How to Sort all Favorites Categories

[Norm Dresner]

After ten years or so of web browsing and moving favorites from computer to
computer as I upgrade I find that I have over 200 folders of favorites. I
decided recently that I would like to have each folder sorted
alphabetically. I know how to do this manually with the right-click context
menu, but I've got over 2600 favorites organized into over 200 folders and
that's a daunting task for anyone. I even tried exporting the entire set,
deleting all of them, and then importing the exported list, but there was no
reorganization and most of the folders are still randomly ordered [mostly by
when each link is created but that's far from alphabetic].

I googled, but there was nothing obvious in the first few screens of hits.

Is there an (easy) hack that will sort all categories of favorites? Maybe a
(shareware) program to do it?

TIA
Norm

 

[Ron Hirsch]

Norm,

Sorting the Favorites is actually a strange beast, but very simple once one
knows the secret - do the following

1. Click on "favorites" on the top menu bar in IE.

2. Move the mouse indicator down into the main listing, and stop when any of
the main listing folders items is highlighted.

3. Right click, and go to the menu item "sort by name" - then click on that.

4. This will sort all the main folders alphabetically. But it will not
necessarily sort the links inside the folders themselves.

5. To sort links inside of folders, repeat steps 1 and 2 above. Then dwell
on the folder you want to sort, and move the cursor over into the listing
that pops up to the right displaying all the links in that folder. Then
right click, and select "sort by name".

It is a weird protocol, but it is what works.

Ron Hirsch

 

[Alan Edwards]

It is easy to do all in one hit.

Open Regedit, navigate to this key and remove it.
Ensure IE is not running at the time.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder\Favorites

....Alan

 

[Jan Il]

Hi Norm

Here is a small, but, very efficient tool. It isn't free, but, for $8.00
USD, it earns its keep. <g>

QSort 2004 - Will alphabetize your Favorites and Programs - Cost is $8.00
USD.
http://www.hyperq.com/qsort.htm

Hope this helps

Jan
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

Replies are posted only to the newsgroup for the benefit or other readers.
How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

 

[Ron Hirsch]

Alan,

I've not seen that approach before. I'm afraid I don't understand how that
Registry key deletion will sort everything in the main and all subfolders.

I looked at that key, and it's just a folder listing of the Favorites, and
shows no subfolders.

Hopefully you can explain the rationale behind deleting that key.

I assume that it will regenerate that key when IE is next loaded. But why
will it sort then?

Thanks -

Ron Hirsch

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It is easy to do all in one hit.

Open Regedit, navigate to this key and remove it.
Ensure IE is not running at the time.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder\Favorites

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

After ten years or so of web browsing and moving favorites from computer
to
computer as I upgrade I find that I have over 200 folders of favorites. I
decided recently that I would like to have each folder sorted
alphabetically. I know how to do this manually with the right-click
context
menu, but I've got over 2600 favorites organized into over 200 folders and
that's a daunting task for anyone. I even tried exporting the entire set,
deleting all of them, and then importing the exported list, but there was
no
reorganization and most of the folders are still randomly ordered [mostly
by
when each link is created but that's far from alphabetic].

I googled, but there was nothing obvious in the first few screens of hits.

Is there an (easy) hack that will sort all categories of favorites? Maybe
a
(shareware) program to do it?

TIA
Norm

 

[Norm Dresner]

That sounds so easy that I wonder why it isn't in TweakUI.

1. Does IE recreate it?
2. Does removing it cause the lists to be sorted all the time? [IOW, can
I reorganize things like links?]

Thanks much
Norm

It is easy to do all in one hit.

Open Regedit, navigate to this key and remove it.
Ensure IE is not running at the time.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrd
er\Favorites

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

After ten years or so of web browsing and moving favorites from computer to
computer as I upgrade I find that I have over 200 folders of favorites. I
decided recently that I would like to have each folder sorted
alphabetically. I know how to do this manually with the right-click context
menu, but I've got over 2600 favorites organized into over 200 folders and
that's a daunting task for anyone. I even tried exporting the entire set,
deleting all of them, and then importing the exported list, but there was no
reorganization and most of the folders are still randomly ordered [mostly by
when each link is created but that's far from alphabetic].

I googled, but there was nothing obvious in the first few screens of hits.

Is there an (easy) hack that will sort all categories of favorites? Maybe a
(shareware) program to do it?

TIA
Norm

 

[Alan Edwards]

That key controls the order.
When the key is deleted, then the sort will revert back to the natural
alpha order. That will remain until you start adding or moving
favorites, so it is really a once-off fix.

I don't understand your comment that it has no subfolders.
There is a subkey for each folder and deleting the key deletes the
subkeys as well.

....Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Ron Hirsch"

Alan,

I've not seen that approach before. I'm afraid I don't understand how that
Registry key deletion will sort everything in the main and all subfolders.

I looked at that key, and it's just a folder listing of the Favorites, and
shows no subfolders.

Hopefully you can explain the rationale behind deleting that key.

I assume that it will regenerate that key when IE is next loaded. But why
will it sort then?

Thanks -

Ron Hirsch

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It is easy to do all in one hit.

Open Regedit, navigate to this key and remove it.
Ensure IE is not running at the time.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder\Favorites

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

After ten years or so of web browsing and moving favorites from computer
to
computer as I upgrade I find that I have over 200 folders of favorites. I
decided recently that I would like to have each folder sorted
alphabetically. I know how to do this manually with the right-click
context
menu, but I've got over 2600 favorites organized into over 200 folders and
that's a daunting task for anyone. I even tried exporting the entire set,
deleting all of them, and then importing the exported list, but there was
no
reorganization and most of the folders are still randomly ordered [mostly
by
when each link is created but that's far from alphabetic].

I googled, but there was nothing obvious in the first few screens of hits.

Is there an (easy) hack that will sort all categories of favorites? Maybe
a
(shareware) program to do it?

TIA
Norm

 

[Alan Edwards]

1. IE recreates it.
2, Removing it does not cause the lists to be sorted all the time.
It is a on-off fix to start from a complete alpha order, then the keys
will gradually build up a new order as you add or move.

Reorganize Links? Why is that any different from any other subfolder
to organize? I can move or sort it the same as others.
Am is missing something?

....Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html


In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

That sounds so easy that I wonder why it isn't in TweakUI.

1. Does IE recreate it?
2. Does removing it cause the lists to be sorted all the time? [IOW, can
I reorganize things like links?]

Thanks much
Norm

It is easy to do all in one hit.

Open Regedit, navigate to this key and remove it.
Ensure IE is not running at the time.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrd
er\Favorites

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

After ten years or so of web browsing and moving favorites from computer to
computer as I upgrade I find that I have over 200 folders of favorites. I
decided recently that I would like to have each folder sorted
alphabetically. I know how to do this manually with the right-click context
menu, but I've got over 2600 favorites organized into over 200 folders and
that's a daunting task for anyone. I even tried exporting the entire set,
deleting all of them, and then importing the exported list, but there was no
reorganization and most of the folders are still randomly ordered [mostly by
when each link is created but that's far from alphabetic].

I googled, but there was nothing obvious in the first few screens of hits.

Is there an (easy) hack that will sort all categories of favorites? Maybe a
(shareware) program to do it?

TIA
Norm

 

[Norm Dresner]

The only folder of Favorites I traditionally keep unsorted is the Links so
the ones I use most frequently are at the top of the list.

Norm

1. IE recreates it.
2, Removing it does not cause the lists to be sorted all the time.
It is a on-off fix to start from a complete alpha order, then the keys
will gradually build up a new order as you add or move.

Reorganize Links? Why is that any different from any other subfolder
to organize? I can move or sort it the same as others.
Am is missing something?

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html


In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

That sounds so easy that I wonder why it isn't in TweakUI.

1. Does IE recreate it?
2. Does removing it cause the lists to be sorted all the time? [IOW, can
I reorganize things like links?]

