Windows explorer moves the selected folder to bottom of folders list. How do I stop this?

Anonymous
2009-12-27T19:25:21+00:00

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Open a windows explorer

show folders on left

Double Click Computer

Double Click C disk

Scroll to windows   Double Click 

Double Click diagnostics  (example)

The folder is now moved to the bottom of the folder list.

This also happens when any folder is clicked once and the the open gadget is clicked once.

This is increadably annoying.  How do I stop it?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2010-03-22T08:24:10+00:00

Hi j1234567890j - and everyone else that repsonded to this post. 

I also expierence this problem and like with everyone that replied on this post an many others that this is driving me insane. To make matters worse, this problem presents itself also on the Open or Save file dialogs in any application that relies on the Windows File Dialog.

In my case I also found that the behaviour is inconsistent. Sometimes the problem presents itself and sometimes it does not. - This is why it is difficult to zero in on the behavior and some folks cannot replicate the problem. So, I believe other replies on various posts where this problem cannot be replicated. As a developer I understand this, since we often have the response: "...but it works in my computer..." - And yes it does, because typically a dev/support machine is set up for ideal circumstances. I am digressing...

Trying to understand the Problem

I have noticed a pattern, however. I have found that if I collapse the folder in question and expand (double click) again, that the navigator moves again, this time exposing all sub-folders that are direct descendants of the folder in question. I have also noticed that if the sub-folders are too many to display in the navigation panel, that the selected folder is scrolled to the top of the panel, exposing as many folders that can be viewed. 

I think the intention of the navigation behavior is that when the user expands the folder, it will show as many as possible sub-folders in view - but I also think that this is where there is a bug - or at least where some other setting has an impact on the behavior. - For some reason, when a folder is expanded the navigation pane only finds the first sub-folder and exposes that one - hence the anoying movement of the selected folder away from the current mouse pointer position.

Finding an answer

And yes - even though I think I understand the problem - I agree with everyone elses user experience - This must be fixed!

I am not sure that a moderator will pick this up as this post is marked as awnsered - even though in my opnion it is not.

But if someone does: I think providing an option on the General tab of the Folder Options dialog for a user to turn off this behavior and just expand the folder without attempting to present all viewable folders in the navigation pane.

Regards


Andre Coetzee

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-12-04T13:03:41+00:00

    Windows 8 does not have this problem anymore. They fixed it in Windows 8. Which means that Microsoft knows exactly where the bug/problem is but they simply don't even care to fix it. It is like a penalty imposed on those that are "stubborn" and refuse to upgrade to the horrible Windows 8 (and 8.1 for that matter).

    I am a PC guy since 1992. I have had a hatred for Apple products and the Apple company ever since. But in recent years, sometimes I do think about giving Apple a chance because I get so angry at Microsoft so often these days that such "evil thought" (of giving Apple a chance) crosses my mind indeed sometimes. Or maybe trying some Linux distribution (I have already but could not get used to them as easily as I was expecting).

    Every time I click a folder to open it in Windows Explorer and that damn thing goes to the bottom of the pane - and it happens dozens of times a day - is a reminder to me that Microsoft is not anymore what it used to be.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-12-04T13:51:57+00:00

    Microsoft probably never fixed it because they figured if you were even smart enough to even notice it, then you were also smart enough to just install Classic Shell and move on with life...

    Considering this thread is only 12 pages long since its creation tells me not too many people really ever noticed this problem. 

    Windows 7 still is great if you work around these rather tiny issues with the known fixes.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-12-04T14:48:32+00:00

    Windows 8 does not have this problem anymore. They fixed it in Windows 8. Which means that Microsoft knows exactly where the bug/problem is but they simply don't even care to fix it. It is like a penalty imposed on those that are "stubborn" and refuse to upgrade to the horrible Windows 8 (and 8.1 for that matter).

    I am a PC guy since 1992. I have had a hatred for Apple products and the Apple company ever since. But in recent years, sometimes I do think about giving Apple a chance because I get so angry at Microsoft so often these days that such "evil thought" (of giving Apple a chance) crosses my mind indeed sometimes. Or maybe trying some Linux distribution (I have already but could not get used to them as easily as I was expecting).

    Every time I click a folder to open it in Windows Explorer and that damn thing goes to the bottom of the pane - and it happens dozens of times a day - is a reminder to me that Microsoft is not anymore what it used to be.

    I could've written your post, except I've been using computers since the mid 70's and I only see the bug when using other people's computers. I've stuck with XP.

    I too feel drawn to Apple sometimes - a bit like when you're a the top of a cliff and you look over the edge.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-12-04T14:54:35+00:00

    Microsoft probably never fixed it because they figured if you were even smart enough to even notice it, then you were also smart enough to just install Classic Shell and move on with life...

    Considering this thread is only 12 pages long since its creation tells me not too many people really ever noticed this problem. 

    Windows 7 still is great if you work around these rather tiny issues with the known fixes.

    Yes, this thread is only 12 pages long. You should familiarise yourself with this identical thread:

    http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows\_7-files/windows-explorer-expands-folders-inappropriately/50a81b05-da98-4d55-821d-55ffbbd0e998?page=47&tm=1417704679529

    Shortened URL: http://goo.gl/m5ljxO

    It's a good read and is 47 pages long. Lots of irate customers. :)

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