Windows Explorer open folder

[SkyTrax]

Hi,

I would like to know how can i change the default folder that appears when i open Windows Explorer. Mine is openning right in the C:\ and i don't know why... I would like it to open in My documents like it's supposed to be by default.

Thanks in advance :)

[Paul Komski]

I wonder where you are opening it from.

The followind works for me.

RClick on Desktop and choose New Shortcut.
Paste the next line as the Location
%SystemRoot%\explorer.exe
.. and call the shortcut whatever you like

Drag it somewhere else if the desktop is not the place for it.

Other customisations for WinXP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307856

Personally I like to use the Windows Key plus E which opens with a classic split pane.

[SkyTrax]

Thanks,

i open it with a shortcut in my quick launch bar, and it's simply a duplicate of the original shortcut in the Start Menu Accessories...

Me i wonder why it opens in C:\ instead of My Documents... and i would like to revert it back to the original settings without adding a new shortcut

Edit:

Ok! That's working with your suggestion, i just change the target of the shortcut to windows/explorer.exe and it's ok now, it opens the way i like.

The old shortcut was windows/explorer.sfc ?!?

Note that i'm not the original owner of this computer...:)

Thanks

[Sylvander]

In my travels on the PC-Guide I came across instructions and changed the "Target" [as shown in the screenshot below] in the "Windows Explorer Properties" for the "Windows Explorer" shortcut in my "Quick-Launch Toolbar".

Notice the end of that target is [in my case]:
D:\Moved

Which is what decides which folder[s] is/[are] open when Explorer.exe runs.

I don't know the syntax rules, so you will need to use trial and error [as I did] to suit it to your needs.

[Sylvander]

Here's the result...

p.s. I advise you to [open Explorer at the folder you want] and then copy and paste the address from the address bar [so it's bound to be correct] and add it on the end of the "Target".

[Paul Komski]

I don't know the syntax rules, so you will need to use trial and errorThe rules are all outlined in the link I posted. They can be run from a command line or from a shortcut.

[SkyTrax]

Thanks Sylvander,

yes i had found on Google many instructions to change the directory you want to Windows Explorer open when you click on the shortcut, but none to revert it back to "My documents" as it's supposed to be the default... My shorcut has been messed up in a some way...

So i went to my second PC that has an almost new install of WinXP and copy the shortucut target (simply "c:\windows\explorer.exe") but i wonder what is the purpose of the "Start in" box?

%HOMEDRIVE%%HOMEPATH%% this is the inscription of the field

Anybody knows what this means? Some other shortcuts have this too.

[Paul Komski]

They are environment variables
%HOMEDRIVE% is commonly "C:\"

%HOMEPATH% is typically "Documents and Settings\<CurrentUserName>"

Enter %HOMEDRIVE%

and later enter %HOMEDRIVE%%HOMEPATH%

into the address bar of explorer or into the run box to see where you get taken.