Thanks much
Norm

It is easy to do all in one hit.

Open Regedit, navigate to this key and remove it.
Ensure IE is not running at the time.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOr d

er\Favorites

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

After ten years or so of web browsing and moving favorites from

computer
to

computer as I upgrade I find that I have over 200 folders of

favorites.
I

decided recently that I would like to have each folder sorted
alphabetically. I know how to do this manually with the right-click context
menu, but I've got over 2600 favorites organized into over 200 folders and
that's a daunting task for anyone. I even tried exporting the entire set,
deleting all of them, and then importing the exported list, but there

was
no

reorganization and most of the folders are still randomly ordered

[mostly
by

when each link is created but that's far from alphabetic].

I googled, but there was nothing obvious in the first few screens of hits.

Is there an (easy) hack that will sort all categories of favorites? Maybe a
(shareware) program to do it?

TIA
Norm

 

[Alan Edwards]

We may be on different wavelengths as I don't see a huge problem here.
Why not sort the lot as suggested and then drag the Links favorites to
whatever suits you?
You seem to indicate you are using the Favorites panel for Links (I
may be wrong) as I only use the Links bar for Links and arrange the 20
or so links how I want them.

....Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

The only folder of Favorites I traditionally keep unsorted is the Links so
the ones I use most frequently are at the top of the list.

Norm

1. IE recreates it.
2, Removing it does not cause the lists to be sorted all the time.
It is a on-off fix to start from a complete alpha order, then the keys
will gradually build up a new order as you add or move.

Reorganize Links? Why is that any different from any other subfolder
to organize? I can move or sort it the same as others.
Am is missing something?

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html


In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

That sounds so easy that I wonder why it isn't in TweakUI.

1. Does IE recreate it?
2. Does removing it cause the lists to be sorted all the time? [IOW, can
I reorganize things like links?]

Thanks much
Norm

It is easy to do all in one hit.

Open Regedit, navigate to this key and remove it.
Ensure IE is not running at the time.


HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOr

d

er\Favorites

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

After ten years or so of web browsing and moving favorites from computer
to
computer as I upgrade I find that I have over 200 folders of favorites.
I
decided recently that I would like to have each folder sorted
alphabetically. I know how to do this manually with the right-click
context
menu, but I've got over 2600 favorites organized into over 200 folders
and
that's a daunting task for anyone. I even tried exporting the entire
set,
deleting all of them, and then importing the exported list, but there was
no
reorganization and most of the folders are still randomly ordered [mostly
by
when each link is created but that's far from alphabetic].

I googled, but there was nothing obvious in the first few screens of
hits.

Is there an (easy) hack that will sort all categories of favorites?
Maybe a
(shareware) program to do it?

TIA
Norm

 

[Ron Hirsch]

Alan,

Possibly the "subfolder" comment wasn't clear. I saw the keys for all the
main folders in FAVORITES. But I didn't see keys for the subfolders below
the main folders. Just about all my foldres within FAVORITES have sub, and
sub-sub folders in the tree.

Ron

+++++++++++++

That key controls the order.
When the key is deleted, then the sort will revert back to the natural
alpha order. That will remain until you start adding or moving
favorites, so it is really a once-off fix.

I don't understand your comment that it has no subfolders.
There is a subkey for each folder and deleting the key deletes the
subkeys as well.

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Ron Hirsch"

Alan,

I've not seen that approach before. I'm afraid I don't understand how that
Registry key deletion will sort everything in the main and all subfolders.

I looked at that key, and it's just a folder listing of the Favorites, and
shows no subfolders.

Hopefully you can explain the rationale behind deleting that key.

I assume that it will regenerate that key when IE is next loaded. But why
will it sort then?

Thanks -

Ron Hirsch

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It is easy to do all in one hit.

