PC World's resident Windows Tips wizard, Scott Dunn, presents a dazzling array of secret shortcuts, speed tricks, and special settings that can help you transform your operating system. Scott Dunn "I sure wish Windows could..."
Sound familiar? Well, guess what? Windows probably can. Over more than a decade of writing PC World's Windows Tips column, I've discovered hundreds of functions that lurk below the surface of Microsoft's now-venerable operating system. With the right shortcuts and speed tricks, you can cut much of the time you spend on many chores and eliminate others entirely--all without editing the Registry, reformatting your hard drive, or taking an advanced course in Windowsology. Some of my Windows tricks require nothing more than changing a few simple settings, while others take only a keystroke combination. So, off we go into the Windows of your wildest dreams.
Slam-Dunk Navigation
Think of all the time you spend just getting from place to place on your PC: opening this folder, switching to that drive, connecting to the other network server--and where is that file, anyway? Here are some ways I've found to add supersonic speed to your desktop maneuvers.
Close Multiple Folders Quickly
All Versions When you drill down through several nested folders, you open a window for each. You can close all or most of them with a single click by holding down the Shift key as you click the Close box in the upper-right corner of the folder window. Doing so closes the current folder and any open folders above it in the folder hierarchy.
Make Instant Shortcuts to Open Folders
All Versions The fastest way to navigate to a file or folder is via a shortcut icon. To create such an icon, select the target file or folder and choose File, Create Shortcut (or right-click and choose Create Shortcut). If you've already opened the folder you want to make a shortcut to, just drag the folder's icon from the top-left corner, the address bar, or anywhere else, and drop it onto the desktop or whatever folder the shortcut will reside in (see Figure 1). For another shortcut option, see " Copy, Move, or Shortcut?" Note: For Windows 95, this tip requires Internet Explorer 4's Desktop Update.
Instant Shortcuts Can Also Open Files
All Versions Want to make a shortcut to the file you're currently editing so that you can quickly reopen it later? First, save the file, then choose File, Save As. The document's icon should be visible in the dialog box. Use the right mouse button to drag the icon out of the dialog box and drop it onto the desktop or into any folder--just as you would from Explorer. Release the mouse button and choose Create Shortcut(s) Here. This tip works only with applications that use Windows' common file dialog boxes. Unfortunately, Microsoft's own Word and Excel do not.
Open to a Location in a Document
All Versions Shortcuts can do more than merely link to files, folders, or programs. If you're using Word, Excel, or another application that supports Object Linking and Embedding, you can make a shortcut that will take you to a specific place in a file--a boon if you work with long documents.
The precise method varies by application, but one of these techniques should work: First, open your document and highlight the passage or cell(s) you want to bookmark with a shortcut. Right-click and drag the selection to the desktop or to the folder you desire, then choose Create Document Shortcut Here. If that doesn't work, highlight the selection and choose Edit, Copy. Right-click an empty area on the desktop or in a folder and select Paste Shortcut. Some applications also require you to return to the original document and choose File, Save. The next time you need to consult the desired passage, just launch the document shortcut (see Figure 2).
What Folder Is This File In?
All Versions Shortcut icons are handy because they can open files, folders, or applications in far-flung locations on a local or network drive. But what if you need to know where the actual folder, program file, or document resides? Searching an entire network may not be an option. Fortunately, you don't have to. Just right-click the shortcut and choose Properties. Make sure the Shortcut tab is in front and click Find Target to instantly open the folder containing the item that the shortcut points to. Note: This trick doesn't work for Internet shortcuts.
Look Before You Double-Click
All Versions Are you unsure where a folder shortcut will take you when you double-click it? If you have Windows 2000 or Windows Me, you can find out before you launch it. Click an empty space in the shortcut's container (either the desktop, a folder, or an Explorer view). Instead of selecting the shortcut, just hold the pointer over it for a couple of seconds. An 'info tip' will appear that shows you the path to the target location (see Figure 3). To change the tip's contents, see " Create Your Own Shortcut Info Tips."
Instant Backtracking, Part 1
All Versions Did you double-click one too many times? Maybe you really wanted to see the contents of the folder containing the current folder. If the Address bar is visible (click View, Toolbars, Address Bar if it isn't), press F4 to display the drop-down list, then climb back up the folder hierarchy. Or click the Up button on the Standard Buttons toolbar if you see it. But the fastest way to go up one level in the folder hierarchy is to press the Backspace key.
Instant Backtracking, Part 2
All Versions Sometimes the last folder you opened before the current folder wasn't the current folder's parent, or any other relation; it may even have been on a different hard disk or computer. If you want to return to the previous folder (not necessarily the parent), click the Back button on the toolbar or press Alt-Left Arrow. Change your mind again? Click the Forward button on the toolbar or press Alt-Right Arrow. Note: For Windows 95, this tip requires Internet Explorer 4's Desktop Update.
One Folder or Many?
All Versions Do your folders open in a new window or the existing one? If you'd like to change this setting, choose View, Options or View, Folder Options in Windows 9x, or Tools, Folder Options in Windows 2000 and Me. Make sure the Folder tab (Windows 95) or General tab (all other versions) is selected. If you're using Windows 95 with Internet Explorer 4's Desktop Update feature, or Windows 98 or 98 SE, click the Settings button. Now make your choice under 'Browsing options', 'Browse folders as follows', or 'Browse Folders', depending on your version of Windows. Click OK.
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