Always on top - suggestion for 2xExplorer

Che · Post by **Che** » 2002 Aug 21, 02:07

2 things that have been bugging me for a long time (2 years now) that didn't get resolved in this release... hope you can put in a quick fix for them...

If i start to drag a file in 2xExplorer, and then i change my mind about moving it, i'll simply move it back to the source pane and let it go. This error dialog box pops up and tells me, "The source and destination filenames are the same." PLEASE get rid of this annoying dialog box! i know that they are the same... is there another way to cancel a move while dragging the icon??

Also, (and perhaps this is a harder fix) in windows explorer, if you want to copy files from 1 window to another, you can have the target folder on top, then drag the files into it from a window behind it. in 2xExplorer, when the target window is on top of the program, when you click on a file in 2xExplorer, the whole program comes to the top of the z-order, covering the target window!

Hope you can help with these 2 things... otherwise, this is an awesome program, bravo!

Thanks,
Che

narayan · Post by **narayan** » 2002 Aug 21, 04:17

Sorry to butt in, but I think both issues are already discussed (and resolved fully) in earlier threads..

Here is a summary:

Solution#1: Press the other mouse key also to cancel dragging. (In other words, pressing of both mouse keys cancels the dragging mode.)

Solution#2: Download this shell extension utilityPower Menu

It not only keeps your application on top, but also has "Minimize To Tray", "Priority" and "Transparency" functions. After opening a new application, just right-click on the top-bar and select your options..

The added advantage is that PowerMenu works for ALL your applications; not just 2xExplorer.

For more such issues, visit 2XExplorer support section.

Post by **nikos** » 2002 Aug 21, 10:32

this was a pretty comprehensive reply & solution, thanks narayan

i would only add a couple of alternatives that only keyboard-oriented people would fancy

so for the dragging cancellation, you can also press [Escape]

for the drop target z-order issue, you can always bring a window on top while dragging by hovering on its button on the windows desktop taskbar

Che · Post by **Che** » 2002 Aug 21, 18:00

Thanks Nikos and Narayan! I've been using 2xExplorer exclusively for a long time and i'm still finding new tricks!

Lokiman · Post by **Lokiman** » 2002 Aug 22, 18:40

Thanks for the PowerMenu idea, narayan. It's simple & perfect.
I put a shortcut to it in C:\WINDOWS\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp\
so that it starts automatically.
Off topic but i saw the idea mentioned in some other thread:
Prog to copy the full path to the clipboard was mentioned.
I've used 'Clickie' for a long time. Free & great.

http://defoort.free.fr/

narayan · Post by **narayan** » 2002 Aug 23, 06:09

Try this instead-- seems to be much better: Ninotech

It has many more options, namely:
- Short Name: File/folder name converted to 8.3 characters
- Long Name: File/folder name
- Short Folder: Parent folder name converted to 8.3 characters
- Long Folder: Parent folder name
- Short Path: Full path name converted to 8.3 characters
- Long Path: Full path name
- Short UNC Path: Full UNC path name converted to 8.3 characters (only enabled in network environment)
- Long UNC Path: Full UNC path name (only enabled in network environment)
- Internet Path: Full UNC path name converted to Internet path (only enabled in network environment)

Besides all these, you have your very own three freely configurable methods for copying the path names. In these, you can actually replace a particular string with something else!

Enjoy!

Sorry Nikos- We are definitely going off the track, but what the heck, we are discussing which wine can go best with a perfect dish, so I hope the chef doesn't mind!

In fact, we could have a permanent section on the website (or a sticky, read-only thread) listing such "best-on-the-web" extensions, with their download links.

Post by **nikos** » 2002 Aug 23, 08:10

this is the General forum after all -- anything goes!

narayan · Post by **narayan** » 2002 Aug 23, 08:21

And what about this?

we could have a permanent section on the website (or a sticky, read-only thread) listing such "best-on-the-web" extensions, with their download links.

Some more thoughts on this:
* Users will suggest, you may post it if really useful.
* You hold no responsibility for such extensions: users use them at their own risk.
* In case a site has too many of these, simply provide a link to it, rather than to individual items

Post by **nikos** » 2002 Aug 23, 08:27

time you came out clean and confessed about the handsome commission you receive from these Ninotech guys

i can't advertise the enemy dude! These people are out to shut my operations down. imagine me advertising windows commander for free -- never!

but seriously there's a list managed by alt.comp.freeware or something that lists good freebies by popular demand. See the links page those Pricelessware things -- updated each year

narayan · Post by **narayan** » 2002 Aug 23, 11:24

Clarification: I am talking of only those freeware that can extend the functionalities of 2x.

