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
    2023-04-03T03:32:50+00:00

    I'm on Windows 11, and hitting the left arrow key avoids the automatic re-selection. I don't have a Windows 8 machine to test though.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-04-20T19:04:33+00:00

    Here is my summary of all previous posts on this topic. Here's what has (sort of) worked for me and what has not.

    Demo of issue: https://youtu.be/oOEl653o81k

    (I've personally never seen it this bad, but it does demonstrate my similar issue).

    A. Turn Off Windows Media Player

    1. Go to Control Panel and search for "Windows features"
    2. You should see something called "turn Windows features on and off" -- click on that
    3. There should be a pop-up window with a directory-style interface (see picture)
    4. Uncheck "Media Features"

    RESULT: Does not appear to affect this issue long term.

    B. Disable Windows Accent Color Selection

    1. Disable "automatically pick an accent color from my background" option from Desktop background Personalization setting.

    RESULT: Seems to reduce this issue, but does not eliminate it.

    C. File Extensions

    1. In Windows Explorer, go to View>Options>View tab.
    2. Check/Uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types"

    RESULT: Neither choice seems to affect this issue long term.

    D. File Availability Status

    1. In Windows Explorer, go to View>Options>View tab.
    2. Under Navigation pane, check/uncheck "Always show availability status"

    RESULT: Neither choice seems to affect this issue long term.

    E. Disable Sync Provider Notifications

    1. In Windows Explorer, go to View>Options>View tab.
    2. Uncheck "Show sync provider notifications"

    RESULT: For the last month, this has reduced the issue but has not eliminated it.

    G. Disable indexing.

    1. A recent post mentioned that the issue only occurred after they started indexing their D: drive.
    2. Tested by disabling indexing completely.

    RESULT: No effect.

    In all instances, rebooting the computer seems to temporarily reduce or eliminate the issue. Maybe this is why some people experience an initial reduction or elimination of this issue, but it is temporary. In all cases, it appears to be related to the use of cloud file storage services including OneDrive and Dropbox. I use both services and am running a current version of Windows 10.

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  3. 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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  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
    2023-07-12T15:33:09+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 people found this answer helpful.
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