Make Windows 7 remember window positions and size!

[Nosmo]

I am an XP user , but have evaluated Win 7 virtually and am still deciding if I am going to upgrade. My 3 licenses are ready to go but I am not.

Windows Explorer seems to me a step back.
My main issue is as follows/

First I have my folder setting to " Open each folder in its own window"
Users that do not use this setting will NOT be as frustrated with the lack of memory issue.

Now I like to customize the size and position of each window. With XP,' My Document' folder opens up so all one sees are folders in detail view.
Whenever I click "My Documents" desktop shortcut, the window that opens is ALWAYS the same size and position.

Other Windows Explorer windows operate the same.

Now in Win 7, much has been stripped out ( presumable to turn Vista into Win 7) and gone is the setting that allowed the above. Now every window
in WE opens to the size of the last open window. The programer responsible never bothered to see how XP worked and just changed it for the sake of change. His boss probably plays games more than he uses Windows Explorer to get work done......and so it goes. Appearance wins out over functionality.

 

[SquonkSC]

I am an XP user , but have evaluated Win 7 virtually and am still deciding if I am going to upgrade. My 3 licenses are ready to go but I am not.

Windows Explorer seems to me a step back.
My main issue is as follows/

First I have my folder setting to " Open each folder in its own window"
Users that do not use this setting will NOT be as frustrated with the lack of memory issue.

Now I like to customize the size and position of each window. With XP,' My Document' folder opens up so all one sees are folders in detail view.
Whenever I click "My Documents" desktop shortcut, the window that opens is ALWAYS the same size and position.

Other Windows Explorer windows operate the same.

Now in Win 7, much has been stripped out ( presumable to turn Vista into Win 7) and gone is the setting that allowed the above. Now every window
in WE opens to the size of the last open window. The programer responsible never bothered to see how XP worked and just changed it for the sake of change. His boss probably plays games more than he uses Windows Explorer to get work done......and so it goes. Appearance wins out over functionality.

Why not try to change their minds?

http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/29842-requests-microsoft.html

Make sure you read the threads rules before posting.

Good luck

 

[helmutcheese]

I do not think some of you even know what the issue is.

XP did remember sizes/layout of individual windows.

Vista had function but it was XP code instead so needed a fix from a clever peep, now it works.

Windows 7 does not have this same function we are missing, MS removed it in later Beta/RC builds (or broke it) even though Beta Testers told them about issues.

The function has NOTHING to do with opening 1 window, resizing and closing it, it has to do with every explorer window thereafter (apart from IE) will then copy that size.

I have stated this about 3 times already and if some of you claim you do not haver this issue I wonder what you use your PC for as I use this most basic Windows function that's been in every proper windows build ( I cant comment on really old dos builds).

Its that basic you may not even realise you use it as you should take it for granted it works.

 

[SquonkSC]

I do not think some of you even know what the issue is.

XP did remember sizes/layout of individual windows.

By my knowledge it does not. It needs a registry hack too.

Vista had function but it was XP code instead so needed a fix from a clever peep, now it works.

That clever peep used the reghack the other clever peep wrote for XP.

The function has NOTHING to do with opening 1 window, resizing and closing it, it has to do with every explorer window thereafter (apart from IE) will then copy that size.

Yes, we got that.
But there were some folks talking about another issue, namely that when they set the explorer to not show left pane,
all their other shortcuts to explorer will adapt that setting instead of keeping their previous settings.

I have stated this about 3 times already and if some of you claim you do not haver this issue I wonder what you use your PC for as I use this most basic Windows function that's been in every proper windows build ( I cant comment on really old dos builds).

Well, I would be very surprised when someone would state that DOS remembered Windows.

It would be like Julius Caesar remembering Hitler. just kidding

I will add your gripe to the list.

Greetings

http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/29842-requests-microsoft.html#post314984

 

[Dixon Butz]

Win XP did remember window size and postion. However, it would only remember the last 400 windows. After that, it would start losing the ones previously remembered. The fix was to increase the bag size mru in the registry beyond 400. This fix does not work in Win 7.
This is one bug I noticed about 3 weeks after installing WinXP because I had a lot of drives and folders. Was very annoying.

As for Win 7, the fix is WindowManager from Desksoft. Like I said in post 92:

http://www.sevenforums.com/340741-post92.html

Windowmanager 1.3 finally remembers positions like in earlier Windows versions.

 

[Zidane24]

Win XP did remember window size and postion. However, it would only remember the last 400 windows. After that, it would start losing the ones previously remembered. The fix was to increase the bag size mru in the registry beyond 400. This fix does not work in Win 7.
This is one bug I noticed about 3 weeks after installing WinXP because I had a lot of drives and folders. Was very annoying.

As for Win 7, the fix is WindowManager from Desksoft. Like I said in post 92:

http://www.sevenforums.com/340741-post92.html

Windowmanager 1.3 finally remembers positions like in earlier Windows versions.

If the option to remember folder windows was still in 7 than the previous fix for XP and Vista would work...

