Open Windows Explorer to Default Folder

Howto: Open Windows Explorer to a selected directory

When clicking the Windows Explorer Icon on the Start-Menu bar, it is nice to have the default folder arrive at a location of your choosing. I like to arrive at C:\Data (or you might want to arrive at a server's Home directory, etc.). This technique works in all versions of Windows, but these instructions are tailored for Windows 7 / Vista.
Steps:

1. From the Start Menu Bar, locate the Windows Explorer icon. These same steps can also be made on the Windows Explorer Start-Menu menu-item.

a. "other-mouse-click" the Explorer Icon
b. "other-mouse-click" the "explorer.exe" menu choice
c. Select "Properties"










2. In the Properties Window, modify the Target to read

%windir%\Explorer.exe /e; "c:\data"

Replacing "C:\data" with your favorite default directory (H:\projects, etc.).

















Optionally, make similar changes within the Start Menu.

Results: When clicking the icon/menu, Explorer will open to the indicated folder.


Related links:
Windows 7 Explorer Recommended Tricks