> There has to be a way to simply create static HTML files in VS, store them in a folder and see them in a project.
That's easy
Create a desktop console project.
It will let you create any kind of files you like.
However, you won't be able to run them from IDE.
In order to run them from the IDE you'll need all those other files you don't like.
Anyone who does not go overboard- deserves to.
Malcolm Forbes, Sr.