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Answer XP "Default Folder View" Script Idea - Is it even possible ???

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      Friday, April 22, 2011 8:14 PM
       
       
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      Greatings scripting gurus !!
      First I'd like to say that I have NO idea what I'm doing here.
      But I'd like to ask a question anyway.
      I have an idea about a script for my WinXP Pro SP3 32bit Edition,
      but I don't even know if it's possible.
      So any oppinions on the subject would be appeciated. THX in advance for your time ^.^



      IS THIS IDEA EVEN POSSIBLE FOR A SCRIPT ???

      Problem: Windows only remembers folder view settings for 400 folders
      ---and then reverts oldest changed settings to default once you pass that 400 limit.
      ==========
      Requirement: A script that lists every folder, by directory tree path, in the entire system,
      ---and remembers each ones individual folder view settings. (including removable drives
      ---and keeps that information even when they are inplugged)
      ==========
      USAGE: Place EXE(or something) in C: Directory and activate.
      ---(it is recommended to have all your drives connected at this time,
      ---including removable drives, so it can detect them all)
      It'll scan the system and create a script file in the c: drive with it that lists
      ---the entire computers directory tree, including removable drives.
      THEN restart the computer and this file will load and
      ---be the computers new "DEFAULT folder view" list.
      ==========
      At restart, the script will also give the "folder options > view" tab more buttons.
      ---(in addition to the "Apply to All Folders" and "Reset All Folders" buttons)
      ---(both of which change the systems default folder view
      ---and will now also change the new default folder view list)
      You will also now find an "Apply to Current Directory" button.
      ---(which will apply the currently open-folders view-settings to ALL subfolders in it,
      ---and change the corresponding entries for that folder and all it's subfolders,
      ---in the new default folder view file)
      AND an "Apply to Current Folder Only" button, that will make the changes
      ---to just that folders entry in the new default folder view file.
      ==========
      ALSO: you'll be able to use the "Apply to Current Folder Only" button
      ---to CREATE an entry in the new default folder view file
      ---for folders that have been JUST created.
      You will also be able to remove entries, for deleted folders,
      ---in the new default folder view list, by opening it in a text editor
      ---and deleting the corresponding entry.
      ==========
      EXAMPLE: (will look something like this for easy editing, if possible)
      .
      My Documents "Tiles"
      >My Music "Icons"
      >>Audio Recordings "Icons"
      >>>Enhanced Versions "Tiles"
      >My Pictures "Thumbnails"
      >>New Home "Thumbnails"
      >>>Interior "Tiles"
      >>Old Home "Details"

      (not my actual document directory, just made it up, LOL) ^.^

       

    Answers

    • Tuesday, April 26, 2011 7:11 AM
       
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      I didn't used to have much of a problem either. As you said, simply change it back if the view was different.

      But that was before I got a second hard drive and multiplied the number of folders WAY past the 400 mark.

      Now I can't go one day without having to change the view settings on almost EVERY folder I have >.<

      (doesn't help that I also have an external HDD, a flash drive AND an MP3 player - and don't get me started on my shared network folder) x.x

       

      My main problem is... I DON'T KNOW HOW TO CODE ANYTHING V_V

      (couldn't to save my life)

      I was hoping someone here could help me. But I guess not...

      Perhaps I should go else. As this site doesn't seem to be of any help.

      (seriously, one comment in a week ?!?! )

      The lack of responses indicates that no one in this forum has dealt with this type of query before. To take it to a satisfactory conclusion, several components must be addressed, i.e.
      1. Where exactly is the information held for each folder? In the registry? In the hidden file desktop.ini? Somewhere else?
      2. What is the format of this information?
      3. Is it consistent over the various versions of Windows? Windows XP is on the way out!
      4. How can it be used for your ultimate purpose?
      5. Who would spend the time and effort to implement it in a program?

      The first three questions are not related to programming. You would need to do your own research to find the answers.

      Once you have the answers, you will probably get some hints from this forum for question 4.

      About question 5 - unless you find a respondent willing to spend a lot of time for your project, you would have to pay someone to do the job or to learn how to program. Most respondents in this forum lead busy lives and are reluctant to dedicate substantial amounts of time for someone else's pet project. If I asked you to spend half a day on compiling a detailed plan for my upcoming holiday trip to your area, would you do it?

       

    All Replies

    • Saturday, April 23, 2011 4:08 PM
       
       
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      I really don't care what language is used or how it's programmed.

      I'd just like to know if it's possible...

       
    • Monday, April 25, 2011 2:41 PM
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      Hi,

      I really don't know if it's possible as I have not noticed any problem with the way Explorer windows work. If a window opens that doesn't have the view settings I want, I just change them.

      There are three possible answers to your specific question (is it possible?): Yes, no, or "I don't know." I'm going to answer this as "I don't know." You're free to pursue a more satisfactory answer by searching the documentation.

      Bill

       
    • Monday, April 25, 2011 11:50 PM
       
       
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      Hi,

      I really don't know if it's possible as I have not noticed any problem with the way Explorer windows work. If a window opens that doesn't have the view settings I want, I just change them.

      There are three possible answers to your specific question (is it possible?): Yes, no, or "I don't know." I'm going to answer this as "I don't know." You're free to pursue a more satisfactory answer by searching the documentation.