 

[SquonkSC]

Win XP did remember window size and postion. However, it would only remember the last 400 windows. After that, it would start losing the ones previously remembered. The fix was to increase the bag size mru in the registry beyond 400. This fix does not work in Win 7.
This is one bug I noticed about 3 weeks after installing WinXP because I had a lot of drives and folders. Was very annoying.

As for Win 7, the fix is WindowManager from Desksoft. Like I said in post 92:

http://www.sevenforums.com/340741-post92.html

Windowmanager 1.3 finally remembers positions like in earlier Windows versions.

Thanks for the link.

Good to know there is a way to get it to work, and for $10, who can complain?

Win7 might lack this feature, but it has many new features that lacked in XP.
It's like with any new product from any manufacturer.

My new mainboard lacks a serial port, rendering my Wacom pen pad useless.
But no way I'm going to stick with XP just for that.

With 64bit W7 I had to say goodbye to Cubase SX3 and some of my favorite VSTi's after using it extensively for 6 yrs, and had learn to work with Reaper.
It took me weeks to get a little bit used to it, and it will take many weeks more to be as productive with it, as I was with Cubase.

But Reaper goes way beyond Cubase in many areas, and Windows 7 is so much more stable and productive, that I will gladly invest my time in it.

Some is gained, some is lost.

Think positive, find new ways to get the job done.
I've been doing it since DOS 5 and Win 3

Greetings

 

[ibethebear]

WindowManager

I totally agree that this function should be built into Windows 7. This is a real step backwards. However I tried WindowManager, and it works fantastic. I have not paid the $10.00 fee as of yet so I suspect it may time out in a few weeks. If it continues to work this well. I will happily pay the fee.

http://www.desksoft.com/WindowManager.htm

 

[MrDeviance]

Third party to replace old windows features?
Then who is stopping us from using third party apps to get windows xp looking like vista or windows 7?Isn't it the same thing? When we start using third party apps to do basic features in windows we are pretty much giving up on free resources.
Why should I install a windows that requires third party apps to do what the older one did natively? I know there are lots of people that are using vista transformation packs for windows xp which allow them to achieve a vista look and a few vista 3d alt+tab and more at less resources than both vista and win 7 require to run such features.
If eye candy is the only reason why we are using windows vista and win 7 then why not grab some vista transformation patch for xp and we can be done with it and also use third party ****...

 

[torrentg]

When we start using third party apps to do basic features in windows we are pretty much giving up on free resources.

If you have to worry about resources being taken by such a simple app....

Why should I install a windows that requires third party apps to do what the older one did natively?

The same reason I install an emulator when I want to play Space Invaders or any classic Atari game.

If eye candy is the only reason why we are using windows vista and win 7 then why not grab some vista transformation patch for xp and we can be done with it and also use third party ****...

Who's stopping you from applying this suggestion and using it? Nobody here. It's like you're asking us to choose for you or something. Use what you like and be happy.

 

[InternetLord]

When we start using third party apps to do basic features in windows we are pretty much giving up on free resources.

If you have to worry about resources being taken by such a simple app....

Why should I install a windows that requires third party apps to do what the older one did natively?

The same reason I install an emulator when I want to play Space Invaders or any classic Atari game.

If eye candy is the only reason why we are using windows vista and win 7 then why not grab some vista transformation patch for xp and we can be done with it and also use third party ****...

Who's stopping you from applying this suggestion and using it? Nobody here. It's like you're asking us to choose for you or something. Use what you like and be happy.

1. every little app makes a difference. why do you think users going through startup programs and disable what actually does not need to start with windows. why do you think users go through services and either disable some of the or set the to manual start.
2. installing an emulator to play games that were never native to windows is not the same as having to install a thirdparty app to do something that was native to windows xp and vista then for no good reason removed from 7.

in fairness mrdeviance is wrong about us only using vista and 7 only for eye candy. the only thing wrong with vista post service pack 1 was it's security was weaker than xp's. vista did run faster than xp. 7 even runs faster and more stable than either xp or vista. 7 is also far more secure than xp or vista. for the most part 7 is the os microsour got right.

 

[tweaker]

Just a little heads up to anyone interested, I'm in the finishing touches of an app to fix this mind numbingly stupid move by MS. I tried WindowManager but I wasn't satisified at all, so I broke down and made my own, since it's an absolute must-have for my workflow. Unlike WindowManager this is specifically made only for folder/shell windows and not generic application windows and uses a folder's actual path and not the window title to track it.

It has some bonus features like the return of the ability to restore a folder's minimized state correctly on startup. Something that worked fine in win95 but MS thought it was a good idea to screw up in all versions after that. It also has a workspace save/restore, which can save the currently open folders (with size/pos) and lets you restore that configuration later.

Initially it will probably only be the 64-bit version, depends on if the 32-bit build JustWorks(tm) or needs additional efforts. It'll be free of course, such a basic feature shouldn't cost extra


(There's also a little fix for the 64-bit version, to disable the nasty always-on-top taskbar which can be found here)

 

[InternetLord]

Just a little heads up to anyone interested, I'm in the finishing touches of an app to fix this mind numbingly stupid move by MS. I tried WindowManager but I wasn't satisified at all, so I broke down and made my own, since it's an absolute must-have for my workflow. Unlike WindowManager this is specifically made only for folder/shell windows and not generic application windows and uses a folder's actual path and not the window title to track it.

