show Favorites in open file dialog - or how to browse fast to files?

Hi,

is there a way to access the favorite folders which are specified in windows explorer (NOT internet explorer) from the "open file" dialog in all programs?

example:
I am working in program XY - now I click file>open and I am presented with this mini explorer version which allows me to browse to the file which i want to open. - oftne it starts by default somewhere in the my documents folder.
how can i get FAST to files which are hidden very deep down in the filestructure without browsing through all the folders and not having to clich through the whole filestructure every time i open a file?
the solution should be program independent - i know that some programs remeber the last location or allow to specify a default folder... this is not what i am looking for.
i am looking for a solution which works in all (or at least in most : ) programs.
any ideas? if there is no native solution i would also consider to use some sort of shell addon / program or whatever ; )

thanks

Hi Shawn,

either my question was confusing, or I am missing something in your answer...
could you please check again? i'll try to make it more clear this time.

Brink said:

....I find that adding a link to the folder that the file is in under Favorites in the navigation pane helps make it easier and quicker to get to.

adding a link to the file/folder under Favorites is exactly what I do already.
BUT in many programs the Favorites don't show up on the left side of the dialog while I save or open a file. (please take a look at the attached images) - I was actually hoping that there is a RegHack or a hidden setting to fix this.
my question is: how can i access the favorites if they do not show up by default in the open/save dialog of a program?

...... while writing this i had an idea. I just created a shortcut to favorites on the desktop. by opening this shortcut in the open save/dialog i can get to the favorites (i just verified it) but it's still a rather disappointing workaround.
there's got to be a better way ? ; )


EDIT:
I just realized that the favorites folder is already right inside the "user" folder... doh. so no need to go that extra mile and create a shortcut to the desktop.; )


Thanks for reading

whs said:

I put mine into the Rocket Dock. There I can always get to it. An alternative would be to put it into a toolbar[/URL]

but that also doesn't make it accessible directly from the open/save dialog, does it?

Thanks ALOT Shawn