Windows Explorer left-pane not showing changes to folder names


  1. Posts : 13
    Windows 7 Beta 64bit
       #1

    Windows Explorer left-pane not showing changes to folder names


    This one is getting really annoying. I have noticed that sometimes when using Windows Explorer, if I rename a folder, the right hand pane shows the correct (new) folder name, but the left hand pane still displays the old folder name.

    As a matter of fact, even if I right click on the folder name on the left hand pane, and choose "Rename", and then rename it there, when I hit Enter to save the name change, the folder name on the left (that was just highlighted and changed) will revert back to the original name....but the name in the right hand pane will show the change.

    For some reason, it just doesn't seem to want to update the view in the left hand pane. And then, to top it off, after some undetermined amount of time, the left hand pane will "refresh" to show the new folder name, but it will STILL show the old folder in the list as well. If I right-click the parent folder and choose "Open in New Window", the view is correct, but the original window still shows the old folder names.

    This may only happen after my Explorer windows (I usually have 4 or 5 up) have been open for a long time, as I tried to reproduce with new windows and the behavior is normal (left hand pane updates view immediately).

    I've reported it already, but just curious if anyone else has experienced this odd behavior.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 445
    Vista Ult 64bit - Windows 7 Ult 7264 64bit
       #2

    Hi CorrsFan

    I think this is just a part of it being a Beta still. I have tried to delete the HomeGroup section, and while it goes for awhile as soon as it refreshes it's back. Just like some sections of the Registry is locked out and some permissions can't be changed, these things will all be sorted out by RC1. Renaming any system item is locked down in the registry and Left (Navigation) Pane items seem to be a part of this lockout.

    Make sure to send MS Feedback on this so they know what works and doesn't.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 13
    Windows 7 Beta 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I have done some additional testing on this, and I've pretty much determined that I won't get this odd, non-update behavior unless I have 4-5 Explorer windows open. It just seems that if I have that many Explorer windows, odd stuff happens, such as the COPY issues discussed elsewhere; where, if the COPY TO location already has the specific file/folder that you are copying, it will default to making an additional copy of the file/folder w/o asking you want you want to do (copy, copy and replace, skip).

    I tested this quite a bit with only 2-3 Explorer windows open and could NEVER get it "not prompt" me for my desired action when knowingly re-copying files into a duplicate location; but when I have 4-5 Explorer windows open, I can sometimes get it to assume a default action that would have prompted me for my desired operation type, had I only had 2-3 Explorer windows open.

    Here's to hoping MS fixes it before the launch.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 445
    Vista Ult 64bit - Windows 7 Ult 7264 64bit
       #4

    Nicely done CorrsFan!

    Yah, that certainly has the hallmarks of a bug, and I hope it's something that has been found and getting worked on. Still, have you sent this info to MS? With your more concise tests it should be reproduceable for them also, and certainly something they need pointed out as much as possible.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 995
    XP/win7 x86 build 7127
       #5

    In explorer... have you tried clicking "organize"/folder and search options/show all folders & automatically expand to current folder and see if you can reproduce the same results of your problem?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 13
    Windows 7 Beta 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Thanks for your reponse Digger. I tried your suggestion, and it really made no difference. I wish I could reproduce the problem at will, but I lack the inclination and time to set about developing a distinct set of steps that will produce the scenario. I have determined that if I have 3 or fewer Explorer windows open, I never see problems with either the right or left panes updating. It's only when I get above 4 that I notice issues. I have reported it, so we'll see if MS responds.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 13
    Windows 7 Beta 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    I updated to Windows 7 version 7048 (64-bit), and I still have the same problem. When multiple Explorer (more than 4) windows are open, they stop updating the view automatically whenever changes are made to the current folder's contents. A manual "Refresh" operation is required to get the right pane to update the view.

    Oh well...here's to hoping it's fixed in the final version. I know I'm not the only one that has a gazillion Explorer windows open (and a 500+Gb music collection to keep organized).
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 4,364
    Windows 11 21H2 Current build
       #8

    I think this is by design, as refreshing the window actually uses system resources - but at any rate, make a report of it.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 1
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #9

    I updated to Windows 10 (64-bit) and I still have the same problem.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 1,384
    Win 7 Ult 64-bit
       #10

    This thread is 11 years old. Start a new thread for yourself at Windows 10 Help Forums.
      My Computer


 

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