Expert: Bill DeShawn - 9/29/2008

Question
Hello,
I've been having this annoying problem with the folder sort default in AutoCad 2000 when I try to insert a block.  The folder sort is defaulted to sort "by Date Modified" instead of "by Name."  I'm not sure how it defaulted to such a weird sort, but even when I change the sort to "by Name" and insert a block.  Next time I insert it is back to "by Date Modified."  How can I get it to sort "by Name" as default?

Thank You,
Sandy Keo

Answer
Sandy:

I agree that it is annoying behavior.  

It's more of a Windows thing than an Autodesk thing.  But one AutoCAD setting that can wreak havoc with how files are displayed is MAXSORT.  Check to see that you have fewer files in the folder than the value of MAXSORT.  

One thing you can try is by going to the MY COMPUTER folder, click on Tools; Options; View; go to the Advanced Settings window, scroll down to "Remember each folder's few settings" and make sure that the check box has a check mark in it."  After that, if you want, you can click on "Apply to all folders."  

Even though you did that however, knowing that Windows never was even close to perfect, you can still end up seeing some problems with sorting in the file dialogs in AutoCAD.  If all else fails and all you want to do is sort by name, then you can choose to view a LIST instead of details.  But if THAT doesn't work for you, then do what I do when this happens to me.  Chose to view details and then hit the NAME button to sort by name.  It's only one click!  It's better than chosing LIST and getting the wrong view and having to select an "arrange by" method while in a list view.

None of the methods suggested by others have worked 100% on this problem.  AutoCAD doesn't have a file option set that covers this problem.  

Keep in touch
Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn