default directories

[cherylscott02]

I'm having a problem setting my default directories in SPSS 16.  When I'm working on a project in a certain directory, my project syntax may be calling files from all over the place and of course I use the full pathname for these calls.  However I want any new files that I am creating with syntax to be saved into my default project directory, without requiring that I always include the full path.
 
In version 15 and earlier, I would set the default directory by changing the "Properties / Start In" dialog of the SPSS 15 shortcut before I opened the program.  This doesn't work with version 16.  I tried changing the Edit / Options / File Locations by putting the default I wanted to use in the "Specified Folder Data Files" box, but this doesn't work either.  Every new file I create goes to "C:\Program Files\SPSSInc\SPSS16".  Help!
 
Cheryl Scott
IR Data Manager
Office of Institutional Research
Truckee Meadows Community College
[hidden email]
[phone] (w)

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[Peck, Jon]

SPSS maintains two different sets of default directories.  The settings in Options refer only to what happens in the user interface. ("Startup Folders for Open and Save dialogs")  They do not affect syntax.  The current syntax directory defaults to the installation directory, but you can choose a different one by creating a desktop shortcut to SPSS or editing the properties of the menu item in the Windows Start menu.  That is the same as with SPSS 15.  What is new in 16 is more choices offered for defaults for the file open/save dialogs.

However, you can set the current backend (syntax) directory explicitly with a CD command or as an option on the INSERT command.  You might consider, though, defining a FILE HANDLE to your default project directory and then always using that in your SAVE syntax.

E.g.,
FILE HANDLE pd /name='c:/myprojects'.
...

SAVE OUTFILE="pd/newdata.sav".

So either starting with a default set in the menu or shortcut, using a CD at the start of your job, or using a file handle all allow you to keep explicit directory specifications out of the body of your syntax.

HTH,
Jon Peck

-----Original Message-----
From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Cheryl Scott
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:44 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [SPSSX-L] default directories

I'm having a problem setting my default directories in SPSS 16.  When I'm working on a project in a certain directory, my project syntax may be calling files from all over the place and of course I use the full pathname for these calls.  However I want any new files that I am creating with syntax to be saved into my default project directory, without requiring that I always include the full path.

In version 15 and earlier, I would set the default directory by changing the "Properties / Start In" dialog of the SPSS 15 shortcut before I opened the program.  This doesn't work with version 16.  I tried changing the Edit / Options / File Locations by putting the default I wanted to use in the "Specified Folder Data Files" box, but this doesn't work either.  Every new file I create goes to "C:\Program Files\SPSSInc\SPSS16".  Help!

Cheryl Scott
IR Data Manager
Office of Institutional Research
Truckee Meadows Community College
[hidden email]
[phone] (w)

=======
To manage your subscription to SPSSX-L, send a message to
[hidden email] (not to SPSSX-L), with no body text except the
command. To leave the list, send the command
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INFO REFCARD

=====================
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