Hi all,
I'm confident this question hasn't been asked (in a wording that I can find) on TN and I've looked carefully, but please advise if otherwise.
General Background: Amateur user operates a program called DMH, used to control the PLC of a machining device. Program is quite simple. User regularly opens text files (every 5 minutes, 9hrs per day) containing machining profile data, all<4kb with filenames <10 characters. There are about 20,000 files total. Opening files is done through a standard "Open" dialog box as with many small programs.
Current Usage: To find a file quickly, the user will begin typing the file name in theFilename box, and Windows will autosuggest all files beginning with those letters. The autosuggest takes about 30 seconds to load, even if there's only a single file matching those letters. His job is a fast-paced, high-volume one which could do without this extra 30 seconds spent waiting 100 times per day (if at all possible). Folder is in a network location but also cached, and I've tested with local locations only to yield the same result. I imagine the 30-second wait time is a consequence of the sheer number of files there (and no, dividing files into folders is not an option either unfortunately)
Suggested Usage: I've suggested that he instead clicks on a file within the window (e.g. any file currently showing) and begins typing the file name. It will instantly jump toand highlight the first file that matches his typing. This is a much better solution that he is (aside from the below issue) very happy with.
Problem: The timeout between keystrokes as he types the filename is too small. He's often wearing thick rubber gloves and has just been wrist-deep in a machine so his fingers aren't nimble enough to keep up with the timeout. For example, if he wants to view all files with filenames starting with LT1536, he might typeLT15.. quickly enough but won't hit 36 in time so he'll then jump back to the first file starting with3.
My Question: Is there a way I can increase the maximum time between keystrokes, so that he can take his time typing the filename? I understand such a setting (if existent) may unavoidably affect other areas but this user almost exclusively uses one program so I'd like to try.
Thanks, and I apologise if I've rambled. Just trying to get all possible follow-up questions out of the way.
Regards,
Roast Beef