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137

answers:

1

How can I get DevExpress "Rename a variable" to work in VS 2008?

I just upgraded from VS 2005 to VS 2008. In VS 2005, the F2 key used to invoke the DevExpress Rename. In VS 2008, F2 appears to do nothing.

I installed both DevExpress CodeRush and RefactorVB. I am not sure if RefactorVB was what I had installed on VS 2005. We stored all the DevExpress programs to install in a directory. Besides RefactorVB.NET-3.2.3.exe there is also Refactor!Pro-3.0.5.exe.

Should I be using Refactor!Pro-3.0.5.exe?

Updated:

After downgrading to Refactor!Pro-3.0.5.exe and also CodeRushNET-3.0.5.exe the F2 started working. I then noticed Rory answer but I was not able to test it out because I already did the downgrade. As a learning experience, I followed Rory's steps and the F2 is assigned to Rename in the downgraded version. I must say, DevExpress has one pretty feature packed Option dialog box.

+3  A: 

Perhaps the shortcut has become disabled. this is the default in recent versions of this software.

Try the Following:

Open Options Screen

CTRL+ALT+SHIFT+O launches the options screen.

Locate the Correct Options page

Locate the "IDE\Shortcuts" folder on the leftmost edge of the options screen

Locate the Correct Shortcut/Folder

The "Refactor\Alternate Bindings" folder contains the shortcut you are looking for.

Reenable the shortcut

Either the 'Alternate Bindings' folder or the F2 shortcut within it may be disabled. This should be a checkbox with the phrase Enabled next to it in either case. Ensure both are enabled, and then hit ok

You're done

Things should now work as you expect.

What should you be using?

If you have indeed upgraded to VS2005 , then you should use Coderush Xpress version 9.2.6 (The latest version at the time of posting) available from http://www.devexpress.com/crx

DevExpress chose to combine all the products you mentioned previously into this single install/product. It is still entirely free, but will only work with VS2008 Pro or better.

Alternatively you might consider their paid version http://www.devexpress.com/Coderush

I have a comparision of them here on my blog

Rory Becker
OMG. I consider myself quite proficient at searching forums/boards/google/etc and I've been looking for this answer for 30 minutes. I think what threw me for a loop in the CodeRush Options Screen > IDE > Shortcuts, was not having the "Refactor!" folder expand on single-click. Thanks! I finally have my F2 Rename :)
knslyr