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
    2023-07-17T19:46:29+00:00

    This was the only one that worked, I don't know who continues to use Windows Media Player but I don't, I use VLC and others, so I didn't miss anything and the annoying bug is now gone! Thank you!!

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-07-17T10:55:34+00:00

    Thank you!

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-07-12T15:33:09+00:00

    Can confirm 3 YEARS LATER it is still here, it is annoying, I start to type the new name and it suddenly selects all so it overwrites the entire name of the file, it's so absurd, and it's a MICROSOFT product.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-07-11T15:51:18+00:00

    This worked on Win 11, I've been struggling with this error for years. Though wasn't possible to fix. Thank you!

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-05-01T08:22:18+00:00

    Why is this still an issue?

    When renaming multiple files, it's easier to move them to usb drive rather than try and do it in onedrive... which is ridiculous.

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