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
    2022-11-26T14:35:20+00:00

    Just like everyone else here, I've been frustrated with the file name reselection issue. By fluke and trying different things, I have managed to stop the issue in my Windows 11 system by going into the File Explorer, View menu selection, Show - File name extensions "Unchecked".

    You will notice the "I" bar will still flash for a couple of seconds, but it doesn't reselect the file name and you can make your changes without overwriting the entire name.

    Seeing how this has been an issue going back to Windows 7, I can't believe Microsoft hasn't fixed this. I guess most people don't have extensions shown.

    Lastly, if anyone else has figured this out and I missed their post, it wasn't intentional.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-11-26T23:42:54+00:00

    Thanks I’ll hide extensions and see if that works.

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-11-28T21:55:03+00:00

    I really appreciate the response however my Windows 11 system does this with the extensions checked or unchecked - makes no difference.

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  5. Anonymous
    2022-12-07T18:17:32+00:00

    This reselection/full-string highlighting bug is such a thorn in the side any time a file or folder needs to be renamed, Microsoft really should address this

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