It has some bonus features like the return of the ability to restore a folder's minimized state correctly on startup. Something that worked fine in win95 but MS thought it was a good idea to screw up in all versions after that. It also has a workspace save/restore, which can save the currently open folders (with size/pos) and lets you restore that configuration later.

Initially it will probably only be the 64-bit version, depends on if the 32-bit build JustWorks(tm) or needs additional efforts. It'll be free of course, such a basic feature shouldn't cost extra


(There's also a little fix for the 64-bit version, to disable the nasty always-on-top taskbar which can be found here)

o.k. so i know for sure that we are on the same page. you are talking about if i have my movies or vid's folder open to full screen with large thumbs and no navigation pane and i click on my computer it will open with its own default view(in my case is the default view for my computer is never changed from what is set by windows). right now if i get rid of the navigation pane in one window windows removes it from all. i only need it removed from a few folders(desktop shortcuts, vid's, movies, documents, bitcomet, my downloads and it's sub folders). one last curious question what about icon spacing. this is the other item microsour messed up. look forward to trying out your app. you might want reconsider the x86 version first though, as most people are still running the 32bit os.

 

[tweaker]

you are talking about if i have my movies or vid's folder open to full screen with large thumbs and no navigation pane and i click on my computer it will open with its own default view(in my case is the default view for my computer is never changed from what is set by windows). right now if i get rid of the navigation pane in one window windows removes it from all. i only need it removed from a few folders(desktop shortcuts, vid's, movies, documents, bitcomet, my downloads and it's sub folders). one last curious question what about icon spacing. this is the other item microsour messed up. look forward to trying out your app. you might want reconsider the x86 version first though, as most people are still running the 32bit os.

unfortunately the view layout folders is not managed by my app... yet. Believe me, I tried. I wasted a couple of days already trying various hacks to make this work, but I realized I'd better get the basic app done and verified on more systems. Then I can return later and see if I can figure it out.

I really want it to remember per-folder view layout, so I haven't given up on it. Just don't expect it in the first release, for now it only remembers window size, position and minimized/maximized.

I also tried (optionally) getting rid of the explorer nav bar space wasting POS, that's forced down your throat by MS, had no luck there either, but will look into it again later.

 

[InternetLord]

at least it is a start. i think everyone needs to install both vista and 7 take screenshots of explorer windows in both and email microsour everyday with them. maybe they will get tired enough of the mass emails and correct the problem.

 

[Nosmo]

All the very best to you tweaker and look forward to trying your app.

Also have a look at Zmover that I currently use. Works very well yet costs $20.

 

[johngalt]

Indeed - glad I read through this thread.

If you need a guinea pig, I manage Windows Ultimate systems , a pair of 64bit archs and a single 32bit arch....

 

[helmutcheese]

Looking forward to it.

Can you give more details of what it wioll do that windowmanager cant !

 

[tweaker]

If you need a guinea pig, I manage Windows Ultimate systems , a pair of 64bit archs and a single 32bit arch....

sounds great, the more tester the merrier

Can you give more details of what it wioll do that windowmanager cant !

It's a little bit like comparing apples and oranges, my app is not intended as a 1:1 replacement, as it doesn't handle any kind of application like WM does. In theory you can have both running if you configure WM to ignore folders (CabinetWClass).

I personally had trouble with WM. On a clean system it still had severe issues like suddenly closing down without a word, and completely failing to restore my windows at log-in (a very important feature to me). I just got fed up over being at the mercy of MS or some other third party, and decided to make something that only does folders but does those really good (hopefully ).

I haven't used WM enough to know exactly what I do better or not. The only thing I know is that WM uses window titles, which means its behavior will depend on whether the folder setting "Show full path in title" will affect how it works, whereas I query the real full folder name from the underlying control of the folder window. Say if you had a folder called "Stuff" in several places, with WM they'd be considered to be the exact same folder if you don't have "Show full path in title" enabled.

Then I don't think that WM has the ability to restore folder views, for example after a crash when explorer decides to forget all open views. My app is able to restore the last saved state (or the previously mentioned saved workspaces). The usefulness of this feature depends on how you use windows. I'm one of those that have quite a few windows open, in an organized fashion, when I work on a project, and I really hate it when windows manages to screw that up.

It also has the ability to configure the behavior when navigating to a new folder inside same window, it can either update the window to match the new folder or keep the current window. To my knowledge not something you can control in WM.

And I hope in future versions also being able to affect the view modes per folder and maybe other trickery that affects the appearance of folder windows. Something WM wouldn't do either I assume.

 

[MrDeviance]

Very cool man. Do you have a site or something? Where are you going to release the first public version and where?
Also are you a skilled coder?
Hope you can answer these questions.

Also a small suggestion. If you do decide to add extra features to your app it would be very nice if you could release 2 versions. One with extra stuff and one that is very basic and is very very low on ressources and only remembers windows size and position and nothing more.
Cheers.