>>>Hi,
>>>
>>>I added a folder to my project (e.g. Content). Then I manually copies some .css files to this folder (outside of VS). But when I view the project in the VS Solution Explorer I don't see the symbol (to the left of the folder name) indicating that there are files in this folder. And if I click on the Folder name, it won't open (showing the files). Even thought the files inside the folder Content are recognized in .cshtml files.
>>>I realize that I probably should have added the folder and the file - all - from the VS solution explorer. And I can probably delete and restart the entire process. But I am wondering, is there a way to "force" VS to recognize the folders and the files inside them?
>>>TIA
>>
>>You need to add the individual files to the project. Assuming you've manually placed them in the relevant folder as above:
>>
>>Right click on the folder, choose 'Add' , 'Existing Item' and select the files (you can add multiple files in one go)
>
>The problem I see is that I cannot add a folder the way you describe. That is, if I have another folder underneath the Content (e.g. css) and inside this folder file, I cannot add them from the VS. The 'Add Existing Item' only allows for adding files and not folder with files.

I think that's correct. You need to create the folder structure using VS