Windows 7 / Getting Started

Working with Media Libraries and Folders

Windows 7 stores your media files in three virtual libraries- Pictures, Music, and Videos. These libraries consolidate media files stored in various files across your hard disk.

Table show indicates which folders are watched for each of these three libraries; the default folder for new file storage is shown in bold:

Media Libraries

LibraryWatched Folders
Picturesc:\users\username\Pictures\
c:\users\public\Pictures
Musicc:\users\username\Music\
c:\users\public\Music\
Videosc:\users\username\Videos\
c:\users\public\Videos
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In this tutorial:

  1. Managing Media Storage and Playback
  2. Working with Media Libraries and Folders
  3. Adding More Folders to a Library
  4. Managing the Pictures Library
  5. Understanding Other Picture Options
  6. Organizing and Editing Your Pictures
  7. Managing the Videos Library
  8. Managing the Music Library
  9. Managing Music Properties
  10. Choosing Music File Formats
  11. Lossy Compressed Formats
  12. Lossless Compressed Formats
  13. Non-Compressed Formats
  14. Choosing the Right Bit Rate
  15. Which File Format Should You Use?
  16. Dealing with DRM
  17. Customizing Windows Media Player
  18. Changing Skins
  19. Searching for Media Files
  20. Adding or Changing Album Art
  21. Change the Location for Ripped Files
  22. Enhancing Audio and Video Playback
  23. Switching to Another Media Player Program