Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Popups From Hell -1

This is is from Windows Explorer in Microsoft Windows XP. I used a right button drag on a mapped drive. I was expecting the options I normally get when I use a right button drag on my local drives but Windows displayed this popup.



So it recognises that I could be wanting to copy or move the folder. But what is a zone? I am a seasoned Windows user and do not know what "zone" means in this context. How much more the use of this term must confuse a less seasoned user.

Rather than presenting the options as I am used to I am now asked a question. So the idioms are inconsistent.

Then I am presented with two buttons; Yes and No.

Who ever thought that Yes and No are the logical possible responses the the question "Do you want to move or copy files from this zone?"?

Its like the silly, nonsensical response we often make when we're asked a question like "Do you want tea or coffee?" and we answer "Yes".

Which button do I click to move the files and which button do I click to copy the files?

So let's itemise the issues in this one little popup:
- Inconsistent idiom for right button drag in Windows Explorer.
- Use of obscure terminology.
- Option labels totally nonsensical when compared with the option selection I need to make.

Oh ... did you notice the banner on the popup? Remember I was using Windows Explorer.

And the icon ... What? Why?

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