Copy all files from the subfolder "Folder Settings" (hidden folder) to %SYSTEMROOT%\Web (where %SYSTEMROOT% means the path to the folder where Windows has been installed). Customizing a single folder with Vebwiev, somehow seems to "sign" the code.
- Navigate to %SYSTEMROOT%\Web and rename folder.htt to folderold.htt.
- In the same folder (%SYSTEMROOT%\Web) rename the file named vebwiev.htt to folder.htt.
- Refresh Explorer!!
I also have Norton Antivirus installed on my computer. Each time I open up a explorer window, Norton says that a malicious script is being executed. How do I disable this? Are you sure Vebwiev is safe?
Ans : Disable a) Scripts monitoring and
Activex monitoring in Norton Antivirus. Ofcourse, some people might consider this a security lapse. Suit yourself on this issue. Vebwiev does not try anything funny with your system or crucial files. It is basically a pretty innocuous piece of software. Another solution could be to uninstall NAV (yeah, sure).I hope this helps you out!
stark23x
Reply #11 Wednesday, January 21, 2004 8:22 PM
Reply #11 Wednesday, January 21, 2004 8:22 PM
Couple more questions...
1. "Then use the standard procedure to customize a folder, using the Folder Customization wizard. Choose Vebview from the list of installed webviews while customizing and check the "Edit" Box."
I have no "Edit" box. In fact, Vebwiev is not listed at all, even though...
2. The folder to which I was able to apply it is now all in French.
I feel like a total newb.
1. "Then use the standard procedure to customize a folder, using the Folder Customization wizard. Choose Vebview from the list of installed webviews while customizing and check the "Edit" Box."
I have no "Edit" box. In fact, Vebwiev is not listed at all, even though...
2. The folder to which I was able to apply it is now all in French.
I feel like a total newb.
subdude
Reply #13 Thursday, January 22, 2004 10:55 AM
Reply #13 Thursday, January 22, 2004 10:55 AM
stark, hippie and all-
Not your fault, mine since I retrieved the FRENCH version (doh!) >
.....new link
is http://users.rcn.com/rapitera/xfers/vebwiev20ENG.zip (French ver deleted - let me know if you need it back)
Here's how I made it work for me on my Win2k Box:
1. Extract zip to temp dir with paths
2. Copy 'controls' *folder* to %systemroot%\web dir (On my Win2k box this was c:\winnt\web)
3. Copy contents of 'vebwiev' folder to %systemroot%\web dir
4. Rename 'folder.htt' to 'oldfolder.htt'
5. Rename 'vebwiev.htt' to 'folder.htt'
6. Apply reg fix in XPFix.zip
7. **Reboot Required**
8. Default view in all folders is now vebwiev
9. Note: To use the Pie Chart you need to install Adobe's SVG plugin
For more on customizing folders, go to http://www.virtualplastic.net/
Please let me know if this works for y'all!
Not your fault, mine since I retrieved the FRENCH version (doh!) >
.....new linkis http://users.rcn.com/rapitera/xfers/vebwiev20ENG.zip (French ver deleted - let me know if you need it back)
Here's how I made it work for me on my Win2k Box:
1. Extract zip to temp dir with paths
2. Copy 'controls' *folder* to %systemroot%\web dir (On my Win2k box this was c:\winnt\web)
3. Copy contents of 'vebwiev' folder to %systemroot%\web dir
4. Rename 'folder.htt' to 'oldfolder.htt'
5. Rename 'vebwiev.htt' to 'folder.htt'
6. Apply reg fix in XPFix.zip
7. **Reboot Required**
8. Default view in all folders is now vebwiev
9. Note: To use the Pie Chart you need to install Adobe's SVG plugin
For more on customizing folders, go to http://www.virtualplastic.net/
Please let me know if this works for y'all!
Jerry Stille
Reply #14 Thursday, January 22, 2004 3:06 PM
Reply #14 Thursday, January 22, 2004 3:06 PM
Hey SubDude,
Thanks for the instructions. I followed you instructions on a WinXP system, but I still can't see the custom WebView for the folder. Not a complaint, just feedback on using this on WinXP.
Thanks for the instructions. I followed you instructions on a WinXP system, but I still can't see the custom WebView for the folder. Not a complaint, just feedback on using this on WinXP.
subdude
Reply #16 Friday, January 23, 2004 12:10 AM
Reply #16 Friday, January 23, 2004 12:10 AM
I finally borught out the ol laptop (WinXP Pro) to give it a shot and I am having mostly the same results. Strangely enough, I have it semi working on ONE folder. If I can figure out what is going on during the next few days, I'll share my results,
Win2k and earlier seems to go fine - it's just WinXP.
, I'll keep at it!
Added later: Found this article on MSDN that seems to explain alot of why this is problematic on XP http://msdn.microsoft.com/msdnmag/issues/01/11/XPShell/default.aspx
Win2k and earlier seems to go fine - it's just WinXP.
, I'll keep at it!Added later: Found this article on MSDN that seems to explain alot of why this is problematic on XP http://msdn.microsoft.com/msdnmag/issues/01/11/XPShell/default.aspx
Shocker Team 3D ®
Reply #17 Friday, January 23, 2004 1:37 AM
Reply #17 Friday, January 23, 2004 1:37 AM
subdude Your link don't work (404) http://users.rcn.com/rapitera/xfers/vebwiev20.zip
http://users.rcn.com/rapitera/xfers/vebwiev20.zip
subdude
Reply #18 Saturday, January 24, 2004 4:13 PM
Reply #18 Saturday, January 24, 2004 4:13 PM
shocker - look a little further down the thread mate, it's been changed! If you *need* the FRENCH version, let me know and I'll put it back up.
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Reply #1 Sunday, January 18, 2004 7:08 PM
I do however discourage anyone with a somewhat slow computer, however, in downloading this.