Solved Windows Explorer always sorts by date

[RayTheRat]

Running W7 Pro 64, latest updates (12/15/2011.)

Apparently since the last update(s) any folder opened in Windows Explorer sorts by date. I use detail view because I'm used to it. I can click View|Sort by|File Name and the contents of the folder are sorted "correctly" (at least what I think is correctly) but if I change the folder name, the sort mode reverts to date.

Is there a single setting in Explorer or registry that defines the default sort-by mode? Is there something I could have changed that would have changed the sort mode?

TIA,

 

[AllOnTheBus]

Hey Ray

Try right clicking in some empty space in explorer.
A menu will appear- choose sort by -> More
Deselect date modified and see if that helps

 

[dsperber]

Is there a single setting in Explorer or registry that defines the default sort-by mode? Is there something I could have changed that would have changed the sort mode?

If you're in Explorer looking at a folder, and you set everything the way you want such as the column arrangement sequence, width of each column, sort sequence column and ascending or descending, details/list/icons etc., then that will become the default for THAT folder anytime you use Explorer to view it. This is expected, of course.

Furthermore, if you also then click on Organize -> Folder and search options, and then select the View tab, there's a button at the top named "Apply to folders". If you push that button then your current folder options (which I listed above) will be applied to ALL folders! Thus this sets your "default" folder view, for any folder in general for which you have not further customized things uniquely for that particular folder.

So this is what you might have done, when you had a particular folder sorted this way (by date) and then you pushed that "apply to folders" button which made ALL folders have a default sequence of "date".

If so, I believe you can undo entirely this by using the "Reset folders" button (next to "apply to folders" on that View tab of Folder Options). This might undo ALL of your folders I would guess, so you'll have to start over and re-customize the Explorer view of each folder as you once again open it. But at least you will have undone the default "date" sequence you seem to have.

 

[RayTheRat]

Is there a single setting in Explorer or registry that defines the default sort-by mode? Is there something I could have changed that would have changed the sort mode?

If you're in Explorer looking at a folder, and you set everything the way you want such as the column arrangement sequence, width of each column, sort sequence column and ascending or descending, details/list/icons etc., then that will become the default for THAT folder anytime you use Explorer to view it. This is expected, of course.

Furthermore, if you also then click on Organize -> Folder and search options, and then select the View tab, there's a button at the top named "Apply to folders". If you push that button then your current folder options (which I listed above) will be applied to ALL folders! Thus this sets your "default" folder view, for any folder in general for which you have not further customized things uniquely for that particular folder.

So this is what you might have done, when you had a particular folder sorted this way (by date) and then you pushed that "apply to folders" button which made ALL folders have a default sequence of "date".

If so, I believe you can undo entirely this by using the "Reset folders" button (next to "apply to folders" on that View tab of Folder Options). This might undo ALL of your folders I would guess, so you'll have to start over and re-customize the Explorer view of each folder as you once again open it. But at least you will have undone the default "date" sequence you seem to have.

Thank you. I shot myself in the foot, changing the options to view hidden/system files and I must have had the files sorted by date. Once I set the sort mode to "Name" then things went back to "normal" operation.

I feel like a dummy...I've only been working with computers since...well, I'm an old fart and I started with vacuum-tube analog systems. I worked in the hardware/software ends of the business until retirement and now I do web site development and maintenance.

I guess I can just claim "bit bucket overflow" caused by too much data rattling around between my ears.

Thanks again.

 

[dsperber]

I shot myself in the foot, changing the options to view hidden/system files and I must have had the files sorted by date. Once I set the sort mode to "Name" then things went back to "normal" operation.

Well, in that View tab simply changing the view options for hidden/system files, show/hide extension for known file types, etc., will NOT force whatever is your current column heading presentation and sort arrangement for that specific folder to ALL FOLDERS... unless you also pushed the "Apply to folders" button at the top of the dialog. I'm pretty sure of that.

If you simply change the View options for hidden/system etc. while in Explorer for a single folder, and push the OK button at the bottom of the dialog without also pushing the "Apply to folders" button first, I'm pretty sure your presentation changes such as column settings and sort sequence will be applied only to that folder, while also applying the View hidden/system etc. changes to Windows in general.

Anyway, if you've now gotten everything straightened out and working properly as you want, that's what's most important.

 

[RayTheRat]

Yes, I did click on "Apply to Folders." That's how I got the bullet hole in my foot.

 

[AllOnTheBus]

LOL

 

[dsperber]

Yes, I did click on "Apply to Folders." That's how I got the bullet hole in my foot.

AHA!!!

Live and learn.

 

[tonyw]

Furthermore, if you also then click on Organize -> Folder and search options, and then select the View tab, there's a button at the top named "Apply to folders". If you push that button then your current folder options (which I listed above) will be applied to ALL folders!

Thanks dsperber, your tip from four years ago was what I needed to reset the sorting back to the way I like it (by date, newest at top).