Question for experts only: How to open an arbitrary directory from the Run box in Windows 10 like WinXP used to do easily?

Question for Windows experts only:
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_dir1.jpg
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_shortcut.jpg

Q: How to open an arbitrary directory by typing a single keyword into the
Run box in Windows 10 like WinXP used to do easily?

In Windows XP, as I recall, we could easily & efficiently open up any
arbitrary directory in the file explorer simply by typing a single keyword.

For example, Start Run dir1 [Enter]

If the App Paths key was set to the following, that worked fine in WinXP:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\dir1.exe
Default = "C:\arbitrary_path\arbitrary_directory\"

That efficient mechanism worked fine in WinXP; but it doesn't work in Win10.

In Windows 10, you can open *specific* directories, using the "shell"
mechanism, but it's problematic to open up arbitrary directories using a
keyword with the "shell" command method:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/...dows-10-a.html
https://winaero.com/blog/list-of-she...in-windows-10/
https://windowsreport.com/shell-commands-windows-10/
etc.

For example:
RMB-Start shell:UserProgramFiles [Enter]

But it's problematic to use the shell method to open arbitrary folders.

The goal of this efficiency is to gain back the lostfunctionality of WinXP
where we could create an App Paths key called, say, "dir1", which we could
then immediately open just by typing "dir1" in the "start Run box".

I've tried shell commands, and the "file explorer" commands such as
RMB Start explorer .
RMB-Start explorer c:\app\editor\vid\.

This works fine but the quest is to make it a single keyword:
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_dir1.jpg

Please do not respond if you have no helpful on-topic technical ideas.
--
Only a Windows expert will be able to answer this technical question.

"Arlen Holder" wrote in message
news
Question for Windows experts only:
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_dir1.jpg
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_shortcut.jpg

Q: How to open an arbitrary directory by typing a single keyword into the
Run box in Windows 10 like WinXP used to do easily?

In Windows XP, as I recall, we could easily & efficiently open up any
arbitrary directory in the file explorer simply by typing a single
keyword.

For example, Start Run dir1 [Enter]

If the App Paths key was set to the following, that worked fine in WinXP:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\dir1.exe
Default = "C:\arbitrary_path\arbitrary_directory\"

That efficient mechanism worked fine in WinXP; but it doesn't work in
Win10.

In Windows 10, you can open *specific* directories, using the "shell"
mechanism, but it's problematic to open up arbitrary directories using a
keyword with the "shell" command method:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/...dows-10-a.html
https://winaero.com/blog/list-of-she...in-windows-10/
https://windowsreport.com/shell-commands-windows-10/
etc.

For example:
RMB-Start shell:UserProgramFiles [Enter]

But it's problematic to use the shell method to open arbitrary folders.

The goal of this efficiency is to gain back the lostfunctionality of WinXP
where we could create an App Paths key called, say, "dir1", which we could
then immediately open just by typing "dir1" in the "start Run box".

I've tried shell commands, and the "file explorer" commands such as
RMB Start explorer .
RMB-Start explorer c:\app\editor\vid\.

This works fine but the quest is to make it a single keyword:
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_dir1.jpg

Please do not respond if you have no helpful on-topic technical ideas.

The only way I have is to continue doing what I have always done...

WINKEY

Type in what I want to run

Press Enter

"Arlen Holder" wrote in message
news
Question for Windows experts only:
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_dir1.jpg
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_shortcut.jpg

Q: How to open an arbitrary directory by typing a single keyword into the
Run box in Windows 10 like WinXP used to do easily?

In Windows XP, as I recall, we could easily & efficiently open up any
arbitrary directory in the file explorer simply by typing a single
keyword.

For example, Start Run dir1 [Enter]

If the App Paths key was set to the following, that worked fine in WinXP:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\dir1.exe
Default = "C:\arbitrary_path\arbitrary_directory\"

That efficient mechanism worked fine in WinXP; but it doesn't work in
Win10.

In Windows 10, you can open *specific* directories, using the "shell"
mechanism, but it's problematic to open up arbitrary directories using a
keyword with the "shell" command method:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/...dows-10-a.html
https://winaero.com/blog/list-of-she...in-windows-10/
https://windowsreport.com/shell-commands-windows-10/
etc.

For example:
RMB-Start shell:UserProgramFiles [Enter]

But it's problematic to use the shell method to open arbitrary folders.

