my F2 'rename' function isn't working!?

[yoko.guruma]

I've got a laptop, there's a problem with Windows Explorer F2
('rename') function. all the other function keys seem to be working,
and i'm pretty sure f2 works in other programs (i can't think of any
examples right now). but i used to like in win98 i could just
highlight a filename, then press f2, and it would automatically be
editable. Not working here. any ideas on how to fix this?

Thanks,
Charlie

 

[Wesley Vogel]

Other ways to rename a file or folder...

Right click a file and click Rename.

Click the file or folder you want to rename.
Under File and Folder Tasks, click Rename this file or Rename this folder.

You can also click a file or folder name twice to get it highlighted so you
can rename it. Don't double click, just click twice, slowly.

The only keyboard shortcut that the F2 key is used for in Windows is Rename
the selected item.

If you have MS Word you can test the F2 key with these...
Copy Text SHIFT+F2
Move Text F2
Open ALT+CTRL+F2
Print Preview CTRL+F2
Save ALT+SHIFT+F2

Or you can try using F2 as a Shortcut key

1. Locate a program file (.exe) or the program's shortcut icon.
Right-click the program file or shortcut and then click Properties.

2. Click the Shortcut tab.

3. With the cursor in the Shortcut key box, select the keyboard key you
want to use in combination with CTRL+ALT. Shortcut keys automatically start
with CTRL+ALT. The Shortcut key box will display None until you select the
key and then the box will display Ctrl+Alt+the key you selected. You cannot
use the ESC, ENTER, TAB, SPACEBAR, PRINT SCREEN, SHIFT, or BACKSPACE keys.

Note
Once you assign a shortcut key combination for a specific program, you will
not be able to use that key combination with other programs.

If you forget the key combination for your shortcut, you can follow steps 1
& 2 and review your shortcut keys.

Shortcut tab
Lists the shortcut name, target information, and shortcut key. Allows you to
choose the way the item is displayed when you open the shortcut: in a
standard window, a full screen (maximized), or as a button on the taskbar
(minimized). Also allows you to view the shortcut's target, change the icon
for the shortcut, and open a shortcut as a different user.


--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

 

[yoko.guruma]

Thanks for the advice Wes.
F2 definitely works in other programs -- its just during the Explore
'rename' function that its broken (other methods of renaming do work,
but are slower/clumsier i find)

anyway to 're-install' explorer, maybe that will fix it? Or maybe it
would even be a better-than-original solution to find a batch renaming
program, and then assign f2 as a shortcut to it?

 

[Wesley Vogel]

At least we know that it isn't your F2 key that's bad.

I honestly do not know if reinstalling explorer.exe will help or not. Maybe
you can get a copy from a friend. explorer.exe is only 980 KB, I have a
backup copy on a 3 1/2" floppy just in case.

I use the click twice method myself.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In