Listing Files Alphabetically In Windows Folders?

Hey folks, got a question that I'm really hoping someone here can lend me a hand with. It's kind of a dumb question, but it's something I'd love to get some help on anyhow, so here goes:

For some reason, when I open up folders in windows, the files are no longer showing up listed alphabetically. They now seem to have switched to reverse alphabetical order, from Z to A. I tried selecting "by name" under the "arrange icons" selection in the View menu, but it did no good. For some reason, my computer has decided it now wants to list all the files in reverse alphabetical order.

As I said, it's sort of a dumb question. But I've just gotten very used to the files showing up one way (alphabetical order) and I'd really like to continue having them show up that way, if possible. So if anyone out there can offer any tips on how to get my folders back to the way they used to be, I'd be eternally greatful.

Thanks in advance for any help. Rest assured, it is appreciated.

Cheers,

Snaithbert

 

Have your tried clicking on the "Name" header box in the title bar just above the file names? That should toggle it between forward and reverse order.

 

Bryan,

First off, many thanks for the suggestion. I tried that and it did seem to return the files to the correct order.

However, when I went back to some of the folders I thought I'd fixed by toggling the "name" selection, the files in it were back to being REVERSE alphabetical order. Very frustrating.

I went to "folder options" under the view menu, selected "view" and told the computer to make all the folders like the current folder, which had everything the way I wanted it, the correct order, etc.

It didn't work.

Some folders are correct, but others are not. Some I've toggled have gone back to reverse alphabetical order and some have not.

The files are even in reverse order in the little window that opens so you can choose a certain file, when you're opening a file within a program, like Microsoft Word.

As I say- rather frustrating.

Can you or anyone out there recommend a method that will simply make my files appear in alphabetical order, for the long term? I know it's a dumb thing to complain about, but I must admit, I kinda like my machine to be a certain way and if there's any possibility of getting back to that way, I figure it's worth investigating.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions anyone has.

Cheers.

Snaithbert

 

Try this:

-- Open a Windows Explorer window, and on the View menu, click Details .

- Click the Name column to sort items by name, then click View > Folder Options > View > Like Current Folder > OK

- Now press and hold down the CTRL key, and then quit Windows Explorer by clicking Close in the File Menu.

- Release the CTRL key.

- Restart your computer.

This ought to work.

Cheers,

 

Z to A asending order file sort problem can be a stubborn one. Here is a procedure that has helped all that have tried it.

NOTE: If you have TWEAKUI installed go to the Explorer Tab and make sure that the "Save Explorer windows settings" box is checked before proceeding.

Note: If you have limited your items through msconfig startup make sure you jot down the ones you have unchecked before selecting selective startup in fix.

---------------------------------------------------------
FIX ASCENDING ORDER FOLDER SORT
---------------------------------------------------------
First off shut down any programs you may have running.

Step 1- Go to Start\Run and type msconfig and hit enter
Step 2- Go to startup tab and take note of any item that do not have a check mark in their box
Step 3- Click General tab and then click Selective Startup and uncheck the Load Startup group items, Click Apply, Click OK, and restart system.
Step 4- After system restarts double click My Computer go to View and then select Folder Options.
Step 5- Click on the View Tab and make sure the box "Remember each folders view settings" is checked, then click OK.
Step 6- Double click "C" drive and go to View, click to select the details tab, and then set Arrange Icons by Name.
Note: All icons should now be sorted by name.
Step 7- Hold down the CTRL key and click the X in the upper right corner of the window to close it.
Note: This forces Windows to remember the setting.
Step 8- Now reopen C drive and see if your files are listed by name and details. Next select the first folder from C and open it and see if it is now arranged by name. If it is disregard next steps.
Step 9- If not go to View and click "Arrange icons by Name" then hold down the CTRL key when closing the folder to force it to remember the setting.
Note: Retry Step 9 on several folder to insure setting takes.
Step 10- Restart system.
Step 11- Go to Start\run and type in MSConfig again and add check to box "Load Startup group items" Click Apply, click OK and restart.

Problem Should be solved.

Dave

 

Well, I tried Tony Klien's suggestion of holding down the "Ctrl" button and it seems to have done the trick. After a day and a half, my files are still showing up in the correct order and I haven't had to change anything again. I have no idea why it works, but one thing owning a computer has taught me is to never ask why something works- just be glad when it does.

So thanks Tony, for that great suggestion. And thanks to everyone else for all the input as well. I really do appreciate it, and I really appreciate having this forum as a resource. If it weren't for you guys, I would have accidentally blown up my computer months ago, I'm sure of it.

Thanks again for all the help.

Cheers,

Snaithbert

 

You're wrlcome!

Glad to hear we were able to help.