The goal of this efficiency is to gain back the lostfunctionality of WinXP
where we could create an App Paths key called, say, "dir1", which we could
then immediately open just by typing "dir1" in the "start Run box".

I've tried shell commands, and the "file explorer" commands such as
RMB Start explorer .
RMB-Start explorer c:\app\editor\vid\.

This works fine but the quest is to make it a single keyword:
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_dir1.jpg

Please do not respond if you have no helpful on-topic technical ideas.

What is "RMB"? Haven't seen that TLA before.
--

SC Tom

On 12-6-2018 12:26, Arlen Holder wrote:
Question for Windows experts only:
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_dir1.jpg
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_shortcut.jpg

Q: How to open an arbitrary directory by typing a single keyword into the
Run box in Windows 10 like WinXP used to do easily?

In Windows XP, as I recall, we could easily & efficiently open up any
arbitrary directory in the file explorer simply by typing a single keyword.

For example, Start Run dir1 [Enter]

If the App Paths key was set to the following, that worked fine in WinXP:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\dir1.exe
Default = "C:\arbitrary_path\arbitrary_directory\"

That efficient mechanism worked fine in WinXP; but it doesn't work in Win10.

In Windows 10, you can open *specific* directories, using the "shell"
mechanism, but it's problematic to open up arbitrary directories using a
keyword with the "shell" command method:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/...dows-10-a.html
https://winaero.com/blog/list-of-she...in-windows-10/
https://windowsreport.com/shell-commands-windows-10/
etc.

For example:
RMB-Start shell:UserProgramFiles [Enter]

But it's problematic to use the shell method to open arbitrary folders.

The goal of this efficiency is to gain back the lostfunctionality of WinXP
where we could create an App Paths key called, say, "dir1", which we could
then immediately open just by typing "dir1" in the "start Run box".
Hmm... tried that on xp pro....... No sir , only a complete path
gets you to a location, like c:\windows\ServicePackFiles

Right Mouse Button.

Arlen Holder wrote:
In Windows 10, you can open*specific* directories, using the "shell"
mechanism, but it's problematic to open up arbitrary directories using a
keyword with the "shell" command method:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/...dows-10-a.html

You are making this too complicated. Do not try to make it a executable
shortcut but just a location shortcut.

1) Right-click on desktop New Shortcut

2) Browse or paste path. Can even be a network path
'\\server\path\blackhole'

3) Give it a name.
'Blackhole'

4) Click 'Finish'

4a [optional]) Right click shortcut and select 'Properties...' and
change the icon to something cool.

5) WinKey+R enter '%ADDDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs'

6) Move shortcut to folder.

Now when you hit WinKey and start typing 'Blackhole' explorer will open
to that location. You will also have it listed on the left in the app
list and from there you can right-click it and 'Pin to Start' to make a
Start Tile*

*not sure if making it a Start Tile requires a registry edit. I did it
long ago, Google will confirm.

--
Take care,

Jonathan
-------------------
LITTLE WORKS STUDIO
http://www.LittleWorksStudio.com

wrote in message
...
Right Mouse Button.

Duh :-( Thnx!

Arlen Holder wrote:
Question for Windows experts only:
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_dir1.jpg
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_shortcut.jpg

Q: How to open an arbitrary directory by typing a single keyword into the
Run box in Windows 10 like WinXP used to do easily?

In Windows XP, as I recall, we could easily & efficiently open up any
arbitrary directory in the file explorer simply by typing a single keyword.

For example, Start Run dir1 [Enter]

If the App Paths key was set to the following, that worked fine in WinXP:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\dir1.exe
Default = "C:\arbitrary_path\arbitrary_directory\"

That efficient mechanism worked fine in WinXP; but it doesn't work in Win10.

In Windows 10, you can open *specific* directories, using the "shell"
mechanism, but it's problematic to open up arbitrary directories using a
keyword with the "shell" command method:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/...dows-10-a.html
https://winaero.com/blog/list-of-she...in-windows-10/
https://windowsreport.com/shell-commands-windows-10/
etc.

For example:
RMB-Start shell:UserProgramFiles [Enter]

But it's problematic to use the shell method to open arbitrary folders.

The goal of this efficiency is to gain back the lostfunctionality of WinXP
where we could create an App Paths key called, say, "dir1", which we could
then immediately open just by typing "dir1" in the "start Run box".