The advantage of this approach is- The user will get a feature-SUPERrich package from day-1! (The key word here is "SUPER")

As you gradually build those features in x2, you can trim this list.

Consider some sample functionalities:
* Stay on top
* Copy path (you know from where!

)
* Registry edit
* Edit Auto-Start Menu

Post by **nikos** » 2002 Aug 23, 12:21

as i don't use any of those extensions, i wouldn't find it appropriate

but you should really check out this pricelessware list. Every year they have a democratic vote for several categories and they come up with killer apps in many categories. Guess which is their file manager of choise

BRX · Post by **BRX** » 2002 Aug 23, 15:09

This pricelessware I didn't know yet. It's, well, priceless.

I'm always interested in good freeware.

And also I think that we should talk about useful free extensions to 2x or x2 (but probably I misunderstood your "inappropriate"). Maybe it even deserves its own tips topic. I think both, powermenu and ninotech datecopy are excellent (after all it was me who recommended them first, nyah

). And there are a few more useful ones who extend the functionality. Why not talk about it?

(Actually I'm going to do something even more ruthless and point out to another editor I just found to challenge your editor2 in some aspects. But that's for some other thread!)

BRX

narayan · Post by **narayan** » 2002 Aug 24, 06:24

BRX, I had merely repeated what I had picked up from the earlier threads, but little did I know that BOTH were introduced by you! Wow!

Let's have more of this more often!

I normally scan download.com.com (aka CNet), nonags (my favourite), ZDNet and Tucows; but never had I come across these both. The trouble is- There are too many of freewares out there, and it is difficult to spot the right one.

I feel the best ones just come along through such word-of-mouth channel.

Nikos: Such channel will be even more effective when used for a sole objective of extending the functionalities of 2x/x2 in various ways.

Like BRX, I also may have misunderstood what you mean by "appropriate". Did you mean "since I have not used these extensions myself, it is not appropriate for me to recommend them to others." ?

Then just let us say that this will be just a users' knowledge-sharing area, with you playing only the moderator's role.

On the other hand, if you had any deeper concerns, let me explain what I had in mind originally:

I will outline the proposed process first:
1. All inputs will come from users themselves; and to be posted in a separate area or a sticky thread.
** There is no fixed yardstick for just how much value is added by each extension: Some may have only a marginal addition in x2's functionality.
2. If there are multiple suggestions for a given purpose (like it happend for "copy path" functionality), then we can retain the best freeware after conducting a poll (Sal & Co. have made a provision for that, haven't they?)
3. Since all freewares are constantly updated, a previously "discarded" freeware may regain the pole position in its next version.
4. The final list will appear in a separate area, with "download" hyperlinks. This area will contain a distinct warning that the user has to assume all responsibilities in case there is a mismatch between any of the softwares; and also for the malfunctioning of any softwares.

The entire process is highly conscientious:
1. You do NOT show a preference towards any particular extension-it will be a free democratic process.
2. The link to the home site of each such extension is retained, so that the original autor may get the due acknowledgement for his ingenuity and labour of love.
3. You will NOT modify, reverse-engineer or copy somebody's code into x2/2x.
4. The other freeware will have a distinct identity on the user's PC: we are NOT talking about making a bundled software that contains everything.
5. The users are made aware that the other freeware is available on "as is" basis; with no responsibilites assumed for any loss due to any mismatch between x2/2x and that software: After all, this would be simply a knowledge-sharing area amongst the users.

I suppose all ethical issues are addressed satisfactorily here.

Of course, there are two delicate issues:
1. While some of these extensions will be very minor, but yet that autor will get an exposure ("free advertising").
2. He may stake his own claim to fame "Adjudged as the best companion to x2 by the x2 User forum".

I don't know if they are important enough to stop us from going ahead.

Over to you, Nikos...

Post by **nikos** » 2002 Aug 24, 08:48

you people seem to forget that we're living in a cut-throat capitalist world

if you were running a television channel, would you be advertising things for free? Not only mere things, but programs that hilighted shortcomings of your own product? Like, buy my pizza but try the anchovies from the shop next door since they're better?

and then it is the liability thing that narayan is trying to play down with disclaimers. We're living in an era when a son sues his mother & father for being born ugly. That woman sued her husband because his heart pacemaker was emitting static which interfered with her television. Things gone crazy! Why should I stick my neck out like that I cannot see.

there are lists dedicated for such recommendations, like the pricelessware one. And you can always continue advocating stuff you like in your posts -- only I want a cut in your commission rates

And BRX no, you cannot advertise rival editors, hear?

narayan · Post by **narayan** » 2002 Aug 24, 09:37

>Only I want a cut in your commission rates
Well, now we all know who gets the commision ;)