Viewing Files In Windows

Dear Computer Lady,

I am using Windows XP Home Edition

How can I set the file sequence and get it to always come up in that sequence?

When I access a folder, the folders and files are in oldest date sequence and I would like to have them in Name sequence.

Thanks! Sam

Dear Sam,

I too have a preference for how I want to view my files. I like to have them sorted by name, and be in the "details" view. This is how you would set that up.

1. First, you want to set up your files the way you want them. Open a folder, (My Documents will work fine) by clicking on "Start" and then click on "My Documents"

2. Set up your desired view by clicking on "View" in the menu bar, then click on the view you want. I prefer the "Details" view, but you can try the different views until you find the one you like the best. Your options are: Thumbnails, Tiles, Icons, List, and Details.

3. When you have your preferred view, the next step is to sort them. This is simple to do, just click on the heading you want to sort them by. For example, if you are using the "Details" view, the heading across the top of the window are: Name, Size, Type, and Date Modified. If you want to sort by name in alphabetical order, click on the "Name" header and your files will be sorted by name from A to Z. Click on "Name" again, and the order will be reversed and they will be sorted from Z to A. The sort will always list folders at the top, and files at the bottom (unless you reverse the sort, then folders will be at the bottom)

Click on "Size" and your files will be sorted from smallest to largest.

If the view you are using does not have the headings across the top, you can access them by right clicking on a blank spot in the window, then pointing to "Arrange Icons By" and then selecting your option.

4. Once you have your window set up the way you want it to be, you need to set this view to be the default view for all your folders. Click on "Tools" in the menu bar, then click on "Options".

5. In the Options window, click on the "View" tab.

6. On the View page, click the button that says "Apply to All Folders".

7. Click "OK" to save your changes.

Elizabeth