See what changed in the shared client folder.

Shows the whole folder

Totals, main folders, client cards with the most recently active first, and search across file names and tags.

Flags changes

New and Updated badges for the last 24 hours, an activity list, and what changed since the last visit. It rescans on its own, from every 5 seconds to every 5 minutes.

Checks names

Lists client folders and files that break the naming standard, with the reason, so staff can correct them in File Explorer.

Opens folders in File Explorer

One click from the dashboard to the folder that holds a file. Needs the one-time installer on each Windows PC.

Tags files

Staff add tags that everyone using the same folder can see and search.

1. Make a folder for the kitOn the network, outside the shared folder the dashboard monitors. Staff get read-only access; only you can write to it.
2. Unzip the kit into itDownload it below and copy every file across.
3. Edit config.jsonbasePath is the folder staff select in the dashboard. allowedRoots lists the only folders Open in Explorer may open. The file in the kit holds example paths, so change both.
4. Test on one PCUse a normal, non-admin account and work through the pilot checklist in README-DEPLOY.txt.
5. Tell staff to run the installerThey open the kit folder and double-click Install-FolderDashboard.bat. It installs for that user only.

To install for everyone at logon, use the silent command in README-DEPLOY.txt.

1. Each dashboard asks this site for version.jsonWhen it opens, then every 12 hours. Staff can also click Check for updates at the bottom of the dashboard.
2. A banner appears when a newer version existsIt lists what changed. It only informs: nothing on the PC is replaced.
3. You download the new kit from this pageReplace the files in your kit folder and keep your own config.json.
4. Staff update from the Start menuFolder Dashboard, then Update Folder Dashboard. A logon script does the same silently.

The address every dashboard checks:

If a PC cannot reach this site, the dashboard says so and keeps working.

Host the files on your own server instead

Copy version.json and the two dashboard files to your server, then change UPDATE.url near the top of folder-dashboard.html to your own https address and set the files addresses in version.json to match. The dashboard opens from a file on the PC, so your server must send Access-Control-Allow-Origin: * for version.json. The _headers file next to this page does that on Cloudflare.

Dashboard

• folder-dashboard.html65 KBThe dashboard. One file; open it in Chrome or Edge.Copy SHA-256Download
• folder-dashboard-guide.html24 KBQuick guide for staff. Keep it next to the dashboard.Copy SHA-256Download

Installer kit

• Install-FolderDashboard.bat461 BStaff double-click this to install or update.Copy SHA-256Download
• Install-FolderDashboard.ps19 KBThe installer the .bat runs; also behind the Start menu Update shortcut.Copy SHA-256Download
• FolderDashLauncher.ps15 KBOpens one existing folder in File Explorer when a dashboard button is clicked.Copy SHA-256Download
• Uninstall-FolderDashboard.ps11 KBRemoves the per-user install from Apps & features.Copy SHA-256Download
• folder-dashboard.ico97 KBShortcut icon.Copy SHA-256Download
• config.json434 BTemplate with example paths. Set basePath and allowedRoots before use.Copy SHA-256Download

Update feed and notes

• version.json1 KBThe file every dashboard checks for a newer version.Copy SHA-256Download
• README-DEPLOY.txt5 KBAdministrator notes: set-up, pilot checklist, silent install.Copy SHA-256Download

Get-FileHash .\folder-dashboard-kit.zip -Algorithm SHA256

• Keep the kit folder read-only for staff. Everyone who runs the installer runs whatever is in that folder, so anyone who can change it can run code on staff PCs.
• List every route to the share in allowedRoots, for example a drive letter and the network path. If it is empty or wrong, Open in Explorer opens nothing, which is deliberate.
• Unblock the files once on the share (right-click, Properties, Unblock) so Windows does not show a protection warning to each user.
• Pilot on one PC first. PCs with AppLocker, Constrained Language Mode or Defender attack-surface rules need the launcher confirmed.

• Guide: new section on why the naming standard matters.
• Change: the sample ticker arrows now sit right beside the sample text on any screen size.
• Change: .jpeg and .webp are now accepted file types alongside .jpg and .png in the naming check.
• Fix: the naming-standard ticker no longer stops. New: previous/next buttons to find a specific sample; automatic scrolling resumes 8 seconds after your last click.
• New: naming-standard samples roll through the top bar, one every 8 seconds (pauses while the pointer is over it).
• Change: clicking a file row opens its folder in File Explorer (when the installer has been run). Use the new Open file button to open the file itself.
• New: Open in Explorer buttons (top bar, file rows, Needs attention list). Needs the one-time installer from your shared folder; Copy path still works without it.
• New: installer kit for deployment from a shared folder (shortcuts, default folder path, update and uninstall).

Folder Dashboard is made by AI-John. For questions about set-up, the naming standard, or changes you would like to see in the dashboard, write to aijohn@xeric.co.za.

Email AI-John