Optimizing the system dialog box for open and save in Windows XP

You miss the option to quickly access the last used folder in the Windows dialog box for opening and saving files.

The free tool FlashFolder extends the standard file dialog box of Windows with an additional toolbar that off ers quick access to useful functions. In addition, this tool also functions with the file dialog boxes of Office 2003.

Installing the tool: Download the tool from ‘sourceforge.net/projects/ fl ashfolder’. Start the setup by doubleclicking the MSI file. You can use it without restarting; it works automatically the minute it is required. You cannot open the program itself since it only implements additional functions to the OS using a system service.

Using new functions: The first function that is very useful is the ‘View all files (*.*)’ button, using which you can view all the files of the respective folder with a mouse click, without having to first change the selection in ‘File type’. This is much more convenient in case you want to open a BAT or INI file instead of a TXT file in an editor such as Notepad. Using the folder icon, you can immediately get to the current directory of the running application. The additional buttons show the last used folder as well as the course of the calls.

Managing favorites: The next big advantage is the option to store favorites just like in the browser. Thus, it will be possible for you to quickly retrieve the Firefox profile folder, which is hidden in multiple cryptic subfolders. However, first click the star icon to create a bookmark before opening the desired file and select the ‘Add current folder’ command. Change the suggested name in the following dialog box to a more self-explanatory one such as ‘Firefox profile folder’ and then click ‘OK’. You can create other bookmarks in the same manner. Click the star and select ‘Configure’ to manage favorites. Here, you can move, delete and even sort the elements in a hierarchical menu structure. Confirm with ‘OK’.

Customizing the tool: You can reach the settings for configuring FlashFolder using the ‘File | Open’ dialog box of any program. The toolbar of the tool is attached in the window on the top. Click the checkmark icon and select ‘Options’ to customize the tool. In the following dialog box, you can increase the number of entries for the process in ‘General’ or set your own keyboard shortcuts for faster access in ‘Keyboard Shortcuts’, amongst other options.