Launch with specified folder expanded ?

john2222 · Post by **john2222** » 2004 Aug 01, 23:14

I admit I can't find out exactly how to do this:

I would like it to launch with my d: drive selected. It partially works because I have saved (actions/save settings now) with d: open in the left panel and expanded, and folders show in the right.

After closing, then restarting xplorer2 lite, I see all the folders of d: on the right panel, but NOT in the left panel--the left panel has every major node (desktop, c:, d:, etc.) un-expanded. I have to click on the + to expand d:.

Admitedly a minor point, but any way to start with a specified folder expanded on the left?

fgagnon · Post by **fgagnon** » 2004 Aug 02, 00:01

In the following I am assuming that when you say
"right panel" you mean the active (folder) pane, and by
"left panel" you mean the folder tree pane. **

It is a user option to keep the tree pane synchronized with the active pane (or not). When synchronized, the tree will auto-expend to the level of the active (folder) pane.
To synchronize, check the box for
[_] Keep synchronized with folder in active view pane
on Tools | Options /Window\, in Tree section:

If that's not what you meant, try to be more descriptive.

Hope this helps.

** see the Overview section in the xplorer² Quick Start Guide (on the Help menu) for the "names" of the different parts of the xplorer² window.

john2222 · Post by **john2222** » 2004 Aug 02, 00:45

Thanks for the help. But ok,

The folder tree (left panel) has the folder highlighted, but the subfolders are compressed (I have to click to the + to expand it).

The Active pane (right panel) shows the subfolders correctly.

But I'd like xplorer2 to start up with the folder tree highlighting d:\ AND have all the folders in d: expanded. That is exactly as shown in the active pane. Of course I can double click the folder in the active pane and it expands also in the folder tree,

but as a nicety, I'd rather have the folder tree expanded just like my save state, so I can single click the folder I want and see the content s in the active pane.

Basically, I'd like to have the "Actions/Save Settings now" to preserve ALL of the layout.

Hope that clarifies it and don't mean to be picky on such a nice free-trial version. I really like the SPEED and also like the fact I can change the font (big limitation in Windows Explorer.)

Thanks.

fgagnon · Post by **fgagnon** » 2004 Aug 02, 02:53

ok, now I think I understand what you meant.

What you describe is exactly the way x2 is (currently) designed to operate.

But there is a way to get single-click navigation to subfolders,
& you don't need the tree pane at all.
Set "Single click activation" in
Tools | Options /Window\, under View Panes,
then you can click on the subfolder in either folder pane to navigate there.

john2222 · Post by **john2222** » 2004 Aug 02, 04:04

Sorry, I am not being clearer.

What I really want is for the tree view to be expanded on level beneath d: so that all the major folders show when starting.

What shows is:
Desktop
My Documents
My Computer
a:
c:
d: (in bold)
e:

In the right active pane is shown the list of folders immediately under d: which is fine.

I'd just like the folder tree to ALSO have the main list of folders of d: expanded under d:

By single (or double) clicking on d: in the folder tree, I get the expansion like I want. I just don't seem to be able to be able to SAVE that precise view. (After saving that state view and restarting, the folder tree has everything collapsed which is not the way I saved it.

Sorry I wasn't able to explain the simple desire to have the save function to save the expansion/collapsing view present when it is saved.

Does this make sense? I have used PowerDesk in the past and other explorer type programs and am able to get them to startup up just with a certain folder (d: for example) expanded.

I know this looks convoluted but the XP Windows Explorer will start with c: expanded by using this in the target:
C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe /e,/root,My Computer

Post by **nikos** » 2004 Aug 02, 08:33

i see what you mean but x2 only hilights the active folder, it doesn't expand lower tree branches

if you want to have them expand you can use "tricks" like leaving the active pane at d:\temp or something

narayan · Post by **narayan** » 2004 Aug 02, 09:20

In any case, you are just one keystroke away from what you want: Click on any desired node in the folder tree and press ALT+Right Arrow.

The node will explode to reveal all subnodes till the end.

This is not what you you want, of course, but it could satisfy your need..

john2222 · Post by **john2222** » 2004 Aug 02, 12:43

Thanks everyone for helping to explain how to get closer to restoring the exact state when restarting.

The Alt+Right Arrow expands ALL subnodes, not just ONE level down which I was looking for. A simplier approach which is just one click away is to merely click on the PLUS SIGN next to the drive letter I want expanded after it opens. This is pretty close. The example I gave for Windows Explorer expands one leve only below. Of course if I loved Explorer I wouldn't be here.

The more I use xplorer2 the more I like it. Thanks.