Re: Renaming files: annoying automatic re-selection of entire filename in Windows 8

Anonymous
2020-10-19T14:19:02+00:00

So I think I've found a workaround that doesn't require a third party program. I simply can't reply to the original thread because it's closed, but I think my two cents may help some people since I'm having this problem on Windows 10 nearly seven years later.

It seems that, because I'm trying to rename something on dropbox, that there's a lag between me choosing to rename the file and dropbox recognizing that I'm trying to rename a file. At first, I would wait a few seconds, hit "Home" or the left arrow key, and then work on renaming the file hoping it doesn't happen again, which sometimes it does.

It seems though, that if I hit backspace (when the filename is still initially selected), ctrl+z (to undo deleting the file name), and then home (to get back to the beginning of the file name), I can use the arrow keys to move to the portion I need to rename unmolested, almost like it forces dropbox to recognize that a file is being renamed.

Original thread: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8\_1-files/renaming-files-annoying-automatic-re-selection-of/3e451ce8-282a-4638-88ee-fd9f7cca2536

Windows for home | Windows 10 | 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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  1. Anonymous
    2022-12-11T20:50:20+00:00

    Yes... seems to be an update issue and/or related to OneDrive.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-12-10T13:44:20+00:00

    Still happening 2022-11-11. Not only is there no fix, there's not even a reply on this thread from one of those "windows MVP" folks who usually give vaguely relevant replies.

    The WMP "fix" had no effect for me. The other suggestions (esc to undo and hitting the left arrow a few times) do work, but are really, really irritating.

    I applied both the WMP thing and the Themes/accent color thing, and the problem seemed to improve. Now it is back, which I can only attribute to one of the recent updates. I am on win 10 pro with the latest updates installed. :-(

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-12-07T18:17:32+00:00

    This reselection/full-string highlighting bug is such a thorn in the side any time a file or folder needs to be renamed, Microsoft really should address this

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-11-28T21:55:03+00:00

    I really appreciate the response however my Windows 11 system does this with the extensions checked or unchecked - makes no difference.

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