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
    2021-11-22T21:44:43+00:00

    This Really Works. Worked for me. Thanks so much.

    It works 90% of the time.
    Still auto-selects randomly, but at least it's very rear now.
    I can't believe that even on Windows 11, years later, that the issue is still present when using OneDrive.
    So annoying when all you do is work all day with files you need to rename often, and you have to deal with this issue.
    I can't imagine I saved myself a Windows Re-Installation Headache by doing a quick Google search on this issue.
    I have reinstalled Windows 10 twice previously just to fix this issue, as it seemed to start all of a sudden after using Windows for a few months.
    Thanks again for the help

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-12-15T08:31:12+00:00

    This bug has been around for at least 3 years, I've read tons of unofficial posts for possible solutions. the shameful thing is that Microsoft has not corrected it yet, and that indeed, they have also taken to win11. Absurd that EVERY time I have to rename a file I get anxious that the whole name will be deleted. Microsoft competes with Apple but the attention to detail is clearly different. There is no leaving a usability bug for three years. Shameful.

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-02-01T06:52:00+00:00

    Hi! I too have been driven crazy by this for years. It happens for me in Windows Explorer, whether I am navigating a Dropbox file structure or one solely on my computer (i.e., not synced to another service).

    I found a solution on this site: https://www.tenforums.com/general-support/21198-file-explorer-rename-name-select-delay-interrupts-edit.html and so far it is working for me. Unfortunately (or fortunately) it requires you to stop using 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"
    5. Probably restart

    For good measure, I also uninstalled Windows Media Player. I did not test this before uninstalling WMP.

    It's not a real fix but I am happy to use different players in exchange for relief from this editing curse.

    Image

    This worked!

    Not 100%, but it is good enough.

    If I take too long to edit it will select all the text, but generally I have enought time to edit.

    And having to disable Media Player to fix this is a fun PLUS or BONUS.

    I hope Microsoft reads this and realises they are forcing users to disable Media Player to work around a long standing issue, and finally decide to fix it ;).

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  5. Anonymous
    2022-02-05T05:11:56+00:00

    thank you. **** windows media player if they can't fix this. Microsoft has been making their OSes for 30+ years and they can't seem to get their **** together. Stop with constant updates, fix the damn OS before adding features!

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