While renaming, How can I disable Windows 7 highlighting the entire filename when I click'n'drag across part of it?
Solution 1:
CreeDorofl and others. The issue is perfectly described by CreDorofl, when he tries to rename part of the filename, the whole name is selected in a split of a second, usually faster then you can react. This makes impossible to change any part of the file name other then the whole name. The reason is of course the refresh. You are trying to change file name in the folder that contains some other file that is changing (you are downloading the file into the same folder and download did not finish) or the file you are trying to change is being moved. Wait until download/moving is finished and you will be able to change whatever you want. You can also try a little test: go to any other folder (that does not contain file being downloaded/moved and try to change names (part of the names) of any file, you should be able to do it without problem.
Solution 2:
On Windows 7, once you make an edit to the filename, the auto-selection feature is disabled. But if you're not quicker than Windows's auto selection feature, you'll end up replacing the selection with your input. What I do is:
- Press F2 and have windows highlight the name part of the file.
- Press Ctrl-x, Ctrl-v to cut and paste back the select.
- Now that I've made my edit, I can freely use my mouse or keyboard to select and edit the filename.
Want to edit the entire filename including the extension? Ctrl-a, Ctrl-x, Ctrl-v
Solution 3:
I just ran across this issue myself on an external drive and realized refreshing is the problem as mentioned here. To stop it from happening make any edit to the filename quickly before the refresh, such as inserting a space then backspacing. Or use the cut and paste suggestion, although that will overwrite anything you were saving in the clipboard. Then you can select and edit the filename as usual.