How can I get windows to quit saving everything to My Documents folder?

[DuaneBidoux]

Using Windows 7.

I used to back in the very old days create folders for specific projects and clients (and still want to organize my info that way). Everything related to that subject etc I stored in the project forlder.

For example--now I'm recording for a specific project on c:\examplefolder

I do an audio and go to save it as and it is always My Documents EVEN after I just recorded a file 1 minute before and saved it to project folder.

Can's the friggin thing learn that if I have been working for 10 minutes creating files and saving them in my specific project file that the next one I do in 2 more minutes I will also want to save there.

Can't it just default on the folder I last saved to

I have ALWAYS HATED the my documents innovation. I end up with a zillion files all poured into one place.

Can this be fixed?

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

1. You could...

...locate all the project folders under the My Documents folder.

[Kennah]

3. This also has the added benefit ...

... of much easier backups to a thumb drive or something remote, like Carbonite. I use the former, and not the latter.

[DuaneBidoux]

11. I appreciate the sentiment...

Unfortunately I am and old c:\ kind of locale kinda' guy

I can't imagine locating my family stuff combined with my blog stuff combined with my client contracts combined with my essays being written for contract combined with my....

Well you get the idea.

I do admit one thing about your solution however--it sure sounds a lot more elegant (and easy) than all the solutions that followed yours on this thread.

Best and thanks.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

12. You're welcome. I tend to look at...

...the "My Documents" folder as the "root" of my data area and divide it up into various projects for work, a personal area, an area for tax and financial data...

I know exactly what you mean, though. My personal opinion is that windows should be flexible to adapt to my habits. There are changes in Win7 having to do with 'libraries' that make it somewhat better but change kind of irks me so I haven't investigated really.

Have a great Spring.

[Dead_Parrot]

2. Well, it won't learn anything but...

...you can change the start-point: Dive into the registry and go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders - you'll see the setting for "personal', just change it from '%USERPROFILE%\Documents' to elsewhere. You'll have to do this each time you change (or set it to %HOMEDRIVE% to go in at c: each time).

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/886549 has the blurb, and do a sanity check first. The the usual caveats about bricking your PC and not blaming me apply.

[truedelphi]

6. I Am grateful that his topic got started, as

My windows XP does the same thing as described in the OP.

Here's a question though: Assuming I feel mentally stable enough to open the Registry, what happens if a power outage occurs while the Registry is open?

This time of year, we never know from moment to moment if the power will work for the full day.

There's also the thing of the cats jumping up on the keyboard, but I can put them in another room. (I think - it might turn out they will mutiny.)

[Dead_Parrot]

7. In theory, you should always back it up first

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756 has the incantation. In practice, it doesn't always happen but there's a spare set in c:\windows\repair\ for such an emergency.
Needless to say you can't get to them via windows if it's broken, so the repair procedure requires great patience, attention to detail and a sacrificial goat. (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545 for the curious)

[truedelphi]

8. I guess now we know how the parrot died -

You were already out of goats!

But thanks and I will put your advice away for that "special" rainy day in case it is ever needed.

[RC]

4. What program(s) are you using?

The program should know where you saved last. There might be something under Options or Preferences or something.

[hobbit709]

5. By telling every application where you want your files saved.

Since I don't use any M$ software beyond Windows for anything, there's no problem.
Every thing I use has the default save location set to where I want it

[ManiacJoe]

9. It's not Windows, it's the editor you are using.

While your "my documents" folder is the default place to save files, most apps remember the last used folder. Apparently, the editor you are using does not do so. File a bug with the manufacturer.

One option is to put a shortcut to your project directory in the "my documents" folder. Then you are just one double-click away.

[DuaneBidoux]

10. Thanks for all the input--none of these options seem easy. I'm nostalgic

I guess this is one of the problems when they keep trying to create things they think are more intelligent than I can be when I'm not stoned.

(Otherwise I still think I am quite a bit more intelligent than they believe)