MRU path in windows dialogue?, Part 2

Recall --

Last week, Infopackets Reader Justin S. asked if there was a way to make Windows Explorer remember the Most Recently Used (MRU) folder:

" Every time I open windows explorer, the folder window displays the same directory. I always end up having to click on 'My computer', then navigate to C drive, then to Program files, then to the folder I finally need to get to. Is there any way to make Windows remember the folder I was recently visiting so that I don't have to go through this torment? "

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any freeware programs capable of injecting MRU folders into the Explorer window -- so, I asked Readers for some help.

Italian Infopackets Reader Maria Luisa C. writes:

" Hi Dennis!

Regarding your MRU path question: Dirkey probably isn't quite what you're looking for, but I believe it achieves the same goal. It's also freeware.

From the web site: 'Dirkey is a small utility that enables you to define bookmarks for folders and go back to these bookmarked folders from within File Open / Save dialogs and Windows Explorer. You can set and go to these bookmarks using your keyboard or your mouse. When Dirkey is active you can press Ctrl+Alt+0..9 in e.g. an Open/Save File dialog and a bookmark will be set on the current folder...' "

http://www.protonfx.com/dirkey/

And, our very own Jake Ludington (guest columnist for Infopackets.com) writes:

" I'm not sure how to get MRUs in Explorer, but changing the default path is easy enough. From the Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) article #307856, entitled 'Customize the Windows Explorer Views in Windows XP', all you need to do is add a command line switch to the Windows Explorer shortcut icon:

To change the default startup folder for Windows Explorer: Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then right-click the Windows Explorer icon and select Properties. In the Target box, append the "/root" command-line switch to the "%SystemRoot%\Explorer.exe" command, using the startup location that you want. For example, if you want Windows Explorer to start at the root of drive C, edit the command to the following:

%SystemRoot%\Explorer.exe /root, C:\

To change this to the My Documents folder of the current user, do this instead:

%SystemRoot%\Explorer.exe /root, %HOMEFOLDER%\My Documents

Click OK. "

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307856&sd=tech

Ellie W. sent in a suggestion for a program capable of resizing Explorer windows to any user defined size. She writes:

" Windows MultiEnhancer doesn't do MRU folders, but it allows you to define the size of your Open and Save Explorer windows. The program can be found at about 1/3 down the page. "

http://www.netcult.ch/elmue/ElmueSoft-en.htm

And, Ric S. suggested a very simple method of navigating to a favorite well-known folder by placing a shortcut on the Desktop:

" Simply create a shortcut folders on the desktop from folders you use often. When the Save / Open Explorer window appears, simply navigate to your desktop from the pull-down menu and choose your favorite folder. No software required! "

Infopackets Reader Parx writes:

" Bernie Madigan's Fast Folder doesn't remember MRU folders in Explorer, but you can name up to 8 favorite folders and access them from the tray bar. You can find the details and screenshots on Bernie's page. "

http://www.dogkennels.net/fastfolder/

Side note: FastFolder was mentioned in the Gazette in early January of this year. If you stop by Bernie's web site, don't forget to say Hello!

Thanks to all who wrote in!