Recently I needed to create a shortcut that opens the search dialog pointed at a specified folder. I figured while I’m at it I would write a post to document my findings.
To clearify, we’re talking about Windows Explorer, not Internet Explorer(ie).
Display Modes
Windows Explorer can operate in two display modes, split-pane and single-pane mode. Split-pane mode (which I prefer) also gives you a folder tree on the left. This left-pane can also be populated with a search dialog by choosing the menu View | Explorer Bar | Search.
Opening explorer
There a 1001 ways to open explorer. Here are the two fastest ways, method 1 is geared towards keyword users, and the 2nd is for click happy people.
- [Win] + [E] is a global keyboard shortcut that opens explorer in split plan mode.
- Right-click the Start button and choose ‘explore’.
Command-Line Syntax
EXPLORER.EXE [/n][/e][,/root,<object>][[,/select],<sub object>]
- /n; Opens a new window in single-paned (My Computer) view for each item selected, even if the new window duplicates a window that is already open.
- /e: Uses Windows Explorer view. Windows Explorer view is most similar to File Manager in Windows version 3.x. Note that the default view is Open view.
- /root,<object>: Specifies the root level of the specified view. The default is to use the normal namespace root (the desktop). Whatever is specified is the root for the display.
- /select,<sub object>: Specifies the folder to receive the initial focus. If “/select” is used, the parent folder is opened and the specified object is selected.
Examples
- To open a Windows Explorer view to explore only objects on \\<server name>, use the following syntax:
explorer /e,/root,\\<server name>
- To view the C:\WINDOWS folder and select CALC.EXE, use the following syntax:
explorer /select,c:\windows\calc.exe