HOW TO Add a Print Directory Feature for Folders in Windows XPhttp://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=321379
I tried the steps on that page. I'll copy it below (after my
signature) to save everybody clicking time.
Unfortunately, I did everything and I reached the point that says
'After you follow the steps in the previous sections, ...Or, if you
have associated other actions with file folders, those actions may be
performed instead. '
I'm getting VLC media player starting when I double click on a folder.
When I rightclick and choose Explore, the printer tries (not
connected) to start. I really didn't want the printer to physically
print a list of the files. And of course I don't want it to happen
when I just try to open a folder.
So now I have to do the Registry edit. I'm a little worried. I only
have one computer.
I'm writing this while I'm working the problem. Well, I tried the
registry fix as described, and it worked. Whew...that was close.
Actually, right after the behavior of opening VLC started, I tried to
set a default for double clicking on a folder. There was no listing in
the Edit File Type box for Explorer to open, so I tied to set as
default the new thing I just added, the Print Directory Listing. As I
said, and as the article warned, another behavior (opening VLC, which
is set to play a playable file in a folder if there is one) happened.
But now, except for the new rightclick item, things are back to
normal.
Now I have a new option on the rightclick, Print Directory Listing
Form all this, I realize what I really wanted to know was to how to
use the DIR command. TaurArian explained that, but his answer included
the option of making a text file listing all the files in a folder.
That's fine, but it's not really necessary. Once you have the files
listed on the screen, you can make a file from the list, of course.
--
(||) Nehmo (||)
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SUMMARY
This article describes how to add the Print Directory feature for
folders in Microsoft Windows XP. After you follow the steps that are
listed in this article, you can right-click a folder, and then click
Print Directory Listing to print a directory listing of the contents
of a folder.
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Create the Printdir.bat file
To create the Printdir.bat file, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, click Run, type the following command, and then click
OK:
notepad
2. Paste the following text into Notepad:
@echo off
dir %1 /-p /o:gn > "%temp%\Listing"
start /w notepad /p "%temp%\Listing"
del "%temp%\Listing"
exit
3. On the File menu, click Exit, and then click Yes to save the
changes.
4. In the Save As dialog box, type the following text, and then click
Save:
%windir%\Printdir.bat
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Create a new action for file folders
1. Click Start, click Control Panel (or, point to Settings, and then
click Control Panel), and then click Folder Options.
2. On the File Types tab, click File Folder.
3. Click Advanced, and then click New.
4. In the Action box, type:
Print Directory Listing
5. In the Application used to perform action box, type:
printdir.bat
6. Click OK.
7. Click OK, click OK, and then click Close.
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Edit the registry
Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry
incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These
problems might require that you reinstall your operating system.
Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify
the registry at your own risk.
After you follow the steps in the previous sections, Search Companion
may start when you double-click a folder instead of the folder being
opened. Or, if you have associated other actions with file folders,
those actions may be performed instead.
To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
1. Start Registry Editor.
2. Locate the Default value under the following key in the registry:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell
3. Click Modify on the Edit menu.
4. In the Value data box, type:
none
5. Click OK.
6. Quit Registry Editor.