David Pan wrote in to remind us that thereÆs more than one way to modify ExplorerÆs startup view (Simplify ExplorerÆs windows, March 98, p158). A number of command-line switches exist, and you can use these to alter ExplorerÆs default view. LetÆs take a look at the options:

The bare-bones command c:\windows\explorer.exe opens a dual-pane Explorer view with drive C: expanded. Add the /n switch (c:\windows\explorer.exe /n) and you get the single-pane My Computer view, with the Windows folder expanded. Add the /e switch instead and you will see the two-pane Explorer view, again with the Windows folder expanded. You can use /n or /e (in combination with other switches) to determine whether your file listings appear in single- or dual-pane views.

The /root, switch opens Explorer at the drive letter or folder of your choice. (Note: the comma is important ù omit it, and Explorer won't start at all). So, for example, the command c:\windows\explorer.exe /root, d:\ opens Explorer in the root folder of drive D:. /root, doesn't have to point to a directory ù you can point Explorer to a server too, as in c:\windows\explorer.exe /root, \\servername. This is probably the fastest way to access a remote directory.

There's one more command-line switch, and that's /select,. Type c:\windows\explorer.exe /e, /select c:\windows\temp and Explorer will open with the \windows\temp folder highlighted. (This won't work if you're running Internet Explorer 4).

How can you use these switches productively? Obviously, typing entire commands into a Run dialogue every time you want a customised Explorer view is much too time-consuming. A better alternative is to create a selection of Explorer Shortcuts, each with a custom view. To create a Shortcut, right-click a blank area of the desktop and choose NewûShortcut. Type in the Explorer command, click Next and then enter an appropriate Shortcut name. You can leave the new Shortcut on the desktop or move it to an alternative folder. If you make extensive use of Explorer, you might consider adding your Shortcuts directly to the Start menu (see illustration).

Caption: Keep all your files within easy reach by adding Explorer Shortcuts to your Start menu