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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.
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.
Yeah I hear you. I also hit the left or right key a couple of times if I remember... Sometimes I am just in a working zone mode and muscle memory kicks in and I don't do it. Then I had times when it even still happens, even if I hit the left or right key a couple of times, especially when I am working fast. Its a pity that we have to remember the work arounds or pay the price to a problem that they should just simply solve. Got to learn to just live with it I guess.
Unproductive and a waste of time is right. You can't go quickly renaming files, let alone set up a macro unless you want to destroy an entire SET of files!
A helpful post on the previous page suggested it was a conflict between the cloud sync to OneDrive and the local file name. If that's the case, doing it all on the cloud side should not have the issue.
Certainly frustrating that the end users here have to find workarounds.
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.
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...
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.