Open Regedit, navigate to this key and remove it.
Ensure IE is not running at the time.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder\Favorites

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

After ten years or so of web browsing and moving favorites from computer
to
computer as I upgrade I find that I have over 200 folders of favorites.
I
decided recently that I would like to have each folder sorted
alphabetically. I know how to do this manually with the right-click
context
menu, but I've got over 2600 favorites organized into over 200 folders
and
that's a daunting task for anyone. I even tried exporting the entire
set,
deleting all of them, and then importing the exported list, but there
was
no
reorganization and most of the folders are still randomly ordered
[mostly
by
when each link is created but that's far from alphabetic].

I googled, but there was nothing obvious in the first few screens of
hits.

Is there an (easy) hack that will sort all categories of favorites?
Maybe
a
(shareware) program to do it?

TIA
Norm

 

[Alan Edwards]

Hi Ron,

Just a difference in terminology, as I call them all subkeys under
that key. I have exactly the same key structure in the Registry as the
folder structure in the Favorites, with the exception of some
Favorites folders that I have deleted and not deleted the subkey in
the Registry.
I have subkeys to match the first level of subfolders in Favorites. I
have sub-subkeys to match the sub-subfolders.
You should see a + sign to the left of the subkeys in the Registry
which will expand to show the sub-subkeys to match the sub-subfolders.

If you do not see this, then feel free to export the key below to a
text file and send me that export for me to check out. Just ensure the
highlight is on the key below and use the menu option Registry-Export.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder\Favorites

....Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html


In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Ron Hirsch"

Alan,

Possibly the "subfolder" comment wasn't clear. I saw the keys for all the
main folders in FAVORITES. But I didn't see keys for the subfolders below
the main folders. Just about all my foldres within FAVORITES have sub, and
sub-sub folders in the tree.

Ron

+++++++++++++

That key controls the order.
When the key is deleted, then the sort will revert back to the natural
alpha order. That will remain until you start adding or moving
favorites, so it is really a once-off fix.

I don't understand your comment that it has no subfolders.
There is a subkey for each folder and deleting the key deletes the
subkeys as well.

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Ron Hirsch"

Alan,

I've not seen that approach before. I'm afraid I don't understand how that
Registry key deletion will sort everything in the main and all subfolders.

I looked at that key, and it's just a folder listing of the Favorites, and
shows no subfolders.

Hopefully you can explain the rationale behind deleting that key.

I assume that it will regenerate that key when IE is next loaded. But why
will it sort then?

Thanks -

Ron Hirsch

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It is easy to do all in one hit.

Open Regedit, navigate to this key and remove it.
Ensure IE is not running at the time.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder\Favorites

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

After ten years or so of web browsing and moving favorites from computer
to
computer as I upgrade I find that I have over 200 folders of favorites.
I
decided recently that I would like to have each folder sorted
alphabetically. I know how to do this manually with the right-click
context
menu, but I've got over 2600 favorites organized into over 200 folders
and
that's a daunting task for anyone. I even tried exporting the entire
set,
deleting all of them, and then importing the exported list, but there
was
no
reorganization and most of the folders are still randomly ordered
[mostly
by
when each link is created but that's far from alphabetic].

I googled, but there was nothing obvious in the first few screens of
hits.

Is there an (easy) hack that will sort all categories of favorites?
Maybe
a
(shareware) program to do it?

TIA
Norm

 

[Ron Hirsch]

Hi Alan,

I had already checked to see whether there was the usual + sign, but some of
the items in the Favorites listing which have subfolders that certainly
display properly in the IE listing, as well as in any file manager, do not
have the + sign in the Registry list. Only one + sign shows in the Registry,
but threee show in a file manager display.

I'll be happy to send you the exported file. Since it's quite a few pages of
text, it's probably not practical to paste it into a post here. So, may I
send you the file privately? And if so, to what address?

Interestingly enough, the one + sign that shows in the Registry is for a
folder that has not been used for a couple of years, and dates way back.
Possibly the current protocol in IE6 is different from the past, and that +
sign was grandfathered in??

Also, thanks for your confirmation of using a file manager to edit and
organize my Favorites list. I've been doing that for years, but wasn't sure
if there were any negatives to that approach. The built in capability for IE
to do that is very cludgy in my eyes, and could certainly use an overhaul by
MS. And, the protocol to sort is not something that most people would ever
get to intuitively.

