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CyberNotes: How to add Breadcrumbs to Windows Explorer in XP

CyberNotes
Tutorial Thursday


One of the best features that I have found in Vista is the nicely designed Windows Explorer. It makes it easy to navigate through your folders, and allows you to put frequently used folders in the sidebar on the left side. Best of all is the great breadcrumb navigation that allows you to navigate backwards through folders with ease.

Vista’s Windows Explorer

Getting those breadcrumbs in Windows XP is actually very easy, thanks to a free application that was just released last week called QT Address Bar (Download Mirror). If the name sounds familiar, that’s because we previously wrote about a program they make called QT TabBar which puts tabs in Windows Explorer.

So now back to the breadcrumbs. I’ve only seen one other application (found on Lifehacker) that did something like this, but it didn’t take on the same appearance of Vista’s Windows Explorer. QT Address Bar is about as close as it gets, and here’s the simple steps needed to set it up:

  1. Download QT Address Bar (Download Mirror) and install it. The installation is a one-click process so it only takes a second. Oh, and the uninstallation is just as easy since all it really does is register a few things with the operating system, so you won’t find any folders in the Program Files.
    QT Address Bar
  2. Either logout of Windows XP and log back in, or restart the computer.
  3. After you’re back in Windows, open Windows Explorer. Don’t panic, you’re not supposed to see QT Address Bar yet! Right-click on a toolbar and select the QT Breadcrumbs Address Bar option from the menu:
    QT Address Bar
  4. Now that the QT Address Bar is visible and working, you should consider removing the normal address bar by right-clicking on a toolbar and unchecking the Address Bar option.
    QT Address Bar
  5. Now have fun with it! QT Address Bar actually goes one step beyond what Vista does by allowing you to deeply navigate folders from within the breadcrumbs. You can even right-click on a folder from within the breadcrumbs:
    QT Address Bar

There ya go, now everyone still using XP can benefit from one of my favorite things in Vista’s Windows Explorer. Let us know if you have any other tips on how you bring some of Vista’s features into Windows XP!

QT Address Bar (Download Mirror)

Thanks to the anonymous tipster for pointing out this program!

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  1. n_sani_tJune 14, 2007 at 9:10 am

    works perfectly. thanks for another great production time saver.
    i like vista, i did beta testing, but i’m not going to fork out that kind of money for it yet so finding stuff that makes my home and work comps act like vista is pretty cool.

    Reply
  2. Ian C.June 14, 2007 at 5:06 pm

    UltraExplorer from Mustangpeak.net has breadcrumbs, as well as several other indispensible features that aren’t found anywhere else. I was using QT Tab Bar before I found UltraExplorer.

    Reply
  3. RyanAuthorJune 14, 2007 at 8:40 pm
    n_sani_t wrote:
    works perfectly. thanks for another great production time saver.
    i like vista, i did beta testing, but i’m not going to fork out that kind of money for it yet so finding stuff that makes my home and work comps act like vista is pretty cool.

    Yeah, I definitely understand where you’re coming from. I’ve been trying to keep an eye out for cool apps like these so I’ll post others as I find them. :)

    Ian C. wrote:
    UltraExplorer from Mustangpeak.net has breadcrumbs, as well as several other indispensible features that aren’t found anywhere else. I was using QT Tab Bar before I found UltraExplorer.

    I have heard a lot of great things about that app, but I’ve tried several Explorer replacements and I still find myself going back to the normal Windows Explorer. I think it has something to do with my addiction to the Windows Key E. :)

    Reply
  4. blasztaJune 14, 2007 at 11:07 pm

    You can have similiar functionality if Firefox address bar using [addons.mozilla.org] extension. Make sure you check the option page of the extension.

    Reply
  5. RyanAuthorJune 15, 2007 at 6:20 pm

    Ahh yes! That is one awesome Firefox extension, and something I believe that should be built-in.

    Reply
  6. anungJuly 1, 2009 at 8:33 pm

    perfect…but I don’t have idea why in my PC QT Address bar CANNOT load or read system or special folder just like my documents,my music and my pictures directly on the breadcrumbs

    Reply