      Bill


      I didn't used to have much of a problem either. As you said, simply change it back if the view was different.

      But that was before I got a second hard drive and multiplied the number of folders WAY past the 400 mark.

      Now I can't go one day without having to change the view settings on almost EVERY folder I have >.<

      (doesn't help that I also have an external HDD, a flash drive AND an MP3 player - and don't get me started on my shared network folder) x.x

       

      My main problem is... I DON'T KNOW HOW TO CODE ANYTHING V_V

      (couldn't to save my life)

      I was hoping someone here could help me. But I guess not...

      Perhaps I should go else. As this site doesn't seem to be of any help.

      (seriously, one comment in a week ?!?! )

       
    • Tuesday, April 26, 2011 7:11 AM
       
       Answer
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      I didn't used to have much of a problem either. As you said, simply change it back if the view was different.

      But that was before I got a second hard drive and multiplied the number of folders WAY past the 400 mark.

      Now I can't go one day without having to change the view settings on almost EVERY folder I have >.<

      (doesn't help that I also have an external HDD, a flash drive AND an MP3 player - and don't get me started on my shared network folder) x.x

       

      My main problem is... I DON'T KNOW HOW TO CODE ANYTHING V_V

      (couldn't to save my life)

      I was hoping someone here could help me. But I guess not...

      Perhaps I should go else. As this site doesn't seem to be of any help.

      (seriously, one comment in a week ?!?! )

      The lack of responses indicates that no one in this forum has dealt with this type of query before. To take it to a satisfactory conclusion, several components must be addressed, i.e.
      1. Where exactly is the information held for each folder? In the registry? In the hidden file desktop.ini? Somewhere else?
      2. What is the format of this information?
      3. Is it consistent over the various versions of Windows? Windows XP is on the way out!
      4. How can it be used for your ultimate purpose?
      5. Who would spend the time and effort to implement it in a program?

      The first three questions are not related to programming. You would need to do your own research to find the answers.

      Once you have the answers, you will probably get some hints from this forum for question 4.

      About question 5 - unless you find a respondent willing to spend a lot of time for your project, you would have to pay someone to do the job or to learn how to program. Most respondents in this forum lead busy lives and are reluctant to dedicate substantial amounts of time for someone else's pet project. If I asked you to spend half a day on compiling a detailed plan for my upcoming holiday trip to your area, would you do it?

       
    • Tuesday, April 26, 2011 4:30 PM
       
       
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      There is indeed a way to do this.  There are user hive registry settings and I believe RUNDLL32 SHELL32.DLL/user32.dll Commands you can use.  The logic will need to be done with VB or BATCH
       
    • Tuesday, April 26, 2011 7:28 PM
       
       
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      *sigh*
      Seems to be my lot in life to ask questions that no one else has before.
      V_V

      Sadly the answers to though questions are all "I don't know"
      And XP may be on it's way out, but sence it's still THE most
      compatable OS on the planet, I refuse to use anything else. *nods*
      (no point in "upgrading" to only second best)
      [I dare you to ask me why I think that - LOL]

      Yeah, I understand. (darn you real life for getting in the way) >.<
      I'd have to know more about your interests, LOL
      But my trip would be easy. (anything anime related) ^.^

      And I'm sorry about being so short.
      I had a bad day and shouldn't have posted while still upset.
      So I appologize V_V
       
    • Tuesday, April 26, 2011 7:31 PM
       
       
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      There is indeed a way to do this.  There are user hive registry settings and I believe RUNDLL32 SHELL32.DLL/user32.dll Commands you can use.  The logic will need to be done with VB or BATCH
      I don't know anything about VB.

      (let alone what it is)

      But if you're talking about batch file command line stuff,
      then THAT'S something I know a little about.
      (sadly "a little" is very truthful)

      But if you could direct me to a batch file "repository"
      (as it was called before) I might be able to come up with something.

      Of course, hints and suggestions are always welcome ^^;

      • Edited by Scott705 Wednesday, April 27, 2011 8:07 PM
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    • Tuesday, April 26, 2011 7:53 PM
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      Hi,

      Of course you could avoid the whole problem with Explorer "forgetting" your window settings by simply using a different file manager that doesn't suffer from this problem. Explorer++ and A43 are two free ones that come to mind.

      Good luck with your searching.

      Bill

       
    • Wednesday, April 27, 2011 12:29 AM
       
       
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      Hi,

      Of course you could avoid the whole problem with Explorer "forgetting" your window settings by simply using a different file manager that doesn't suffer from this problem. Explorer++ and A43 are two free ones that come to mind.

      Good luck with your searching.

      Bill

      So My choices are...
      1: Create a batch file, or code it in VB (whatever that is)
      2: install a new file browser
      3: edit the registry to extend the 400 folder limit.
      (saw this one elsewhere)

      Editing the registry could cause system slowage,
      and I don't want to have to get used to a new way to view things.
      (especially if it looks too different)

      So I'd rather have something I could easily port from one install to the next.
      (As I have a tendency of reinstalling my OS occationally)

      So that batch file would be best I think.
      I'd make it myself, but I need a few pointers ^^;

      Unless there's something I'm not understanding...