File Arranging

CJW · 21 Jul 2010

I remember being able to do this in XP, think I was able to do this in Vista, but cannot do it in 7. Hope someone can help.

I have a folder w/127 pics, some look very similar & may be duplicates. I want to drag 1 from near the bottom up next to the 1 that may be its dublicate & have it stay there. I cannot do this. No line shows up to show the dragged pic will be moved the way it did in XP, why did Microsoft change this ability? Is there a way to get this back w/o having to rename files?

Yes, I know I can use Auto Arrange on the desktop; but I need this done in a folder & there is no Auto Arrange function.

Kirsch · 21 Jul 2010

Unfortunately, not possible in Windows 7

Windows Explorer in Windows 7 uses a new custom list view control that doesn't support custom ordering like the old one did. So in folder views you can no longer drag items around to rearrange them. Basically, pretty much nobody used this (except on the desktop, where it is still supported), and re-implementing it in the new virtualized list view wasn't worth the cost.

You can sort the items by any of their properties, such as name, date, etc.

whs · 21 Jul 2010

The only way I found how to do that is by renaming them with a number scheme. Not very convenient though.

CJW · 21 Jul 2010

This from Lisa a Support Engineer for Microsoft

"Thank you for visiting the Microsoft Answers Community.
The change in Windows 7 is by design, but if you feel that this is something you would like changed, please submit your suggestion at the Microsoft Connect site for feedback."

Maybe if enough people comment about this, Microsoft will actually do something about it.

Kirsch · 21 Jul 2010

Um.. yep. We told you it wasn't possible with Windows 7 :)