Downloads folder when opening a file in AutoCAD

[lbellino4]

Hello.

I've had this issue before in Windows Explorer where I was able to fix when reading other forum posts with this same problem, but now I'm having it when opening a file in AutoCAD, but only from the "Downloads" folder, as shown in the image attached. When I tried doing the same fix to this folder as I did in Windows Explorer for this same "Downloads" folder, it works, but only the one time. So each time I want to open a file from my Downloads folder, I get this same scenario.

The step I did to fix this in Windows Explorer is when I right click in the folder and go to "Group By", I would select "none" and this would fix it. And I would apply this to all folders when I'm in Windows Explorer app. Just need to know where to do this for AutoCAD to make to make this fix, stick.

I do not want to move these files to another folder to alleviate this issue, since that shouldn't be needed.  I'm sure there is a fix for this, but I'm asking the AutoCAD community because this now only happens when I'm in AutoCAD. Thanks in advance for the help.

[imadHabash]

HI,

Sorry ... i think you forget to mention the problem !! isn't it ?? forgive me if i'm not right . 

[lbellino4]

Possibly...

In the previous image, I circled where it's showing files by the days, weeks and I want to remove these groupings. I want to be able to sort by name where these date classifications by group are gone. Even now, if I click on the name it will sort the files, but within their date group, and this makes it difficult to find a file by just starting to type the name of it. Below the first image shows how the "name" sort looks when I do this in Autocad when opening a file in the "Downloads" folder. The second image below shows how I want it to look when I do a "name" sort, which is how it looks in Windows Explorer for the same "Downloads" folder. Hope this explains the issue better that I'm trying to find a way to fix.

[dmfrazier]

"Just need to know where to do this for AutoCAD to make... this fix, stick."

I'm afraid there is no way (that I can find) to do this in AutoCAD. It appears that AutoCAD does not look to the Windows current user's preference to decide on the default grouping setting(s) in these file selection dialogs. I scanned through the registry hoping that there might be a key that would show up, but I found nothing. Now, maybe there's a registry "hack", but that's for someone else to provide.

[RobDraw]

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@lbellino4 wrote:

I do not want to move these files to another folder to alleviate this issue, since that shouldn't be needed.  

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I disagree. The downloads folder is a Windows created folder and is meant to be a temporary holding place and should be cleaned out on a regular basis. Think of it as your mailbox. The files should either be moved to a permanent location or get deleted.

[imadHabash]

Click on below image and check from VIEW tab your Sort options . 

[user181]

Hi @lbellino4   right click in the white space next to one of the files and then in the menu go to "Group by" and then choose "none"

[lbellino4]

@user181 I have done this, but it makes me do this every time I go to open a drawing in this folder and won't retain this setting. All my other folders show up fine when I open a drawing in one of those folders. So if you happen to know how to retain this setting for the Downloads folder, that would be great.

[lbellino4]

@RobDraw  I agree this "downloads" may be used as a temporary folder, which any folder could be, at that. But I've never had this issue before for this folder, so I know there is a fix. I just can't determine what that is and hoping someone else does.

[lbellino4]

@imadHabash Is your image of Windows Explorer when you're showing this or AutoCAD? If it's windows explorer, I have no problem and it's working fine there, only in AutoCAD where I'm having the issue at.

[RobDraw]

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@lbellino4 wrote:

@RobDraw  I agree this "downloads" may be used as a temporary folder, which any folder could be, at that. 

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Of course, but since this folder is used by default for any file, it would be good organize the files afterwards.

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@lbellino4 wrote:

But I've never had this issue before for this folder, so I know there is a fix. I just can't determine what that is and hoping someone else does.

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Not sure what changed it but it might happen again after you "fix" it.

I'm not arguing, just suggesting a different approach to that folder.

[lbellino4]

Just wanted to see if anyone else has any suggestions on how to fix this issue. I've checked with Microsoft forums too and what they have suggested works with Windows Explorer, but not when I go to the Downloads folder when I'm using my AutoCAD software. Anything else I can try?? Thanks in advance.

[pendean]

No sorting setting in OPEN command is permanent in AutoCAD: sorry.
Ask Autodesk for it here and maybe it will show up for all of us in all versions in the future https://www.autodesk.com/company/contact-us/product-feedback

[conley.brodziakVK3B8]

I have this exact same issue and it just started this past week from what I can tell. I noticed Windows changed the default to group that also when it didn't used to be. Very annoying. Luckily as this user posted I'm able to change Windows File explorer and other programs, and it sticks, but not AutoCAD. It happens only in AutoCAD both with my Downloads folder AND the OneDrive root folder. However it does not "group" for sub folders within OneDrive or Downloads. Does anyone have a solution?