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Ever since upgrading to Windows 7, we have had a problem with people inadvertently moving folders by dragging and dropping when meaning to double click. Is there a way to turn on a confirmation prompt ("are you sure you want to...") when dragging and dropping files/folders? It seems that previous versions of Windows had this prompt, but it has since been removed. This is happening in our office on at least a weekly basis, sometimes daily, and we have to spend time searching for the moved folder. If MS is unable to help, is there software that we can purchase to accomplish this?
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.
Windows 7 made no changes: there has never been a confirmation prompt like you describe.
One workaround is to increase the distance you must move the pointer before it triggers a drag. Under the following registry key, you'll see DragHeight and DragWidth, which define the number of pixels the mouse must move before the drag is initiated:
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT\USER\Control Panel\Desktop
Ever since upgrading to Windows 7, we have had a problem with people inadvertently moving folders by dragging and dropping when meaning to double click. Is there a way to turn on a confirmation prompt ("are you sure you want to...") when dragging and dropping files/folders? It seems that previous versions of Windows had this prompt, but it has since been removed. This is happening in our office on at least a weekly basis, sometimes daily, and we have to spend time searching for the moved folder. If MS is unable to help, is there software that we can purchase to accomplish this?
this is a bit of a registry hack, i'm currently testing this on my Windows 7 machine but to no avail. however here is a link that shows the modification that can be made.
NOTE: if you are not comfortable making changes in regedit get one of your IT guys to look at this for you. and ALWAYS make a backup prior to making any changes... let us know how you get on.
I totally agree with oded_904 and the original question from Carolyn! There should be a "PROMPT" when dragging and dropping entire network folders because users don't even realize they are doing it.
Just incredible that Microsoft don't pick this up and give the option to ask for confirmation!
It does beg the question does anyone 'that matters' actually read these comments?
I am retired IT Pro, but right up to the day I retired I would spent pointless time trying to solve a customer's problems caused because they have accidentally moved a folder. In XP you had a little warning in Windows 7 you don't even have that.
I cannot blame my customers because I have done it myself and of course if you don't spot it and use undo, you are in for problems.
A Very Bad omission from an otherwise largely user friendly package.
In Windows 7 under Mouse settings I checked the box "Turn on ClickLock." This causes a box to pop up "Move to folder name" and the user will have to click a folder to move it or not. I will change this on several computers to see if this helps or hinders users.
Gurulan, did your testing prove successful?
I've found this doesn't prevent accidental left-click dragging at all. All it seems to do is bring up a menu when right-click dragging.
Using the Single-click to open helps somewhat, as there's less chance of jerking the mouse and accidentally moving the folder than with double-clicking. It's still pathetic that MS don't provide any options to prevent users accidentally moving entire folders without confirmation though.
