Menu:  Tools -> Options -> Environment -> Documents
Versions:  2008,2010
Published:  3/30/2010
Code:  vstipProj0012

Did you know that Solution Explorer can display a Miscellaneous Files project for files that you do not want to permanently associate with a project or solution, but you still want to track and be able to open quickly?  For example, you can create and edit files by using the Visual Studio editors without creating a project. You can also work on files that you want to use temporarily, for example, files in which you keep development notes while you work on your solution.

To get the folder to show up go to Tools -> Options -> Environment -> Documents -> Show Miscellaneous files in Solution Explorer and check this option:

Pay particular attention to the "items saved in the Miscellaneous files project".  Leaving this value as zero will only show open files and any other number will indicate how many files you want to see at any given time.  I suggest setting this value to at least five to get started if you aren't sure of a value.

The Miscellaneous Files Project will not show up until you have at least one file that goes in it.  Once it shows up this is what you will see: