Alternate Enter Shouldn't Shouldn't Function as Enter

rumsfeld · Post by **rumsfeld** » 2005 Jan 29, 09:12

When I key alternate-enter on an item, the item executes, documents and directories open and programs and batch files execute.

Alternate-enter is a Windows standard short cut for properties. It is a short cut to right click, properties or shift-F10, properties. As such, alternate enter is safe action that won't damage anything. I don't think twice about keying it.

But using the combination as equivalent to enter makes it as dangerous as can be. Someone inexperienced or not thinking looking for a file date might discover than they just started a batch file that included format c:. There's no limit to the damage that could happen. Fortunately for me, the batch file that I clicked had some prompts.

Alternate enter should function as properties, in lieu of or in addition to F12. If that creates a problem, then the combination should be no-oped, i.e. do nothing.

Post by **nikos** » 2005 Jan 29, 12:38

alt+enter opens folders in the inactive pane
it is a reserved key in x2

rumsfeld · Post by **rumsfeld** » 2005 Jan 30, 08:03

I went back and double checked on my machine. I opened xplorer2, went to the windows directory, focused on kodakimg.exe, held down alternate, and then enter, and the program executed.

Alernate enter is definitely doing more in my installation than opening directories on the inactive pane.

Post by **nikos** » 2005 Jan 30, 09:37

true, if you are on a file, alt+enter is just like plain enter
it would get complicated if alt+enter did properties for files and open folders

luke · Post by **luke** » 2005 Jan 30, 09:50

I also would like to use alt-enter as properties, and F5 for refresh.

I hope someday it's possible to create our own shortkeys in x2 (Pro)

fgagnon · Post by **fgagnon** » 2005 Jan 30, 14:20

nikos wrote:alt+enter opens folders in the inactive pane
it is a reserved key in x2

nikos wrote:true, if you are on a file, alt+enter is just like plain enter
it would get complicated if alt+enter did properties for files and open folders

and, in a scrappane, it also flattens selected folders -- so it already has other context-sensitive useage. What would be so "complicated" about also branching to invoke "Properties" (vs the Open action) if the selected item is a file?
(or are we talking about not enough hours in the day to work this in?)

luke · Post by **luke** » 2005 Jan 30, 14:37

I think it is confusing to have difference behaviour between very often used keys in Windows Explorer and X2.

On my work I use Windows explorer and at home X2. So it's easy to press alt-enter by mistake instead. Same for F5 for refresh.
I did use Norton Commander 15 years ago too, but this is 2005.
We don't use ctrl-ins and shift-ins for copy and paste anymore and I am glad X2 doesn't.

It's just like wearing your watch on your other arm. The time is just as easy to read, but 9 out of 10 times you will raise your wrong arm :)