Topic: winxp

Switch It On

29 Mar 04

A number of readers have requested information about the Windows Explorer switches. Thanks to reader R.B. for pointing us to the complete list of Explorer switches from Microsoft.

The basic syntax is

Explorer [/n][/e][,/root,(object)][[,/select],(sub object)]

/n opens a new single-paned window (as we reported in a recent tip). /e opens Explorer in the standard view at the current folder. /root,(object) opens at the specified root level. /Select, Folder tells Explorer which folder gets the focus. /select,(filename) tells Explorer which file gets the focus.

If you want to open Explorer in desktop view, right-click the Windows NT Explorer shortcut and choose Properties. Now click the Shortcut tab and enter

%SystemRoot%explorer.exe /e,/root,

into the Target text entry box and click OK.

Let's suppose that you'd like Explorer to open in your data folder. Right-click the Explorer icon and choose Properties. Click the Shortcut tab and enter

%SystemRoot%explorer.exe /select, c:data

and click OK. To open Explorer in the data folder, enter

%SystemRoot%explorer.exe /e /select, c:data

and click OK.

You can even have Explorer select a specific file for you. For example, if you'd like to select the Calculator when Explorer opens, you'd right-click the Explorer icon, choose Properties, click the Shortcut tab, and enter

%SystemRoot%explorer.exe /select,c:winntsystem32calc.exe

If your installation isn't on Drive C, enter the drive letter that you use.

See Other tips, Legacy Tips