IDEA: Windows desktop productivity tool

[c.gingerich]

This is very cool. What API are you using to refresh the desktop if you don't mind?

[skwire]

This is very cool. What API are you using to refresh the desktop if you don't mind?

-c.gingerich (April 18, 2014, 06:55 PM)

SHSetFolderPath to change the path and SHChangeNotify to refresh the desktop.  If you tried it, did the app work for you?

[Stef]

Here's an alpha build:  http://skwire.dcmembers.com/apps/snacks/DesktopFolderSwitcher.zip

Usage:

• Right-click the tray icon and choose the "Edit desktop paths" entry to add your own folder paths.
• One folder path per line.
• Add a blank line to put a separator in the menu.
• Click save and then right-click the menu again.
• Your configured paths should now be in the menu.
• Choose one to switch your desktop icons to the path selected.

Some notes:

• Obviously, this is still mostly a proof-of-concept.  Stuff should work, mostly work, or not work at all.  
• No validity checking of those folders paths is currently performed.  Make sure they're valid.
• When the program is first run, it saves the current desktop path and adds that path at the top of the menu.  This way, you should be able to easily go back to your default desktop path at any time.
• No icon position saving.  I'm really really NOT interested in adding this functionality.

Tested on W7/64.  If anybody tries this, please let me know how it works (or doesn't) for you.  Please include your OS as well.

-skwire (April 18, 2014, 06:20 PM)

I dont have autohotkey installed.. i just fast tested your app and works nice on windows 8.1..I'm really excited about this ..   more feedback tomorrow i need to sleep right now  

PS(although some shortcuts of the desktop remain on the desktop after i choose another folder from your app,  i don't know what this is maybe i'll just delete them )

[skwire]

PS(although some shortcuts of the desktop remain on the desktop after i choose another folder from your app

-Stef (April 18, 2014, 10:19 PM)

Those are probably shortcuts from the "All Users" desktop.

[c.gingerich]

I have and it worked great. Windows 8.1 x64

[skwire]

I have and it worked great. Windows 8.1 x64

-c.gingerich (April 19, 2014, 07:03 AM)

Cool.  Thanks for the report.  I just uploaded a new version that adds a new option to set the desktop icon view as shown here in this thread:

https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=37576.0

Download: DesktopFolderSwitcher.zip

[c.gingerich]

What about assigning hotkeys to paths/menu items for quicker switching? Ctrl+Alt+F1, F2, etc.  Something like that?

[skwire]

What about assigning hotkeys to paths/menu items for quicker switching? Ctrl+Alt+F1, F2, etc.  Something like that?

-c.gingerich (April 19, 2014, 01:43 PM)

If this catches on, I'll almost certainly change the simple edit field to a listview with add/edit/delete buttons and allow hotkeys.

[Stef]

Just came back from my Vac.

@skwire Your tool is exactly what i wanted , Really thank you for all your work

Cool.  Thanks for the report.  I just uploaded a new version that adds a new option to set the desktop icon view as shown here in this thread:

The icon view doesn't work on my windows 8.1 x64
but i'm too happy with the overall tool.
And I wanted to ask cause I'm a total noob at those things if there is any possibility to harm my PC if i use this tool a lot, cause it changes (as i understand) the registry too often. Just to be sure

[skwire]

And I wanted to ask cause I'm a total noob at those things if there is any possibility to harm my PC if i use this tool a lot, cause it changes (as i understand) the registry too often. Just to be sure

-Stef (April 21, 2014, 08:54 AM)

IMO, no, there is not.  The registry exists to store settings and information and is modified constantly throughout a PC's session.  A lot more than you might expect, in fact.  My application only changes the necessary setting, via a documented API call, that determines the desktop folder and then refreshes the system using another documented API call.

If anybody else feels differently, speak up.

[MilesAhead]

@Stef if you want to be cautious just make a Restore Point periodically and/or use this ERUNT Gui front end to back up just the Registry.

The underlying utility, ERUNT, I've been using for more than 10 years.  It's a good tool to have in any case.

Edit: but as skwire says, most programs use it to store their settings.  For example, the window size and position when the program was last closed, so it will open in the same place and size.  Most programs store that in Registry keys.  It's not that fragile, especially if you have backup.  Some registry cleaners can be dangerous.  But that's because they are deleting things wholesale.

[Stef]

Thank you both for your answers, I didn't mean to insult anyone of course. (noob here)

I'll definitely use this awesome tool. Yaaay 

Thanks again!

[skwire]

Thank you both for your answers, I didn't mean to insult anyone of course. (noob here)

-Stef (April 21, 2014, 12:51 PM)

No offense taken.     Your question was an absolutely valid one. 

[psionics]

are you looking for something like this? (+ can save desktop icon position)

https://www.donation....msg164316#msg164316

direct link
http://www.autohotke...locations-and-icons/