Finally "fix" Windows Explorer file sorting in XP! (WXP-Pro)

[intellimoo]

Are you also incredibly annoyed how XP's Windows Explorer displays its file list order differently than every other application? For example (by name):

XP's Windows Explorer:
5.txt
11.txt
88.txt
23456.txt

Application's own (not common dialog) sorting:
11.txt
23456.txt
5.txt
88.txt

You can finally fix this feature for Windows XP SP1 or greater by creating the following registry key:

(For all users)
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\policies\Explorer]
NoStrCmpLogical = DWORD: 1

(Per user)
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\Explorer]
NoStrCmpLogical = DWORD: 1

Now by-name sort order in XP's Windows Explorer will match the order used by applications, and just like it was on Windows 2000 and earlier.

Cheers! :-)

[Xavier_Ao]

But isn't a pain to have to number things like this:
01
02
10
20
so you don't get:
1
10
2
20
in 2k and earlier?
XP's "sort" has gotten a little more intelligent on what it looks for so you get:
1
2
10
20
like it technically "should" to begin with, but hey, that's just me. I've got a lot of things numbered for order though.

Umm...Where's the "Any" key??

[intellimoo]

Well, it's a dilemma, really! lol On the one hand, the new way XP does it is somewhat nice when handling file lists using Windows Explorer, especially when using the built-in multiple-file renaming feature. The problem I have with the new sort method is that every other application uses the older method of sorting file lists (Explorer seems to be the only thing I've ever seen that sorts that way). For example, say you have a list of picture files named 1, 2, 10, 20 in Explorer, like your example; now if I open 1 in my graphics app, and then use its view next file command, it will load 10, not 2. When dealing with lots of files all the time like that, it becomes very annoying very quickly when the next file position from where you double-clicked in Explorer is not the next file loaded by an application. So, that's why I think this tweak is one of the best ones ever for XP. hehe! MS really should make it an easy to reach setting in Folder Options or somewhere! :)

[Xavier_Ao]

Could create a .Reg file (or two) that turns it on or off, I suppose.
I see your point and agree, too. Maybe as new versions of software come out, they'll make that change, since Explorer will sort like that now. One can hope.
MS doesn't have all their marbles together sometimes, it seems. /images/forums/icons/laugh.gif

Umm...Where's the "Any" key??

[intellimoo]

Good idea about the on/off .reg files, or even a little app to toggle it. I tested and of course the change doesn't take effect until log off/on (or nuke explorer.exe and run it again).

[Xavier_Ao]

And the "Nuke-and-run" explorer method is a pain, because most of the time it clears the Systray of half the icons on it. XP hasn't gotten any better with that.

Could there be a program that gives you a way to add your own options to explorer, via registry entries or the like?
Or something that allows registry changes to take effect immediately?

Umm...Where's the "Any" key??

[Mosaic1]

I can't test this. I have not applied the Service Pack. But this adds a new checkbox in Folder Options. Its name is:
Change the look of sorting
Its default is to be unchecked. So when you import this registry file, the new sorting policy will not be in effect. Go to Folder Options and put a check in the box there. Apply. This should overcome your problem of having to restart Explorer.exe before it takes effect. Check it out and please let me know if this works.

Copy the Bold to Notepad. Name it sort.reg
Double click sort.reg to set up the new reg information and create the new choice in Folder Options>View >Files and Folders

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\List Order]
"Type"="checkbox"
"Text"="Change the look of sorting"
"ValueName"="NoStrCmpLogical"
"CheckedValue"=dword:00000001
"UncheckedValue"=dword:00000000
"DefaultValue"=dword:00000000
"RegPath"="Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Poli cies\\Explorer"
"HKeyRoot"=dword:80000001

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\Explorer]

"NoStrCmpLogical"=dword:00000000



I have this set up in Current User. Everybody can make their own choice of how they want to use this. It can be changed as needed.
This is the first one of these I have done. I will be interested to see how it works as is.

[intellimoo]

Cool Windows feature to be able to extend the UI like that. Anyway, it works (changes the registry setting) but unfortunately still does not take effect immediately.

(I labeled the setting "Sort file lists by real text instead of number values" here. :))

[Mosaic1]

That's odd. I decided to use it for the NoSaveSettings restriction.

It changed immediately as I toggled it on and off. I thought using Folder Options sent the message and/or Explorer was restarted. I could make changes in how folders were displayed. Then I turned the restriction on in Folder Options and no longer could make those changes. That restriction is in the same key yours is.

The file I wrote does not turn it on by default. You have to go in and change it. You did that? And the message still didn't get sent. Sorry.

[intellimoo]

OK, chalk this up to stupid Explorer behavior, but now after a logoff/on, the setting does now take effect on the fly as expected. This is now great to have! :)

[Mosaic1]

Thanks for coming back. I was just writing a script to do it. But if this works as is, you're all set.

[Xavier_Ao]

Thanx Mosaic1, Guess that answers my question. Good thing to have.
Is there anything else one can add to explorer like that?

Umm...Where's the "Any" key??

[Mosaic1]

Xavier_Ao,
You're welcome.
I would think so. What did you have in mind?

Mo