Solved Windows Explorer address bar

[huiijuy]

Is there a way to delete the paths that are shown when typing in the address bar? I don't want the drop down menu to show where I have been. I have a few typos in some of the path names and it looks like a mess and unorganized.

 

[Ztruker]

I believe that information is kept in the registry in

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\TypedPaths

As always, before messing with the registry, it would be a good idea to back it up. Here is a good tutoprial on how to do that: ERUNT - How to backup and restore Windows XP registry, Windows Made Easy

To see what is there open a Command Prompt and enter:

reg query "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\TypedPaths"

Mine currently has 25 entries.

 

[Brink]

Hello Muffiin,

Turning off AutoComplete by unchecking the Address bar box below in Internet Options -> Settings, and clicking on OK will remove them for you.



Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[Ztruker]

Shawn, does that apply to Windows Explorer? I thought Internet Options was only for Internet Explorer.

 

[huiijuy]

Thanks Ztrucker. That's exactly what I wanted. Is there a way that you can prevent it from saving them, but still guide you? i.e. Start typing path name, and show you what's there.

Brink thanks for the quick response, but by first glance that doesn't look to be what I'm looking for.

 

[Brink]

Shawn, does that apply to Windows Explorer? I thought Internet Options was only for Internet Explorer.

Hello Rich,

Yep, it applies to both Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer address bar.

 

[huiijuy]

Wow, that's interesting that that works. I would have never thought about that being there. Is there a way to automatically clear it when closed? Like the check box to automatically delete history when closing IE?

 

[Brink]

Other than leaving AutoComplete turned off, you could use the free program CCleaner to wipe it and more clear.

 

[huiijuy]

Thanks for the tips. I'll be sure to keep that in mind.

Rep added for both of you!

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome Muffin. I'm glad that we were able to help.

 

[debugged]

Yep, it applies to both Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer address bar.

Except if you uninstalled Internet Explorer (in Programs & Features), the top portion of that box with the Address bar settings is missing.

I only use Firefox, and just to check it out, re-enabled IE, and the Address bar settings reappeared.

Is there any way around this? I'd like to have no trace of IE, but still be able to access the Autocomplete > Address bar settings, to control Windows Explorer behaviour.

 

[Brink]

Hello Debugged,

I haven't tried this with Internet Explorer turned off, but you can modify the AutoSuggest string value setting at the registry location below to turn Auto Complete in Windows Explorer on or off. The change was applied immediately for me. If not for you, then log off and on to apply.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/130778-windows-explorer-auto-suggest-turn-off.html



Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[debugged]

Unfortunately the address bar dropdown list is still retained unless IE is installed.

This is the only effect on Windows I've seen so far (that I can remember) of not having IE installed. I wonder if there are any others.

Actually it does modify "Autosuggest" as the reg entry says, autosuggest being when you start typing and it helps you out. I mainly like that for the "Run" dialog box which is also affected by this change. I want to keep autosuggest, but don't want the list of addresses in the address bar dropdown to be saved. Do you have another idea for that?

Thanks.

 

[Brink]

Sorry, if Auto Suggest is on, then the drop down list content will be saved until manually deleted. CCleaner is a good free program to delete them with.

 

[debugged]

That's allright, thanks for trying. I realize I'm trying to have my cake and eat it too. So many ways to delete the dropdown items or the whole list, no worries!

 

[Brink]

You're welcome.