File name color change

  • Thread starter Thread starter JacMac
  • Start date Start date
J

JacMac

somehow I have changed all of desktop program file names as well as all my
"my documents" folders for all my user accounts to blue file names. (the
words are blue, no boxes, or anything else, just blue)

I have NO idea what that means, and I am sure I did not mean to do it.

Could someone please tell me how to UN do it.

Thanks!
 
JacMac said:
somehow I have changed all of desktop program file names as well as
all my "my documents" folders for all my user accounts to blue file
names. (the words are blue, no boxes, or anything else, just blue)

I have NO idea what that means, and I am sure I did not mean to do
it.

Could someone please tell me how to UN do it.
Click to expand...

Likely means they are compressed. Sounds like you compressed your hard disk
drive and/or have enabled compression so that files that are not frequently
accessed end up compressed. Google for Windows XP Compressed files.
 
Windows compresses files and folders (NTFS partition) that are not accessed
very often, explorer shows these files/folders in blue.

For turning drive compression ON or OFF:
Right click on the drive letter and select 'Properties'
In the drive properties window, down near bottom is a box to enable
or disable drive compression.

Compression can also be turned on or off on a folder by folder basis.
Just select a folder, right click and select Properties, General Tab,
Advanced Button.
In the Advanced Attributes window you will find the Compress options near
the bottom. Check or Un-check the Compress contents option.

Also when in Explorer select:
Tools, Folder Options, View, Advanced settings to see options related to
colors.

How To Use File Compression in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307987

JS
http://www.pagestart.com
 
somehow I have changed all of desktop program file names as well as all my
"my documents" folders for all my user accounts to blue file names. (the
words are blue, no boxes, or anything else, just blue)

I have NO idea what that means, and I am sure I did not mean to do it.

Could someone please tell me how to UN do it.
Click to expand...


Blue is the default color for files that are compressed.
 
JacMac said:
somehow I have changed all of desktop program file names as well as all my
"my documents" folders for all my user accounts to blue file names. (the
words are blue, no boxes, or anything else, just blue)

I have NO idea what that means, and I am sure I did not mean to do it.

Could someone please tell me how to UN do it.

Thanks!
Click to expand...


As the others have mentioned, the files are compressed
but it's nothing to worry about.

NT-based systems compress files individually
and it's not a potentially dangerous procedure as compared to compressing a
fat16 drive
 
somehow I have changed all of desktop program file names as well as
all my "my documents" folders for all my user accounts to blue file
names. (the words are blue, no boxes, or anything else, just blue)

I have NO idea what that means, and I am sure I did not mean to do it.

Could someone please tell me how to UN do it.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Right click the file or folder, choose Properties, remove the tick from
the Compression box.
Pick a top level fold and it'll offer to change everything else under
it, too. Sounds like maybe compression got turned on instead of
managing the Archive bit, which is right below the Compression tick, and
did so from the root directory, then said Yes to applying it to all
files & folders.

HTH
 
JacMac said:
somehow I have changed all of desktop program file names as well as all my
"my documents" folders for all my user accounts to blue file names. (the
words are blue, no boxes, or anything else, just blue)

I have NO idea what that means, and I am sure I did not mean to do it.

Could someone please tell me how to UN do it.

Thanks!
Click to expand...


By design, WinXP automatically compresses files that do not get used
frequently, and, if you've left the default settings intact, displays
those files in blue. If you wish to change this behavior, in Windows
Explorer, click Tools > Folder Options > View > Advanced settings: Show
encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color.

From your description, thought, it sounds like you may have
unintentionally elected to compress the entire drive or partition.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot
 
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