Customize Windows Open and Save

Many programs use the Windows Common dialogs which you’ll see when you Open or Save files in those programs.

For example, in Notepad, if I select Fileâ–ºOpen this dialog appears. The bar at the left is the Places Bar, and it contains 5 standard icons.


Not once, in my entire computing life, have I used that History folder, so it’s just a big waste of space.

The Desktop and My Computer icons aren’t used too often either. Usually I click on My Documents, and hunt for the folder I need. I use the My Pictures folder several times a day, while blogging, so it would be nice to have it one click away.

There’s a free utility, PlacesBar Tweaker, that will let you rearrange the folders in the Places Bar, or replace them with folders you prefer.

I removed History and Desktop, and substituted My Pictures and my external hard drive.

The program was simple to download and install, and very easy to use.

  • Click on an icon, then use the arrows to move it up or down in the Places Bar.
  • Or, click on an icon and select a different folder to replace it.


It only took me a few minutes to download and install the utility, and rearrange my Places Bar. I’m sure that investment will pay off very quickly in time saved.

Note: Currently PlacesBar only works for Users who have Administrator privileges.

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