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.

0 comments

117 answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2022-11-26T23:42:54+00:00

    Thanks I’ll hide extensions and see if that works.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2022-11-26T14:35:20+00:00

    Just like everyone else here, I've been frustrated with the file name reselection issue. By fluke and trying different things, I have managed to stop the issue in my Windows 11 system by going into the File Explorer, View menu selection, Show - File name extensions "Unchecked".

    You will notice the "I" bar will still flash for a couple of seconds, but it doesn't reselect the file name and you can make your changes without overwriting the entire name.

    Seeing how this has been an issue going back to Windows 7, I can't believe Microsoft hasn't fixed this. I guess most people don't have extensions shown.

    Lastly, if anyone else has figured this out and I missed their post, it wasn't intentional.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2022-11-17T01:11:27+00:00

    Having the same problem. Annoying. A little too smart for itself as an OS to the point of hindering functionality rather than supporting it. First example. Hope there aren't any more.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2022-11-11T17:01:23+00:00

    As one post suggested, it may be related to a OneDrive sync issue.

    Not that it will help you unless you disable sync while renaming files, but as long as we're troubleshooting...

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2022-11-11T14:51:23+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.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments