Changing the default folder in Excel 1

[DQR]

I am working with a fairly complicated directory/folder structure which has many levels, and need to change the default folder frequently in both Word and Excel.

Changing the default file location in Word is easy and fast: all I have to do is call up Tools | Options and modify the path, which I can do with the mouse by simply selecting each stage in the path until I've got the one I want.

Doing the same thing in Excel is infuriatingly cumbersome, as I apparently have to physically type in the name of the whole path into a box. Since there are sometimes up to half a dozen levels in my default file location, I frequently get it wrong, and often have to retype it several times.

I want to be able to carry out this procedure as I do in Word. Is there any way to do that? (Modifying the file structure to make it easier to navigate isn't an option, as the network is used by the whole company.)

Many thanks for any help received.

 

[MakeItSo]

Not an ideal solution, but would a "CopyPath" utility help?
I am using a small freeware util in the standard context menu, allowing me to Copy Short/Long file name, UNC path or internet path (as "file:///xyz%20abc" path)

See

http://www.byalexv.co.uk/index.html?CopyPath.html

Andy

Andreas Galambos
EDP / Technical Support Specialist
(andreas.galambos@bowneglobal.de)
HP:

http://andygalambos.de

 

[01Patrik]

Hi,

The problem is avoided by simply starting up an explorer window, select your stage as you do in Word then mark the adress bar. Copy, go back to excel, paste the location. The use of bookmarks should be helpful here.


If it still takes to long for you, you probably don't use the speed commands: [windows-tab]+[e] for explorer, [Alt]+[tab ] (repeatedly) for switching programs a s o.


Good luck

 

[TonyJollans]

Hi DQR,

Probably a silly question, but why do you need to change the DEFAULT path so often? I do appreciate there are some limitations, but the various dialogs which use directory structures do allow selection with the mouse and do generally remember where you last were.

If there is some particular action you are performing regularly which gives you a problem can you tell us what it is; perhaps there is another way.

Enjoy,
Tony

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[DQR]

Everyone - thank you: that's great. That CopyPath utility does exactly what I want, and I can see a lot of other uses for that as well. Patrick's solution is fine also; I realise I just wasn't thinking outside the box, as the expression goes.

Toby - you're right: I don't really need it, do I? Actually I could easily put all the paths I'm likely to want in my list of favourites, and then just select the one I want each time I load Excel. I've just got into the habit of loading it up, seeing the wrong list in front of me for the umpteenth time that day and swearing. Another case of not thinking outside the box.

Many thanks everyone.

 

[dcompto]

I recently downloaded a FREE add-in for MS Excel 97/2000/2002/XP/2003 called ASAP Utilities and which includes a tool to browse and change the default directory. You can download it from

http://www.asap-utilities.com/

The "ASAP Utilities" menu is placed to the right of the "Help" menu:

This FREE add-in contains "over 300 useful and powerful utilities to fill the gaps in Excel, and automate frequently used tasks."

"Change default directory (browse)" is found under ASAP Uiltities' "System" submenu. This tool lets you browse to select the default folder and both the "Open File" AND "Save As" dialog boxes stay set to your browsed folder EVEN when you exit Excel and open it again.

Below is a list of only a few of ASAP's popular tools:
*Deselect cells;
*Apply formula to selected range;
*Conditional select cells (i.e. cells > 12 or red cells);
*Copy a worksheet's page and print settings;
*Vision control, view workbooks, sheets and easily change their settings;
*Print multiple sheets
*Color each n'th row or column;
*File import and export (txt, csv, dbf, xls, gif, jpg, etc.);
*Export selection as HTML table (including formats, colors etc.)
...

 

[MakeItSo]

XLlent post, dcompto. Thanks for the info!