FileSelectFolder tip of the day

[qwert]

Recently, I’ve started using FileSelectFolder(...) in a script that I use daily. I was puzzled—then frustrated—by the fact that even with a defined “initial dir”, the select dialog always stated back at the base Desktop ... which meant I had to navigate down the tree every time I wanted to select a different directory.

 

Seeking some solution, I went through the different FileSelectFolder alternatives in the example forum. But they each addressed other issues and I found no option for something this simple.

 

I was about out of things to look at when I googled select expand expand and found this:

 

http://www.howtogeek.com/102905/set-the-navigation-pane-tree-to-automatically-expand-in-windows-7/

 

It clearly explains the Navigation pane >> Automatically expand to current folder option in Windows Explorer.

 

I clicked it on and “Problem Solved”! So it had nothing to do with the FileSelectFolder call. And it explains why FileSelectFolder doesn’t have an option for expanding. Only, I didn’t know there was any such setting.  Heck, I didn't even know that Windows Explorer was used verbatim by the dialog (as opposed to some dll call).   And BTW, you can’t change this option from an active selection dialog. You have to start a copy of Windows Explorer and change it there. 

 

The reason I never noticed this setting is that I don’t use Windows Explore for any of my other file management. (I use a 3^rd party file manager.).

 

I don’t know if this posting will do anyone any good—or if I’m the only person who didn’t know of this. But I figured I should pass this along, for the sake of new AutoIt users—or someone like me.

 

[Melba23]

qwert,

Take a look at my ChooseFileFolder UDF - a bit more configurable than the basic dialog.

M23

[TheSaint]

@qwert - That is no doubt handy to know, but I stopped using the tree years ago, for most things. Tend to only see it and use it in the dialogs. The trick I've found with FileSelectFolder, is what you provide in both the elements. The Initial Directory is not the only important element you need to specify (or correctly). Same works for the FileOpenDialog. They gave me grief until I realized that

I would check out Melba23's UDF though.

P.S. I just checked, and noticed I have the 'Show All Folders' option selected, but not the other 'Automatically Expand .....'

[qwert]

Indeed, I've used Melba's UDF (... back in August, I think) in one of my scripts, where I needed more detailed control.  But what I've described is behavior of the plain FileSelectFolder that people start with and that many scripts end up using just because it's the default choice—even if it does have these caveats.

But I'll have another look at the UDF when I get time.

Thanks for the added information.