[GreenKeys] OT -- windows xp stuff

[gil smith]

Hi folks:

This is a off-topic, but some may find it handy.

I found it quite annoying that in XP, MS hid windows explorer in the 
accessories area -- I find windows explorer to be the only useful tool to 
manage the filesystem for file copies/moves...  So, I placed a shortcut to 
it on the desktop for quick access.  Problem is, windows explorer always 
opens in the root mode, and requires navigating down the disk and file tree 
to get to the folder you need.

So I made shortcuts to folders that I need, and placed them on the 
desktop.  Problem with that is, the folder shortcuts only open in the 
single-pane mode (just folder contents), and not the two-pane mode of 
explorer (folder tree on the left, and the current folder contents on the 
right).

But I stumbled on a fix for that.  In explorer, navigate to the desired 
folder, and make a desktop shortcut (right-click, send to, desktop as 
shortcut).  Now go to the desktop and right-click on the shortcut and 
select properties. Under the shortcut tab, there is a location for target 
that will say something like: C:\usr\gil  --  change this to say

%SystemRoot%\explorer.exe /e, C:\usr\gil

(with your appropriate folder, of course), and click OK.  The desktop icon 
will change, and when you double-click it opens windows explorer in 
two-pane mode, at the proper folder level.

I ran across this somewhere when I was trying to figure out a way to 
automate the startup of HeavyMetal.  Bill's current XP version requires 
starting a command session, and typing in the line to start it.  I placed a 
shortcut to command on the desktop, but I never did figure how to pass 
parameters into it.  Ms does not even let you cut and paste in the command 
window -- sheesh.

FWIW,

gil





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