'Ven' wrote:
| We have scanned images of inventory items stored in a Windows folder with
| each image file named according to its item number and description.
| Unfortunately our item numbering scheme is similar to the Dewey Decimal
| System and can include a varying number of digits. To view an item we
would
| like to simply use Windows Explorer to display the image files and be able
to
| see them in their numerical sequence. It is apparent that Explorer uses a
| different sorting methodology than what DOS did. We understand that we can
| change applications to do what we want to do but wondered if there was a
| reason as to why Windows Explorer sorts as it does and if there was a
| work-around. Apparently there may not be.
_____
I rather think there is no 'add-in' for Windows Explorer to change the sort
order. Any simple database program could accomplish your task. Just set it
up to use more than one field for the item number or, for some data base
applications, choose a custom sort order. Windows Explorer isn't designed
for use as a data processing application.
What you seem to want is decimal numeric sort order on the numeric portion
of the Identification and an alpha sort on the other portion. You really
should not be using a separate file for each item, but rather have a record
in a database for each item. If you use a relational database rather than
just a flat database, then you can associate related records and print a
report on any criteria you wish sorted in any order you wish: i.e. item
description and value information sorted in order by source or location OR
source and location sorted by item description OR ... Database applications
are quite able to associate image records with other types of data records.
This database method substitutes computer processing power for human
processing power, saving human effort for tasks that computers can't do.
Microsoft Access has these capabilities, as do other relational database
applications, so you might try this microsoft.public.* newsgroup:
microsoft.public.access .
The work converting an obsolete system can be considerable, but sooner or
later it will become necessary. Better to expend the effort early to reap
the benefits early.
Possibilities for avoiding Doing The Right Thing:
there are third party substitutes for Windows Explorer that may have more
flexibility for sort order
it is possible to use Visual Basic to write a program to edit all the file
names involved to give you the sort order you wish.
Phil Weldon
| We have scanned images of inventory items stored in a Windows folder with
| each image file named according to its item number and description.
| Unfortunately our item numbering scheme is similar to the Dewey Decimal
| System and can include a varying number of digits. To view an item we
would
| like to simply use Windows Explorer to display the image files and be able
to
| see them in their numerical sequence. It is apparent that Explorer uses a
| different sorting methodology than what DOS did. We understand that we can
| change applications to do what we want to do but wondered if there was a
| reason as to why Windows Explorer sorts as it does and if there was a
| work-around. Apparently there may not be.
| --
| Ven Adkins
| Information Technology
| Marianist Mission
| Dayton, OH 45402
|
|
| "Phil Weldon" wrote:
|
| > 'Ven' wrote, in part:
| > | Windows Explorer does not list files in proper order by name when
| > filenames
| > | begin with a series of numerics. Listing file using DOS Command Dir
| > displays
| > | them in correct sequence.
| > _____
| >
| > Perhaps you can describe the perceived problem more fully. WHY does the
| > sort order of Windows Explorer in this case make a difference? Windows
| > Explorer not a data processing application, just a file maintenance
tool.
| >
| > This is just a guess at your situation , but why don't you use an
| > appropriate database program rather than trying to use Windows Explorer
| > outside its designed function? Your comparison of DOS Dir and Windows
| > Explorer indicates, to me, that you have kept the same method of
organizing
| > records with Windows as you did with DOS, and that it is time to change
to
| > some type of data base application.
| >
| > But then maybe I don't understand the question.
| >
| > Phil Weldon
| >
| >
| >
| > | > | Windows Explorer does not list files in proper order by name when
| > filenames
| > | begin with a series of numerics. Listing file using DOS Command Dir
| > displays
| > | them in correct sequence.
| > |
| > | For example, with Windows Explorer the files below are listed in the
order
| > | shown when being displayed by filename.
| > |
| > | 1.2 Carrier Envelopes
| > | 1.3 Card Envelopes
| > | 1.5 Labels
| > | 1.12 Remittance CRMs
| > |
| > | Displaying the same files using the DOS Dir command displays the same
| > files
| > | in the proper order as follows.
| > |
| > | 1.12 Remittance CRMs
| > | 1.2 Carrier Envelopes
| > | 1.3 Card Envelopes
| > | 1.5 Labels
| > |
| > | What can be done to correct this problem as it is important to be able
to
| > | see the files in the correct sequence?
| > |
| > | --
| > | Ven Adkins
| > | Information Technology
| > | Marianist Mission
| > | Dayton, OH 45402
| >
| >
| >
