Using this as my inspiration, I have created a button:
Go /desktop NEWTAB=findexisting VIEW=SmallIcons
Some characteristics of the two functions are that the resulting display opens in the active lister, it is dynamically generated, so that changes to the desktop content are automatically included, and the individual links are active, both left and right-click are effective with them. So, as well as left-clicking to open a shortcut, I can right-click and get the context menu associated with it.
I'd like to create that same list of shortcuts in a docked floating toolbar, having the same dynamic and active characteristics. I started with using the Go /desktop command in a floating toolbar, but as I should have expected, it still opens the resulting list in the active lister.
The best I have managed to come up with so far is:
Go PATH C:\Users\Public\Desktop FOLDERCONTENT but while this does generate a list of shortcuts in the toolbar itself, it has four problems:
It requires me to move all of my desktop shortcuts to "C:\Users\Public\Desktop";
It does not update dynamically. If I install a new app which puts a shortcut on the desktop, I have to invoke the Customise function to get the new shortcut to show up;
While the generated shortcuts on the toolbar allow me to run the associated app by left-clicking, a right-click does nothing;
The list generated by Go /desktop in a lister includes the automatically generated items: Libraries, Homegroup, Bernard, Computer, Network, Control Panel and Recycle Bin. They do not appear on the toolbar.
I am using Win7 x64 and DOpus x64, and ever since Vista, the built-in Windows Desktop toolbar has been locked to the Task Bar, while I want my toolbar to be docked on my second monitor. That much, I have managed. Is it possible to do what I want?
[quote="leo"]If your only problem with the Go /desktop command is that it opens in the active lister instead of a new one, just add the NEW argument to it.[/quote]Hello Leo...
Thanks for the suggestion.
My real objective though, is to create the list in a floating toolbar. If it could be done, it would provide desktop access in one fewer steps. I have the toolbar docked at the bottom of my second monitor, and hidden. So, just by moving my mouse to the bottom edge, I see the full contents of the desktop in 5 neat rows.
I have been doing it this way for over 8 years now, using the Windows Desktop toolbar, first with Windows XP, and even with Vista, which was not supposed to allow it. Windows 7 seems finally to have closed the door on the trick I was using with Vista, hence my attempt to achieve the same result with Opus.
I have 8 years of ingrained muscle-memory to overcome.
Do you know if that is possible, perhaps with a different command?
If you cannot think of anything, I shall lodge a request with GPSoft.
There's currently no way to make the FOLDERCONTENT list update itself on a floating toolbar. It was designed with sub-menus in mind and the directory is only refreshed each time the menu is re-built, which doesn't happen with floating toolbars (except when they first open or after customizing them).
The C:\Users\Public\Desktop thing shouldn't be a problem. Use /commondesktopdir|/desktopdir as the path and the generated list will include your own desktop files plus the public desktop files (if you want them). It still won't include virtual folders like the Recycle Bin, though.
I have set that up, and it overcomes the need to move all desktop shortcuts to the same public folder. Of course, it does not address the other concerns, so I shall lodge a request with GPSoftware, and hope for a solution.
Is it possible to do what I want?