autocomplete in "run" window (solved)

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Marin85 · #1 Post by **Marin85** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 2:56 pm

Hi,
Is there any way to enable autocomplete in the run window in Vista for all local commands like msconfig, cmd, services.msc etc? I see autocomplete feature works for web pages and paths, but it doesn´t for commands like above

. I know for sure it works like this under Server 2008 before enabling desktop experience and as far as I can remember it was a standard for XP.

Thanks in advance

Marin

Wiz · #2 Post by **Wiz** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 4:49 pm

I'm not sure exactly what you are looking for, but i cannot see the difference between 2008 server and Vista. Using Vista there is a history that can be enabled/disabled so autocomplete work for web sites i been visiting, paths i been using and previously commands i been running using Start->Run. I see the exact same behavior using 2008 server. Also using Windows XP autocomplete was working for previously commands i been running using Start->Run. I have never seen autocomplete work for commands that i never been running before so neither XP, Vista or 2008 search for programs available on your disk for the autocomplete feature using Start->Run by default. The autocomplete in this case is from the history.

But using Vista you have search field at the bottom of the start menu and that one i think is able to do what you request, but what is found depend of your settings in Vista. You can make the search find or not find programs as well as some other settings.

Marin85 · #3 Post by **Marin85** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 8:20 am

Hi,
thanks for your reply! I´m indeed looking for previously typed commands (those are supposed to be part of the history, right), so you nailed it down with your first guess

That´s the weird thing I can´t really figure out. Autocomplete in Vista works perfectly for either web pages or file paths but never shows any previously used commands. Unlike Vista Server 2008 does it for me unless I enable desktop experience. Then the autocomplete feature works just like in the Vista case

Maybe I´m missing something very obvious, have really no idea.

Marin

#4 Post by **GomJabbar** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 9:24 am

I installed Vista Ultimate SP1 and the history for 'Run' is working fine. I did not do anything to my knowledge to enable this.

Marin85 · #5 Post by **Marin85** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 9:44 am

You both are kidding with me

. So you press windows key + R, type msconfig, then close both, open the run window again, type ms and it autocompletes to msconfig command???

#6 Post by **GomJabbar** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 9:51 am

Sorry, no Windows key here!

It doesn't autocomplete exactly, but a window opens up with the history which updates as you type. As you continue typing, the items in the history window narrow down to the possible matches. You click on the item in the window to finish the command.

Marin85 · #7 Post by **Marin85** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 9:57 am

I wish I had none either

Anyway, that´s exact what I´m talking about, and the command is not there. All I get are possible matches with web pages and paths, e.g. typing msconfig shows www.msn.com as only match. Anyway, I guess I´m doomed

Nevermind and thanks for your input!

Cheers

Marin

#8 Post by **jdhurst** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 11:56 am

I finally wiped the dust off my (butchered, botched) Vista laptop and started it. So I can now confirm that in XP and in Vista, if I go Start -> Run, autocomplete will bring up recent relevant items, and I only need to select.

There is a TweakUI setting (and then, so a registry setting) that prevents deals with recently used files. Perhaps that is what is affecting your system. ... JDH

#9 Post by **GomJabbar** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 12:51 pm

Marin85 wrote:I guess I´m doomed

Maybe not. I decided to look in Help and Support (in the Start menu). See if you have this box unchecked.

Microsoft Help and Support wrote:Clear the Run history on the Start menu

Windows saves a history of the file names, programs, and locations you type in the Run dialog box. You can delete this history, which you might want to do if you're using a shared or public computer.

Click to open Taskbar and Start Menu Properties.

Click the Start Menu tab, and then, under Privacy, clear the Store and display a list of recently opened programs check box.

Wiz · #10 Post by **Wiz** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 1:27 pm

Marin85 wrote:You both are kidding with me . So you press windows key + R, type msconfig, then close both, open the run window again, type ms and it autocompletes to msconfig command???

Yes!

If you rigthclick the startmenu button and select properties there should be a checkbox that says "Store and display a list of recently opened programs". I'm sure it will work if you check this one. I think this is default checked, but i might be wrong.

Edit: Seems like i missed the post from GomJabbar that already gave you the solution.

Marin85 · #11 Post by **Marin85** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:49 pm

Checking "store and display a list of recently opened programs" as Wiz recommended did the trick! I now remember I disabled it for some unknown reasons long time ago

Thanks all for your replies! It´s so nice to find people ready to help you solve even the dumbest issue one could ever have

Marin

autocomplete in "run" window (solved)

autocomplete in "run" window (solved)

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