File Open Dialog

05-01-09, 12:32 AM

Is it possible to read the contents of sub-directories in the "File Open Dialog" w/ WM 6 apps like Word and Excel? I'm only able to read one level down. Is there some switch I'm missing or does it require a registry hack or plug-in?

I posted this question a few weeks back in WM 6 forum, but no response.

Thanks,

Geoff

cravaus · 05-04-09, 12:43 AM

I use a utility called File Dialog Changer

File Dialog Changer v1.66 freeware for Windows Mobile Pocket PC.

It works. The soft keys do not have the labels on them but the left soft key is an up key and the right is a details key.

Box · 05-04-09, 04:11 PM

I remember reading your other thread and then as now I don't really understand your question.

When I open excel or word it shows me all the relevant files I have and I can narrow that down by folder if I want.

Perhaps I'm not understanding what it is you want to do.

johnhu_2005 · 05-04-09, 06:25 PM

My understanding (See if you get this, Box) is in the attachment.

No idea on the solution though... Maybe Box has more of his insanely awesome ideas...

Box · 05-04-09, 06:43 PM

That's save as, aren't we talking about Open?

johnhu_2005 · 05-04-09, 06:51 PM

Your turn to post a screenshot, where is "Open"? I can't find it...

Box · 05-04-09, 06:55 PM

That's why I don't understand the question!

There isn't one that I am aware of.

The only Open I know is when you are at the main file page of word or excel etc

It shows you all the "Word" files you have, on the device and SD and CF.

johnhu_2005 · 05-04-09, 07:22 PM

Point made. Awaiting for gcorth's reply.

05-05-09, 10:40 PM

hey guys, thanks for taking a look at this.

the first screen shot shows the directory level under MyDocuments... >Business >Straydogs >3 files.

Word Mobile shows nothing below Business.

Adobe Reader shows nothing below Business.

Box · 05-06-09, 08:09 AM

Ok I sort of understand the problem you are having.
First Adobe Reader wouldn't show anything there anyway as there are no PDFs in the folder.
Word also isn't showing you anything because it shows files not folders.

Can you see all your word documents when you tap on "All Folders"?

In your second screen shot, Word, if you tap the arrow next to Business you get a drop down list.
Tap on More Folders and it will give you a second list. (it doesn't show straydogs, I tried)
Tap on add/ delete and it will give you a place you can create new folders.
It seems that you need to create the folders here for them to appear in the More Folders list.
It does look quite cumbersome if you have lots of files in different folders.
I would say it is quicker to use File Explorer to open your files.
Pocket office isn't the sharpest tool in the box.

There may be a way of getting it to function better, the link above "File Dialog Changer" for example, but it works for me as is so I can't offer any more real advice.

cravaus · 05-06-09, 01:05 PM

In the standard WM File dialogue it will only show folders one level deep. You will not be able to see folders three levels deep. You need a modified DLL in your Windows directory to go deeper than one level down. Why they did it this way is a confusing to me.

File Dialog Changer v1.66 adds the ability to explore the entire file structure on your device in what ever program you are in. You can also make it deselect some programs that you would rather view in the standard WM file dialog. That is my interpretation of your problem. You place the File Dialog Changer DLL into your Windows directory. In the settings you will see a new utility for File Dialog Changer. You need to click into it and check the box in the utility to activate the utility. Then in the Save As you can save it to any file you want. As far as opening a WM Word or Excel file that is more than three layers in, you have to use file explorer. That is your only option (in a way). I have written scripts that will open a default folder another layer in but that is a little more complicated and I tend to use file explorer instead. I prefer Total Commander as my file explorer. I see you use Resco, that is what you will have to go with to open. It is a drag. Thank WM and the wisdom of that team. Don't you love the close button that does not close too. And resetting, it is really a good thing. Thankfully there are work arounds for all but the reset issue.

05-07-09, 03:20 PM

Thanks guys. FileDialogChanger did the trick! Tracking down and installing gsgetfile was a bit of a pain tho.

>> First Adobe Reader wouldn't show anything there anyway as there are no PDFs in the folder.

I had "All File Types" selected, so something should have shown

>>Can you see all your word documents when you tap on "All Folders"?

nothing.

>>I would say it is quicker to use File Explorer to open your files.

The problem there is w/ file association. I have PDFs that will crash ClearVue Reader, yet can be read by Adobe Reader, but were buried to deep for Adobe to find.

Thanks again!

geoff

Box · 05-07-09, 04:09 PM

It's good to hear that you got it resolved.
I also found that it was complicated to find the gsgetfile, perhaps you could post a link here for others who are looking for it.

Or perhaps I should look at cravaus's explanation further. I must admit I didn't try very hard to get it to work.

05-10-09, 05:18 PM

here's a link to both FileDialogChanger Ver.1.66 and gsGetFile.dll:

WindowsCE FreeWare

lots of other apps on the site, but haven't tried any.