Default open/save paths

Question

How and why does Ranger take control of file dialogs?

Symptoms

N/A

Resolution

Ranger is designed to work on the most common network scenario where each user has their own server-based home directory shared on the server.

During logon either the logon script, NT/2000/XP or Ranger (if neither of the previous two have) map this share to a single drive letter (usually H:)

Inside this H: drive users normally have a "my documents" folder and all the other usual Windows profiles folders and files.

"H:\my documents" is generally the default open save path.

Ranger takes control over file dialogs and changes the path and drive letter because many applications default to showing the C:\Windows directory (even if it is "hidden" by Microsoft security).

Given that the file dialog is actually an Explorer window, this would let users navigate up to the C: drive and wreak havoc. There are also many back doors skilled hackers can use to circumvent Windows security at these file dialogs. Ranger protects from these whilst it takes control momentarily when the dialog appears.

Ranger only allows one default open/save path and this is configured in RangerAdmin's Security Drives tab. Normally this is "h:\my documents". This setting is group based, so you could have different groups having different default open/save paths, but this is not usually necessary.

Note: There is an alternative scenario whereby the H: drive is mapped to a single shared "users" folder and all the user's subdirectories are underneath this, not individually shared. We do not recommend this system as:

1. It is difficult for the users to locate and navigate to their home directory each time they save/open work and
2. Many Windows functions to do with roaming profiles and favorites, cookies, user.dats etc do not work correctly as Windows doesn't know about users' individual home directories.