Windows Explorer window-size problem

[GhostWolf]

With XP Pro: Windows Explorer won't "remember" the size I set it to. It always opens in some reduced size, I resize it so that it fits top-to-bottom on half of my screen - only to have it return to its reduced size the next time I start it.

Someone told me that it's specific to XP and occurs when the number of files on the system exceeds some preset point, (my PC has much more than that limit) - and that there's a registry entry to be made to resolve this, but I can't find it anywhere.

Any help? Please?!

 

[bcastner]

First, as to you immediate concern: resize the top, right, bottom and left windows with your mouse, and then close Explorer using File, Close. Do not use the red X at top right to close the Explorer session.

I doubt the folder issue is in play here, but make the folder change anyway. The quick way is to use TweakUI and under Folder, add to the default Folder customization limit of XP:

http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/windowsxp_pt.asp

Discussion of the issue:

http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/folderviews.htm

 

[GhostWolf]

Thanks for the link to the discussion. It looks like exactly what I needed.

 

[linney]

Sometimes the fixes available work and sometimes they don't. I am willing to put my neck on the line and state that this problem is a bug in XP, and in some circumstances (when it only concerns one or two Explorer windows), it may only be resolved by repairing XP.

"Bcastner" has given you some of the recommended fixes, here are a couple more.

Maximize/Re-Size Program Screens
thread779-501946

AutoSizer and can be downloaded from

http://www.southbaypc.com/AutoSizer/

 

[GhostWolf]

Unlike some, I'd rather "fix Windows" - via a registry entry - than install another program, regardless its size in memory.

So far, the solution at mvps.org is working, (the window is the same size as I left it yesterday), so I'm happy. Irked that MS would set such a small limit on something and tie it to a tool that's used daily, but happy that it's resolved.

 

[linney]

I think they increased this limit substantially in SP2?

 

[GhostWolf]

According to what I read, the default in sp2 is 8000. I'm still running sp1a on the affected desktop, but have set it to 8000 with no ill effects - yet!