Windows XP Vista Explorer Style - Full Row Select & Checkboxes
Enhancing Windows XP Explorer with Vista-Like Features
For users who continue to utilize Windows XP, yet desire functionalities found in later versions like Vista – specifically, the convenient checkboxes and full row selection in details mode – a new solution has emerged.
This solution is delivered as a compact executable application, requiring the .NET 3.5 framework. During testing, it consumed approximately 13mb of memory and integrates directly with Windows Explorer to introduce both full row selection and checkboxes.
It may not be necessary to keep the application running constantly. A practical approach involves activating it only when the checkbox feature is needed for efficient file selection, and then deactivating it afterward. (Although, upgrading to a more recent operating system remains a viable alternative.)
Utilizing TrayProdder
The application is self-contained within a single executable file, eliminating the need for a traditional installation process. Simply save the file to a convenient location and launch it to display a new icon in the system tray.
The application's interface presents several buttons, but initially, focusing on the "Checkboxes" and "Full row select" options is sufficient. Enable these based on the desired functionality.
Activating these options introduces a new checkbox column. Clicking on a file or folder within Details view will then select the entire corresponding row.
The checkbox functionality operates somewhat uniquely. After checking the boxes, the "Select all checked" button must be used to finalize the selections.
Following this step, the selected checkboxes will be active, allowing standard Windows file operations – such as copying or moving – to be performed on the chosen files.
Given the application's optimal performance in conjunction with Details view, adjusting folder options to apply this view universally may be beneficial. This can be achieved through Tools \ Folder Options, selecting "Apply to All Folders".
If Details view is not preferred, the utility may not be the most suitable choice.
Configuring TrayProdder for Startup
To ensure the application launches automatically upon system startup, a shortcut must be created. Command line parameters within the shortcut can be utilized, as the application's settings are not saved independently.
-f: Enables full row selection (default: disabled)-c: Enables checkboxes (default: disabled)-h: Hides the main form at startup (default: shows form)-x: Minimizes to the system tray upon closing (default: prompts to quit)
For example, to start the application hidden, with both features enabled, and minimized to the tray, the following command could be used:
trayprodder.exe -f -c -h -x
Navigate to a folder window and enter shell:startup in the address bar. Create a shortcut to the TrayProdder executable within this folder.
Access the shortcut's properties and add the desired parameters, ensuring the command resembles the example provided.
The first time the shortcut is executed, a security prompt may appear. This can be suppressed by unchecking "Always ask before opening this file".
This configuration ensures the application automatically loads each time the computer is logged into.
Download TrayProdder from everator.com
