Opening Windows Explorer

[flavet]

I have a shortcut on my desktop to open Windows Explorer at a certain viewing level. However, I would like to modify the shortcuts TARGET text to open the MY COMPUTER level one more level down so it shows the drives, Control Panel, etc.

I am using Windows XP SP3. The TARGET text in the shortcut for WE: %SystemRoot%\explorer.exe /e, /n, /select, /root, C:
The START IN box: %HOMEDRIVE%%HOMEPATH%. I believe the target text just needs one more tweek, but I lost the whereabouts of the hint I used to create the shortcut text.

When WE opens it displays this: a 2 pane window, with a FOLDERS pane to the left, and a NAME, etc pane to the right. The folders pane displays: Desktop, My Documents, My Computer, My Network -, Recycle Bin. Most of these have an expansion box, but none are expanded; I would like to open WE as now but with My Computer expanded one level down.

[HansV]

Create a shortcut with target

explorer /e,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}

You can also select the My Computer icon on your desktop, and hold down Shift while double-clicking it. This will open My Computer in Explorer view.

[flavet]

[quote name='HansV' post='791490' date='31-Aug-2009 11:26']Create a shortcut with target

explorer /e,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}

You can also select the My Computer icon on your desktop, and hold down Shift while double-clicking it. This will open My Computer in Explorer view.[/quote]

Hans, I tried both methods. The second one works the way I hoped, but perhaps I do not understand how to apply your first method. I keyed in the text just as your example showed. Maybe I was supposed to understand that your example did not include some other text that I was expected to include (just a neophyte of sorts).

[HansV]

Right-click an empty part of the desktop.
Select New | Shortcut from the popup menu.
A dialog will appear asking you to specify the location of the item to create a shortcut for.
Copy/paste the string

explorer /e,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}

into the box, then click Next.
Specify a caption (name) for the shortcut, for example "My Computer", then click Finish.
You can move the shortcut from the desktop to another location if desired.

[DocWatson]

Copying the following string into the Target box of the Properties window for your Windows Explorer shortcut will open Windows Explorer to the view you are looking for. Be sure to save the old string to a text document, just in case you want to revert back for any reason.

%SystemRoot%\explorer.exe /n, /e, /select, C:

If you right click on the shortcut in Accessories on the All Programs list, and select Pin to Start Menu you can then change the target of that shortcut and Move it anywhere you need it.

[flavet]

Hans, thanks for your help.

I went back and tried your latest suggestion. I could not determine how to complete it since the Shortcut WIZARD did not have a means to PASTE the text. Just something else I am sure a more knowledgeable person would work around.

Anyhow, I took another look at that text string and discovered that I had orginally misviewed one of the characters -- I thought I saw (), but it really was a 0. I corrected that in my original desktop Windows Explorer shortcut item and it now works just as it should.

Again, thank you for your help.

flavet

[flavet]

Thanks to one and all for your help. They all work.

flavet

[HansV]

Glad it's been solved.

Just for your information: in almost any Windows application, you can copy selected text by pressing Ctrl+C, and paste the text that's on the clipboard by pressing Ctrl+V.

[GrandRascal]

Hans, I tried both methods. The second one works the way I hoped, but perhaps I do not understand how to apply your first method. I keyed in the text just as your example showed. Maybe I was supposed to understand that your example did not include some other text that I was expected to include (just a neophyte of sorts).

I notice you having difficulty, and sympathize. Such things can be the Riddle of the Sphynx if you're not used to them!

Let's go through this procedure, step-by-step. You might want to print this message out so that you can refer to it, because at one point all you'll have on your screen is your desktop, with everything minimized. Here's the procedure:

1. In this post, click-&-drag (that is, highlight) the "explorer /e," command:

"C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE" /e,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}

Be sure to get the whole command, including any odd-looking punctuation marks! IMPORTANT: Be careful not to drop down to the next line when you do this. If you do, you'll include a carriage-return in the next step, which is a "no-no". When you've got the line highlighted, let go of the mouse button.

2. Now put the mouse pointer on the blue (highlighted) area, and right-click; on the pop-up menu, click "Copy".

3. Minimize everything. Only your desktop should be showing.

4. Point your mouse to an empty space on your desktop and right-click. On the pop-up menu, click "New"; then scoot the pointer over and slide to "Shortcut", and click on that.

5. Left-click once in the box labelled "Type the location of the item", then right-click, then click on "Paste."

6 You'll next be asked for a name for the shortcut; the space will be filled in with "explorer". Overtype this with something else, for example "Explore My Computer". (You can't simply use "My Computer" -- the well-intentioned advice of another member to the contrary notwithstanding -- because that name is probably already taken!) Finally, click on the button marked "Finish".

7. Your new shortcut is right there on your desktop! Enjoy it.

I hope this helps!!!