Ron

++++++++++++++++++

Hi Ron,

Just a difference in terminology, as I call them all subkeys under
that key. I have exactly the same key structure in the Registry as the
folder structure in the Favorites, with the exception of some
Favorites folders that I have deleted and not deleted the subkey in
the Registry.
I have subkeys to match the first level of subfolders in Favorites. I
have sub-subkeys to match the sub-subfolders.
You should see a + sign to the left of the subkeys in the Registry
which will expand to show the sub-subkeys to match the sub-subfolders.

If you do not see this, then feel free to export the key below to a
text file and send me that export for me to check out. Just ensure the
highlight is on the key below and use the menu option Registry-Export.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder\Favorites

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html


In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Ron Hirsch"

Alan,

Possibly the "subfolder" comment wasn't clear. I saw the keys for all the
main folders in FAVORITES. But I didn't see keys for the subfolders below
the main folders. Just about all my foldres within FAVORITES have sub, and
sub-sub folders in the tree.

Ron

+++++++++++++

That key controls the order.
When the key is deleted, then the sort will revert back to the natural
alpha order. That will remain until you start adding or moving
favorites, so it is really a once-off fix.

I don't understand your comment that it has no subfolders.
There is a subkey for each folder and deleting the key deletes the
subkeys as well.

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Ron Hirsch"

Alan,

I've not seen that approach before. I'm afraid I don't understand how
that
Registry key deletion will sort everything in the main and all
subfolders.

I looked at that key, and it's just a folder listing of the Favorites,
and
shows no subfolders.

Hopefully you can explain the rationale behind deleting that key.

I assume that it will regenerate that key when IE is next loaded. But
why
will it sort then?

Thanks -

Ron Hirsch

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It is easy to do all in one hit.

Open Regedit, navigate to this key and remove it.
Ensure IE is not running at the time.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder\Favorites

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

After ten years or so of web browsing and moving favorites from
computer
to
computer as I upgrade I find that I have over 200 folders of
favorites.
I
decided recently that I would like to have each folder sorted
alphabetically. I know how to do this manually with the right-click
context
menu, but I've got over 2600 favorites organized into over 200 folders
and
that's a daunting task for anyone. I even tried exporting the entire
set,
deleting all of them, and then importing the exported list, but there
was
no
reorganization and most of the folders are still randomly ordered
[mostly
by
when each link is created but that's far from alphabetic].

I googled, but there was nothing obvious in the first few screens of
hits.

Is there an (easy) hack that will sort all categories of favorites?
Maybe
a
(shareware) program to do it?

TIA
Norm

 

[Alan Edwards]

Hi Ron,

Send it to me privately, though it may not be necessary (see
experiment below). My email shown is valid.
Give me some idea of what folders show that don't have keys.

The old ones will show in the Registry as they have not been deleted.
That is normal. Deleting a file folder does not delete the associated
Registry key.

As an experiment, I just closed all instances of IE, deleted the key
(as I have not done it for some time).
After starting IE, the Links key came back first. The other keys only
seem to get generated when necessary, e.g. when I sorted a folder or
moved something around. At this stage, I have only a few subkeys but
no sub-subkeys.
Perhaps your folders that don't have a corresponding key are recent
ones that you have not manipulated in any way so they don't need a key
and would be in alpha order?
Try sorting the folders without keys and see if they generate a key.

Feel free to still send me the export, though you should see the name
of the "missing" folder in the relevant subkey if you double-click the
"Order" value.
Don't expect a quick response as it is 2:27 a.m. here in Tasmania and
I am closing down for a few hours for some sleep.

....Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Ron Hirsch"

Hi Alan,

I had already checked to see whether there was the usual + sign, but some of
the items in the Favorites listing which have subfolders that certainly
display properly in the IE listing, as well as in any file manager, do not
have the + sign in the Registry list. Only one + sign shows in the Registry,
but threee show in a file manager display.

