Windows Explorer

[Steve Hayes]

What is the difference between Windows Explorer and "My Computer"?

When the news came that Microsoft was ending support for Windows XP I went to
the library and got out a couple of books on Windows XP, and on reading them I
discovered that Windows Explorer and "My Computer" were different.

For nearly 10 years of using XP I thought that "My Computer" *was* Windows
Explorer, and wondered why it didn't live up to what was claimed for it. It
was supposed to copy files, but when I tried to copy files I discovered that
it only made copies of shortcuts, and did not copy the files themselves.

So to copy files I either used the DOS copy command, or shareware programs
like File Commander and Xplorer2.

Actually, even after having discovered the *real* Windows Explorer, I think
xplorer2 is better -- you can get it at:

http://www.zabkat.com/

but it just goes to show that there is no substitute for proper printed
documentation.

PS: I thought "My Computer" was horribly twee, so I changed it to "This
Computer".

 

[VanguardLH]

What is the difference between Windows Explorer and "My Computer"?

Windows Explorer: explorer.exe

My Computer : explorer.exe /n ,
or: explorer.exe ,
or: explorer.exe ::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}
/
classID for namespace of My Computer ______/

For nearly 10 years of using XP I thought that "My Computer" *was* Windows
Explorer, and wondered why it didn't live up to what was claimed for it. It
was supposed to copy files, but when I tried to copy files I discovered that
it only made copies of shortcuts, and did not copy the files themselves.

Depends on how you dragged the files for either flavor of iexplorer and
if you are dragging within the same volume (drive) or between volumes.

 

[Steve Hayes]

Windows Explorer: explorer.exe

My Computer : explorer.exe /n ,
or: explorer.exe ,
or: explorer.exe ::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}
/
classID for namespace of My Computer ______/

Ah, I see. So they are linked.

Depends on how you dragged the files for either flavor of iexplorer and
if you are dragging within the same volume (drive) or between volumes.

I've usually tried to drag them to a different drive, for example to back them
up to an external drive or to a CD, DVD, etc., when the one thing I DON'T want
is a copy of the link, because I might be disconnecting it and using it on
another computer where the link won't go anywhere.

When it does thaty I usually resort to the DOS "copy" command, which sometimes
needs a bit more typing, especially with long file names.

 

[R.Wieser]

Steve,

when the one thing I DON'T want is a copy of the link

Drag the files using the right mousebutton, and you can than, after dropping
them, choose the action (copy, create link).

Regards,
Rudy Wieser


-- Origional message:

Ah, I see. So they are linked.


I've usually tried to drag them to a different drive, for example to back them
up to an external drive or to a CD, DVD, etc., when the one thing I DON'T want
is a copy of the link, because I might be disconnecting it and using it on
another computer where the link won't go anywhere.

When it does thaty I usually resort to the DOS "copy" command, which sometimes
needs a bit more typing, especially with long file names.


--
Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
Web: http://www.khanya.org.za/stevesig.htm
Blog: http://khanya.wordpress.com
E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop

uk

 

[R.Wieser]

Java Jive,

TBH, I can't believe you didn't know that ...

How ? Its not something your computer will tell, or even hint you about,
and its also not mentioned when using the other method, the right
mousebutton drag-and-drop.

In other words: you would need to accidentily stumble over such info or
somebody needs to have told you. Its not knowledge humans get born with,
and is, when not used regulary, easy to forget (besides the "damn, which key
causes which effect again ? How/where do I check ?" problem ofcourse)

And yes, I have, in 15+ years, probably heard about, and forgotten it a
number of times too. :-\

You know what I am wondering about ? That you did not mention that right
mousebutton drag-and-drop with ts context menu ... Did you forget all about
it ? <whistle>

Regards,
Rudy Wieser

 

[Steve Hayes]

While we're about it, you don't need to type the file and directory
names (except a new name when renaming) - dragging a file or folder
into a DOS box copies its path into a command.

Thanks, that's useful to know.

And you can also still download a utility which adds "Open a command
window here" to the <right-click> menu:

No need, since one of the first things I do with a new Windows computer is put
the command window on my "desktop" for easy access, and it usually appears
quite high up in my Start menu too.

 

[R.Wieser]

Java Jive,

It's something so basic that I would have guessed that 99.9%
of people would learn when they first encounter Windows.

From whom/by what feat ? As I said, its not something the browser will try
to suggest you about. And that leaves what I allready mentioned: stumbling
over it or someone else telling you.

I learnt the vast majority of early Windows use from the Help
Pages of Windows 3.1, and I suspect that's where I learnt
that from as well.

I can't say I used them much, if at all. The few times I tried to use them
where just time sinkholes, most often giving no usable info at all.

You should resist trying to drag others down to your own level
as a way of trying to win an argument, frankly, it just makes you
look dumb.

Pot, please refrain from calling the kettle black.

I don't think your "TBH, I can't believe you didn't know that ..." remark
was ment to be positive in any way. Its only purpose was to try to make the
OP feel bad in some way. And for what ? So *you* could feel better about
you (still) knowing that tidbit of info ?

Regards,
Rudy Wieser


-- Origional message:

 

[R.Wieser]

Java Jive,

Yawn, plonk!

The standard answer of people who have more brawn than brains.

Regards,
Rudy Wieser


-- Origional message: