Annoyances

[LiquidSnak]

Also, it is wise to run it two or three times. I have had it catch something it missed the first time around.

 

[rap33042]

DeaconFrost:

Not a Shell- merely a File manager; PowerDesk (an old version that suits me well).

In rare situations I need to use Windows Explorer to do certain things.
Naturally, I don't want a skinny little window in which to do this chore, so I re-size it.
Example: to scan a file with MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials);
The MSE context menu option doesn't show in PD. (resolved for me by Night Hawk)

The only solution I have found so far is to use ShellFolderFix. It does the job; it fixes the W7 amnesia; the question is, "Why should I need it?"
My thoughts are that this is a very basic part of the OS and I shouldn't have to rely on a 3rd-party "fix"- especially since it worked just fine in a previous OS version.

This isn't a rant; I simply don't "get it".

James Colbert:
Within the last week I ran SFC and had no negative results. (And TNX for the warning)

 

[DeaconFrost]

Did you notice this "behavoir" before installing PowerDesk? Are you sure that version is properly Windows 7 certified? I'm a minimalist in terms of what I install, so I have never installed another Shell or File Manager, considering I find Explorer to be very useful, especially the Windows 7 version. There's a chance that is messing with the folder settings, and how they are stored/saved.

You shouldn't need it, you are correct, but the point many are trying to make is that your system is not working as it should. I understand your frustration with the Folder Options, but at the same time, given all the examples you gave us, I keep going back to an issue with your user profile. I can only speak for myself, but I always prefer to find solutions to the problems, especially looming large ones, rather than cover them up or look for band-aids. There is a resident issue on your system that's preventing normal behaviors from happening.

 

[gregrocker]

I do not understand why windows will not hold size without using 3rd party app like Autosizer.

Surely MS has gotten the word by now, so where is the fix?

This is a regression from how it worked in XP, Vista and prior IE's.

 

[rap33042]

DeaconFrost:

In all honesty, I must confess that one of the first applications I install is PowerDesk; I despise Windows Explorer.
That being said, I don't see how it can have any effect on Windows' basic functionality.
PD doesn't even have an option to change folder settings.
Now, I could be wrong, but I don't believe PD is the problem.

To satisfy all arguments, I will uninstall PD, grudgingly use WE for a period of about two hours, and see if it makes a difference.
I will re-boot the system after making changes in individual folders and see if they 'stick'.

I will do this because I have too much time on my hands; also, because I really want to know the truth.

I'll get back at ya... later

PS: See gregrocker post above

 

[DeaconFrost]

If PowerDesk is the problem, uninstalling it might not resolve the issue. I suggested it several times now, and it's been ignored each time, but why not create another user account to see if any/all of your issues remain. If so, I'd start considering a clean install, checking each issue after each app install.

Just out of curiosity, what is there to despise about Windows Explorer? It is there already, works very well, and is compatible with any apps that have shell extensions. I know nothing of PowerDesk, but what does it do that Windows Explorer can't?

 

[rap33042]

DeaconFrost:

Au contraire! I haven't ignored your advice regarding creating another account- I simply forgot about it. The heat of the moment, and all that.
Now that you have reminded me, I will try that as well.

Answer to your question about PowerDesk...

PD does this:

• It let's me launch programs that I set up in a launch menu from within the program
• It lets me set up directory Layouts- ie, with a click I can be at the directory of my choosing
• I can manage archived files as though they were directories (many formats available)
• I can preview files in various formats (original, ANSI, Hex, PDF, all the popular MS Office formats, .htm, etc.)
• I can edit files in a Hex editor
• I can view thumbnails of picture directories; I can see them full screen, original size; get the info on them, etc
• I can have vertical/horizontal split panes
• I can synchronize directories/drives, etc.
• I can check drives for space management (has it's own space manager)
• I can go to a drive of my choice with one click of the mouse, in any layout I prefer
• It has an extensive search function that is very customizable (like GREP on steroids)
• I can play audio files with a click
• I can view video files with a click
• I can compare folders
• I can create self-extracting ZIP files

The list goes on and on and on....
IMO- the best file management program out there. Hands down.
---

Now, to ask you a question.
Since I have never set up a new user account, what steps should I follow to get it right?

 

[Trucidation]

Hmm, no fix yet eh. New user account? Should be no trouble, here you go: click Start -> open Control Panel -> select User Accounts -> click Manage another account -> then Create a new account. There'll be a mini-wizard to walk you through the steps.

I did this as well to test the Personalizations bug I have. All's fine on the new account, it's just broken on mine. Sigh. Oh well. Good luck with yours.

 

[smarteyeball]

I doubt creating a new profile will be a 100% magic bullet - it may help with a few things but some of the issues I've noticed have been uniform and consistent that have been present since pre-bublic beta builds right up to the RTM.

 

[DeaconFrost]

Since I have never set up a new user account, what steps should I follow to get it right?

Depending on your version of Windows 7, you'd either go into Computer Management (preferred) or go into the Users Control Panel applet. You'll see the options to create a new user. I would make sure the new test user account as the same level as your current account (user, admin, etc).

I doubt creating a new profile will be a 100% magic bullet

No one is expecting it to be the magic bullet, or even the solution. It is just one step in the troubleshooting to determine why several things that should be working...are not.