I'll be happy to send you the exported file. Since it's quite a few pages of
text, it's probably not practical to paste it into a post here. So, may I
send you the file privately? And if so, to what address?

Interestingly enough, the one + sign that shows in the Registry is for a
folder that has not been used for a couple of years, and dates way back.
Possibly the current protocol in IE6 is different from the past, and that +
sign was grandfathered in??

Also, thanks for your confirmation of using a file manager to edit and
organize my Favorites list. I've been doing that for years, but wasn't sure
if there were any negatives to that approach. The built in capability for IE
to do that is very cludgy in my eyes, and could certainly use an overhaul by
MS. And, the protocol to sort is not something that most people would ever
get to intuitively.

Ron

++++++++++++++++++

Hi Ron,

Just a difference in terminology, as I call them all subkeys under
that key. I have exactly the same key structure in the Registry as the
folder structure in the Favorites, with the exception of some
Favorites folders that I have deleted and not deleted the subkey in
the Registry.
I have subkeys to match the first level of subfolders in Favorites. I
have sub-subkeys to match the sub-subfolders.
You should see a + sign to the left of the subkeys in the Registry
which will expand to show the sub-subkeys to match the sub-subfolders.

If you do not see this, then feel free to export the key below to a
text file and send me that export for me to check out. Just ensure the
highlight is on the key below and use the menu option Registry-Export.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder\Favorites

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html


In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Ron Hirsch"

Alan,

Possibly the "subfolder" comment wasn't clear. I saw the keys for all the
main folders in FAVORITES. But I didn't see keys for the subfolders below
the main folders. Just about all my foldres within FAVORITES have sub, and
sub-sub folders in the tree.

Ron

+++++++++++++
That key controls the order.
When the key is deleted, then the sort will revert back to the natural
alpha order. That will remain until you start adding or moving
favorites, so it is really a once-off fix.

I don't understand your comment that it has no subfolders.
There is a subkey for each folder and deleting the key deletes the
subkeys as well.

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Ron Hirsch"

Alan,

I've not seen that approach before. I'm afraid I don't understand how
that
Registry key deletion will sort everything in the main and all
subfolders.

I looked at that key, and it's just a folder listing of the Favorites,
and
shows no subfolders.

Hopefully you can explain the rationale behind deleting that key.

I assume that it will regenerate that key when IE is next loaded. But
why
will it sort then?

Thanks -

Ron Hirsch

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It is easy to do all in one hit.

Open Regedit, navigate to this key and remove it.
Ensure IE is not running at the time.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder\Favorites

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

After ten years or so of web browsing and moving favorites from
computer
to
computer as I upgrade I find that I have over 200 folders of
favorites.
I
decided recently that I would like to have each folder sorted
alphabetically. I know how to do this manually with the right-click
context
menu, but I've got over 2600 favorites organized into over 200 folders
and
that's a daunting task for anyone. I even tried exporting the entire
set,
deleting all of them, and then importing the exported list, but there
was
no
reorganization and most of the folders are still randomly ordered
[mostly
by
when each link is created but that's far from alphabetic].

I googled, but there was nothing obvious in the first few screens of
hits.

Is there an (easy) hack that will sort all categories of favorites?
Maybe
a
(shareware) program to do it?

TIA
Norm

 

[Norm Dresner]

We're definitely on different planes but let's see if we can meet somewhere.

My question was, if the registry hack made IE keep each category sorted at
all times, then how could I have one category unsorted. Subsequent answers
have shown that the hypothesis was incorrect -- it only acts once -- so my
question is moot.

Norm

We may be on different wavelengths as I don't see a huge problem here.
Why not sort the lot as suggested and then drag the Links favorites to
whatever suits you?
You seem to indicate you are using the Favorites panel for Links (I
may be wrong) as I only use the Links bar for Links and arrange the 20
or so links how I want them.

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

The only folder of Favorites I traditionally keep unsorted is the Links so
the ones I use most frequently are at the top of the list.

