Computer Hope
Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows XP => Topic started by: Frank on May 22, 2008, 11:22:42 PM
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Hello,
I would like to know how to launch Windows Explorer such that it opens up at the position and size I want. I have it setup for classic view in Windows XP.
At the moment it seems to open a particular size but different positions that I don't seem to have control over. I tried adjusting it to the size and position I want and closing it with File/Close but doesn't help.
Thanks
Frank
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Hold CTRL key, then go File>Exit.
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Thank you Broni for your reply.
Unfortunately, this has no effect. Still opens at it's predetermined position and size.
I noticed something that might help. If I log in as the Admin then Windows Explorer will launch in the same position and size each time. Only when I log in as a limited user does the size and position vary each time I launch.
Frank
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That's weird.
Resize to desired size, hold CTRL button, and click "X" to close it.
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Close all instances of Internet Explorer except for one.
Right-click on a link in the page and select: "Open in New Window"
Close the first browser window using the [ X ] (upper right corner)
Resize the window manually by dragging the sides to the desired size.
Note: Do NOT click the Maximize button, you must do it manually.
Hold down the Ctrl key and click the Close button (upper right)
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skyblue,
I tried it and does work for Internet Explorer. I didn't have the problem with Internet Explorer. The problem is with Windows Explorer, which is still the same.
Broni,
CTRL X still no change. Opens up again where it wants to and different size.
Thanks
Frank
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Do you actually want it to open maximized, or in different size?
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Broni,
Opening maximized is no problem.
Maybe we are looking at this from the wrong angle. We are assuming I am not doing the right thing to make Windows Explorer launch at the same size and location as it was when closed. When I log in as an administrator, all I have to do is move the window to the position I want and size it to what I want, close it with File/Close. Then launch it and it comes up in the same position and size.
This does not happen if I log in as a limited user. Instead of trying find an alternative way to close or launch Windows Explorer maybe I need to find out how or where the changes are stored or should be stored, maybe in the registry and see why this is not happening. Maybe that part of the registry cannot be changed by a limited user. If this is the case I could work on that. At this stage I don't know where to look in the registry.
Thanks
Frank
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If any registry entry, regarding Windows Explorer, exist, I'm not aware of it.
While in limited user account, right click on Windows Explorer, and click "Run as Administrator". See, if it makes any difference.
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I right click on Windows Explorer quick launch icon and select Run As..., then select Admin. Windows Explorer launches and works o/k, but when I click on File menu I get an error "Application must be shut down, do I want to send report to Microsoft?" I say No and it shuts down.
Also, I don't know how to launch it this way automatically. If I need to manually launch it, I might as well have launch it automatically and then manually resize and move it. So launching in Admin mode manually is not a solution.
If there is no registry entry for Windows Explorer to store the location and size, how does it know where to launch next time and at what size?
Thanks
Frank
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If there is no registry entry for Windows Explorer
I didn't say, it isn't. I said, I'm not aware of it.
Another try. Create new account: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/279783, and see, if same thing happens.
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I think I found the problem.
See this:
http://www.pctools.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37037
Thank you very much for your help.
Frank
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I'm glad, you fixed it. Which solution at that link did work?
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It looks like my enthusiasm was premature.
After all the searching and false leads I decided that Microsoft doesn't want us to understand how this works. I found another link to Microsoft that describes the size and location storage: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/235994 .
Unfortunately, this was also fruitless.
I decided to tackle it from a different angle. I use a program called nnCron *Blocked Russian URL*/. for scheduling. However, nnCron can be used also as a scripting tool and automation manager. I wrote a small script to handle this problem:
WatchProc: "explorer.exe"
Action:
ShowNormal NormalPriority
535 643 WIN-RESIZE
WIN-MOVE: 390 226
What this does in nnCron is wait for explorer.exe to be launched. When that happens, it resizes the window and then moves it to the location I want. It seems reliable and doesn't use Microsoft's location and sizing mechanisms.
I think I'll continue using this.
Thanks for all your help and of course your patience.
Frank
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Wow! That's a nice solution:) Thanks for getting back.
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It's also possible that one of the Third Party apps you have installed on that machine are preventing/blocking Explorer's normal view functions...