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
    2023-12-10T21:31:21+00:00

    OMG 3 years since report and nothing done.

    Latest version of windows 11 still have this bug.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-10-18T16:58:15+00:00

    This significantly helped, although didn't eliminate the problem.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-10-10T15:58:45+00:00

    This is SO ridiculously annoying and I can't believe that Microsoft doesn't just fix it already. DAMN! There are far too many examples like this where large organizations just don't care anymore about making their products great, and improving them based on feedback. Very sad. Every time it happens I curse Microsoft -- what a brilliant way to erode customer loyalty!

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-10-03T19:37:50+00:00

    I'm in Windows 11 and tried all solutions here. What really helped was to disable Windows Search.

    Press Win-button on keyboard --> type 'Services' --> open Services application --> search for 'Windows Search' (you can type the entire name and the cursor will bring you directly there) --> double click --> stay in 'General' tab --> select 'Disabled' in 'Startup type:' --> click on 'Stop'

    After you've done your renaming you can enable Windows Search (select 'Automatic (Delayed Start)' in 'Startup type:' and click on 'Start'.

    Annoying, but at least this works.

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-09-25T11:44:44+00:00

    To work around the problem renaming indexed files in Windows 10, I pause the indexer (in Control Panel > Indexing Options).

    The 'Pause' button seems to force the indexer-search service to sleep for 15 minutes (?)

    To resume the indexer - before the 15 minutes period ends - there is no 'Resume' button;

    Look at Richard's 2017 answer here: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-to-unpause-indexing-in-windows-10/bbb6b65c-c7cb-4fde-8c87-f6dd44fb6d81

    My workaround for this next problem is to restart the 'Windows Search' service (in Services - services.msc)

    Note: I guess the service named 'Windows Search' performs both 'indexing' and 'search' functionality. Who knows?

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