Norm

1. IE recreates it.
2, Removing it does not cause the lists to be sorted all the time.
It is a on-off fix to start from a complete alpha order, then the keys
will gradually build up a new order as you add or move.

Reorganize Links? Why is that any different from any other subfolder
to organize? I can move or sort it the same as others.
Am is missing something?

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html


In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

That sounds so easy that I wonder why it isn't in TweakUI.

1. Does IE recreate it?
2. Does removing it cause the lists to be sorted all the time?

[IOW,
can

I reorganize things like links?]

Thanks much
Norm

It is easy to do all in one hit.

Open Regedit, navigate to this key and remove it.
Ensure IE is not running at the time.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuO r
d

er\Favorites

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

After ten years or so of web browsing and moving favorites from computer
to
computer as I upgrade I find that I have over 200 folders of favorites.
I
decided recently that I would like to have each folder sorted
alphabetically. I know how to do this manually with the right-click
context
menu, but I've got over 2600 favorites organized into over 200 folders
and
that's a daunting task for anyone. I even tried exporting the entire
set,
deleting all of them, and then importing the exported list, but

there
was

no
reorganization and most of the folders are still randomly ordered [mostly
by
when each link is created but that's far from alphabetic].

I googled, but there was nothing obvious in the first few screens of
hits.

Is there an (easy) hack that will sort all categories of favorites?
Maybe a
(shareware) program to do it?

TIA
Norm

 

[Gary Smith]

What happens is that by default the Favorites folder and any of its
subfolders are sorted alphabetically for display. One you make any
explicit adjustment to the arrangement, the arrangement is recorded in the
registry and future additions are then displayed at the bottom of the
list. Deleting the registry entry causes the display to revent to the
default. If you never move an entry or explicitly sort a folder, the
display will probably remain alphabetic. There is a way to ensure that
the display remains alphabetic always, no matter what you do, but it's a
drastic all-or-nothing operation that will prevent you from implementing a
custom ordering in any subfolder.

We're definitely on different planes but let's see if we can meet somewhere.

My question was, if the registry hack made IE keep each category sorted at
all times, then how could I have one category unsorted. Subsequent answers
have shown that the hypothesis was incorrect -- it only acts once -- so my
question is moot.

Norm

We may be on different wavelengths as I don't see a huge problem here.
Why not sort the lot as suggested and then drag the Links favorites to
whatever suits you?
You seem to indicate you are using the Favorites panel for Links (I
may be wrong) as I only use the Links bar for Links and arrange the 20
or so links how I want them.

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

The only folder of Favorites I traditionally keep unsorted is the Links so
the ones I use most frequently are at the top of the list.

Norm

1. IE recreates it.
2, Removing it does not cause the lists to be sorted all the time.
It is a on-off fix to start from a complete alpha order, then the keys
will gradually build up a new order as you add or move.

Reorganize Links? Why is that any different from any other subfolder
to organize? I can move or sort it the same as others.
Am is missing something?

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html


In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

That sounds so easy that I wonder why it isn't in TweakUI.

1. Does IE recreate it?
2. Does removing it cause the lists to be sorted all the time? [IOW,
can
I reorganize things like links?]

Thanks much
Norm

It is easy to do all in one hit.

Open Regedit, navigate to this key and remove it.
Ensure IE is not running at the time.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuO r
d
er\Favorites

...Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser, "Norm Dresner"

After ten years or so of web browsing and moving favorites from
computer
to
computer as I upgrade I find that I have over 200 folders of
favorites.
I
decided recently that I would like to have each folder sorted
alphabetically. I know how to do this manually with the right-click
context
menu, but I've got over 2600 favorites organized into over 200 folders
and
that's a daunting task for anyone. I even tried exporting the entire
set,
deleting all of them, and then importing the exported list, but there
was
no
reorganization and most of the folders are still randomly ordered
[mostly
by
when each link is created but that's far from alphabetic].

I googled, but there was nothing obvious in the first few screens of
hits.

Is there an (easy) hack that will sort all categories of favorites?
Maybe a
(shareware) program to do it?

TIA
Norm