I've tried shell commands, and the "file explorer" commands such as
RMB Start explorer .
RMB-Start explorer c:\app\editor\vid\.

This works fine but the quest is to make it a single keyword:
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_dir1.jpg

Please do not respond if you have no helpful on-topic technical ideas.

https://superuser.com/questions/7961...command-prompt

"To make the environment variable accessible globally you need to
set it in the registry. As you've realised by just using:

set NEWVAR=SOMETHING

you are just setting it in the current process space.

According to this page you can use the setx command:

setx NEWVAR SOMETHING

setx is built into Windows 7, but for older versions may
only be available if you install the Windows Resource Kit
"

If you want to fill the environment space with "stuff",
that's a possible way to do it. The "setx" implies Export
I'm guessing. Then, somewhere else, you could test with

shell:SOMETHING

and see if it works. Where shell is expanding %SOMETHING% .

Paul

On Tue, 12 Jun 2018 14:38:28 +0200, Sjouke Burry wrote:

Hmm... tried that on xp pro....... No sir , only a complete path
gets you to a location, like c:\windows\ServicePackFiles

You're right about Windows XP.
I was wrong. My memory was faulty.

I'm sorry. I apologize. Mea culpa.

I remember "something" was different (better) with XP than with Win10 with
regard to the App Paths key. But I'm not so sure now that we both tested
it.

After you wrote that, I went into my basement and dug into some dusty boxes
and found and resurrected an old broken WinXP laptop to test what you said
out.

1. I added an App Paths key named "dir1.exe" pointing to c:\data\doc\
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_app_path_1.jpg
2. Then I clicked "Start Run dir1 [Enter]" but it failed.
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_app_path_2.jpg
3. I tried a few other tricks to open just a folder, but they failed too:
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_app_path_3.jpg

What I think I was remembering is that this worked on Windows XP:
Start Run hosts
Where the App Paths key was defined as:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\hosts.exe
Default = c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

But, after testing again just now, even that works on both Windows XP &
Windows 10 once you set up the extensionless files editing to open in your
favorite text editor.
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_hosts.jpg

Note: You have to set up ahead of time the ability to edit extensionless
files in your favorite editor, so that this command will work:

Start Run hosts [Enter]

======= cut here for hosts.reg =======
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.\shell]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.\shell\open]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.\shell\open\command]
@="\"C:\\Windows\\System32\\NOTEPAD.EXE\" \"%1\""
======= cut here for hosts.reg =======

BTW, as a related aside, here is a screenshot of my old Cascade Menu on
Windows XP, where the same menus that work on XP would work as well on
Windows 10.

Here is a modern Windows 10 Cascade Menu for video editor tasks:
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_win10_cascade.jpg
menu editor video {video editors & players}

Here is an ancient Windows XP Cascade Menu for video editor tasks:
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_winxp_cascade.jpg
menu editor vid {video editors & players}

The logical path is essentially the same (except for minor tweaks).

Had me too. Usually heard of it as "right click".

On Tue, 12 Jun 2018 18:26:29 -0000 (UTC), Arlen Holder wrote:

The logical path is essentially the same (except for minor tweaks).

Notice that, even for mobile devices, the hierarchies are similar and even
if they weren't (since they have only two dimensions, much like the Windows
10 orthodox Start Menu), it's still a good idea to organize by task-based
folders.

Here's the Android task-based "Start Menu", where it's designed to be
operated with my left hand only (which is why the icons are where they are,
and which is why they're in the order that they're in).
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_android_menu.jpg

Since the iPad is larger, the menu is similar, but it's not designed to be
operated by one hand like the Android device is.
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=18_ios_menu.jpg

Anyway, I'm going to try some of the helpful suggestions from dadOH,
Jonathan N. Little, and Paul - which will take me some time before I can
respond with any new data - and where I appreciate the expert advice
because we can all benefit from more efficiency in opening up random
folders (particularly when messing with myriad menus in Windows 10 where
the folders are buried deeply in the oddest places!).

Also, I apologize to SC Tom about not explaining the "RMB" (which Shemp14
correctly ascertained was "right mouse button"). I write a lot of
tutorials, where I forget that the acronyms aren't always universal. My
mistake. I'll correct that in my archives for future leverage to all.

--
I won't be able to respond much until I've tested all the suggestions.

wrote in message
...
Had me too. Usually heard of it as "right click".

Same here :-)