[tripdout]

Why doesn't Windows need such a directory to store folder customizations in Explorer?

[steve1977]

Explorer uses a hidden desktop.ini file for this.

[OptionOfT]

Negative. desktop.ini doesn't get edited when you switch (for example) from Details to List.

Also, I think only the desktop allows moving icons around freely.

[steve1977]

I guess a more correct answer would have been that deskop.ini is used for some folder customizations.

[reddalo]

> only the desktop allows moving icons around freely

I'm pretty sure Windows used to allow you to move icons around, I clearly remember making a mess on some Windows 98 folders. Maybe they removed that feature recently?

[IIsi50MHz]

Windows stores/stored in the registry a limited number of file folders' icon layouts. Once you go over the limit, the oldest config is erased. I think the original limit was 200, but could be overridden using a registry key.