I am trying to set up my details view to just have the columns that I want and to eliminate the (for my purposes) extraneous columns.
Right now I just want file name and the description columns.
I set this this up in custom format and a file box opens up and asks if I want to use this for all folders. I check yes.
It seems to work (for some of my folders, not all, but I'll take half a loaf)--but then a few minutes later (after I've changed mode), all the extraneous columns are back (attributes,size, etc.)
I am working my way through the folder formats FAQ. Thank you for suggesting that. Unfortunately, everything I tried on Items 1 and 2 (and I tried several times) doesn't work.
I am now on "Item 2 Column Inheritance"--where it talks about a dialogue box which has a check box that I am supposed to be able to access via preferences dialog--but I can't find it.
When you go to this box via folder options it doesn't have the checkbox as they say-but--I'm stuck in trying to bring it up any other way (the preferences way).
Perhaps I need to check that box--or that's my next move--after I find it.
If this doesn't work, I'm not sure what to do. But maybe it will.
The column inheritance checkbox is only there for formats which might inherit from less-specific formats.
If you're editing a format at the bottom of the pile, such as "Custom", then the checkbox won't be there as it's the last format that will ever be considered for a folder and there isn't anything "below" it to inherit from.
You'll also only see that checkbox when editing saved formats via Preferences / Folders / Folder Formats. You won't see it in the Tools -> Folder Options window. (With Tools -> Folder Options, any inherited columns will already be part of the format you are editing.)
I needed to by pass Items 2 and 3 (Column Inheritance and Sub-Directories) because I never--no matter what I tried could find that check box (even with your directions).
I decided to go down to 4 "The Lock Button." This is at the bottom of the window near the word source--and I clicked that and it worked.
All my folders displayed are exactly as I want them.
It kind of reminds me of someone sitting on a very stuffed suitcase to keep it closed--not sure this was the proper way to do this--but it did give results.
Thank you for your help with all my questions today.
If you want the lock to stay on, remember to re-save your default lister (Settings -> Set as Default Lister). Otherwise the lock will be turned off again the next time you open a new window.