Windows Shortcut "Start in" purpose?

[Chris Pettingill]

What exactly is the purpose of the "Start In" field of a short cut? I know
that for some apps it sets their initial "Current Directory", but does it do
anything else? I've looked for some documentation, but I can't find any. I
think knowing this could solve an issue I'm having with an app I've built.
I'd like to know too if this field has any different implications on any of
the OS'es - Win95,98,Me,NT,2000,XP.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Squire]

It just helps the system find the directory your file is located in.
Nothing special, it just saves a little time by not having to scan the whole
hard drive.

 

[Alex Nichol]

What exactly is the purpose of the "Start In" field of a short cut? I know
that for some apps it sets their initial "Current Directory", but does it do
anything else?

That is all. It is convenient for example if you want a Command Prompt
short cut to start with the prompt in a particular folder. Or I use it
with Forte Agent as my news reader to have several folders, each with
the database relating to a particular news server, and each with a
shortcut set to start in that folder (and use an Agent.ini file
contained in it)