File Browser Settings (Alphabetize)

CraifCraif Cleveland, Ohio ("round on the ends, high in the middle")
edited May 2004 in Science & Tech
When in any program that has a function whereby the user needs to browse files for a selection, the file browser always comes up with random ordered (or so it seems) files in the list window. It used to be that the files/directories shown would be in alpha order, but now they are not. So, upon browsing, I have to hit the details button, and press the file-name column heading, in order to get that setting. This is a pain. What and where is this setting being configured from?

Comments

  • ThraxThrax 🐌 Austin, TX Icrontian
    edited May 2004
    <b>Windows Explorer:</b>

    1. Set mode to detailed view
    2. Tools -> Folder options -> View tab
    3. Hit "Apply to all folders."
    4. Hit yes.
    5. Hit ok.
    6. Close Windows Explorer and reopen.
  • CraifCraif Cleveland, Ohio (&quot;round on the ends, high in the middle&quot;)
    edited May 2004
    This I have tried...no dice. I should add that the real problem is that the folders aren't being alphabetized.
  • KwitkoKwitko Sheriff of Banning (Retired) By the thing near the stuff Icrontian
    edited May 2004
    You're talking about an Open File dialogue box, not Windows Explorer, correct? I'm not sure where the settings are, but I have seen some shareware/pay programs that fix these problems. Of course, I can't remember their names or where I found them...
  • Straight_ManStraight_Man Geeky, in my own way Naples, FL Icrontian
    edited May 2004
    Ok, try this:

    You get to fix in My Computer (ie Windows Explorer), because it looks like the auto-organize got turned off or the the sort order somehow got set to Date or some such. So, Thrax gave a process, but forgot the part about arrange icons (inside View menu)-- basically, you need to set arrange automatically on with a click to check it, and then sort to type NAME, then apply to all folders as he said. Call this step 2b. Then your browser\open dialogs SHOULD start working unless you played with the registry directly or some doofus did it for you....

    The File Open browser interface just accepts what is sent, mostly, does not resort things unless forced to in registry. Try the GUI before you play THERE, and possibly then restart windows to test if it got actually written to registry right. Thrax is BASICAlly right, but you have to read the whole thread to get the other parts the way he did it, so will fill in the MASSIVE gap he left out between 2 and 3.

    Let's say you manage to turn automatically arrange off-- then you have a case where new files in folders will show up at end of list by default, because Windows Explorer never sorted them into place as you created them. With it off, Windows Explorer thinks you are choosing to "do it yourself.'
  • a2jfreaka2jfreak Houston, TX Member
    edited May 2004
    Eww, eww, eww. I get to use a new word. Yay for me! :)

    What you seek is abecedarian

    Ok, so maybe the usage is a bit awkward, but if you don't use it, you lose it. :)
    I just love "Word of the Day."
  • CraifCraif Cleveland, Ohio (&quot;round on the ends, high in the middle&quot;)
    edited May 2004
    I tried this but the "auto arrange" selection does not adhere (or stick), as it seems to be a one-time apply function. Where in the registry is the configuration? I'm not shy there.
    John_D wrote:
    Ok, try this:

    You get to fix in My Computer (ie Windows Explorer), because it looks like the auto-organize got turned off or the the sort order somehow got set to Date or some such. So, Thrax gave a process, but forgot the part about arrange icons (inside View menu)-- basically, you need to set arrange automatically on with a click to check it, and then sort to type NAME, then apply to all folders as he said. Call this step 2b. Then your browser\open dialogs SHOULD start working unless you played with the registry directly or some doofus did it for you....

    The File Open browser interface just accepts what is sent, mostly, does not resort things unless forced to in registry. Try the GUI before you play THERE, and possibly then restart windows to test if it got actually written to registry right. Thrax is BASICAlly right, but you have to read the whole thread to get the other parts the way he did it, so will fill in the MASSIVE gap he left out between 2 and 3.

    Let's say you manage to turn automatically arrange off-- then you have a case where new files in folders will show up at end of list by default, because Windows Explorer never sorted them into place as you created them. With it off, Windows Explorer thinks you are choosing to "do it yourself.'
Sign In or Register to comment.