Keyboard Shortcuts
* WINDOWS 2000 PRO TIP: KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS IN WINDOWS 2000
(contributed Doug Toombs, doug@netarchitect.com)
We all know that (technically) you can use Win2K without a mouse
attached at all. But we've gotten so spoiled clicking our way through
day-to-day tasks (myself included) that we often find ourselves
handicapped when we use a system with an inoperative mouse or no mouse
at all. Also, in some instances, Microsoft has made using a mouse more
difficult than using the keyboard. For example, you access the Find
Computer function that I use so much by clicking Start, Find, Files or
Folders, and then finding the Computers link under "Search for other
items." I find that approach extremely annoying; the Find Computer
function was much more accessible in Windows NT. Fortunately, there's a
3-key sequence that takes me right to it! So, without further delay,
here's a list of useful Win2K keyboard shortcuts that I've found. Print
this list and keep it handy!
- Ctrl+Esc: Launches the Start menu
- WIN+R: Launches the Run dialog box
- WIN+E: Launches an Explorer view (similar to double-clicking My Computer)
- WIN+F: Opens a Find - Files or Folders window
- Ctrl+WIN+F: Opens a Find - Computers window (my favorite shortcut!)
- Ctrl+Shift+Esc: Opens Task Manager
- WIN+M: Minimizes all windows on the desktop
- Shift+WIN+M: Restores windows after a WIN+M operation
- Shift+F10: Opens the Shortcut menu (i.e., the "right-click" menu)for a selected item
- Holding down Shift while inserting a CD-ROM: Disables CD Autorun
- Alt+Enter: Brings up the properties dialog box for a selected item
- F3 in an Explorer window: Opens a Find - Files or Folders window using the current directory point as the starting location
- F2 with an item selected in an Explorer window: Lets you rename an item
- Ctrl+A: Selects all items/text in a window
Here's another interesting keyboard tweak I found. Hold down the NumLock
key on your keyboard for 5 seconds to open a dialog box that lets you
enable ToggleKeys--an accessibility option I find particularly useful.
ToggleKeys beeps whenever you activate Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll
Lock. I find this feature helpful because I use a wireless keyboard from
Logitech that has no indicators for Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock
(it would drain the batteries too quickly if it did). With ToggleKeys, I
can hear whether my Caps Lock is enabled when I press the key.
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