Microsoft Tips by the Baker’s Dozen

I rummaged through my past Microsoft support emails looking for “simple” solutions, or requests for “simpler” methods to do “things”. 

 

I’ve selected 13 problems to share that frustrated end-users – and then were equally flustered that the simple solution eluded them. 

 

 

WINDOWS TIPS 

1) Press "ÿ + L" to quickly return to your Welcome Screen/Lock Workstation.(ÿ = Windows Key)

 

2) When using a mouse to move a file, it sometimes surprisingly copies the file, or creates a shortcut instead!

Right-Mouse-Drag the file(s) to the new location, you’ll have the option to Copy, Move or Create Shortcut.   [Thanks to Vic Laurie for this refinement!]

3) Hold the <Shift> key while pressing the <Del> key to “permanently” remove file(s) without going to the Recycle Bin.

 

4) To arrange two (or more) desktop windows “side-by-side”

• Open the window(s)/launch the programs
• Click on the taskbar button to make your first window active
• Hold the <Ctrl> key while Right-clicking the taskbar button of the second window/program. 
• Select Tile Vertically (or horizontally).

 

INTERNET EXPLORER TIPS 

5) To view Internet Explorer in full-screen press <F11> (repeat to return to normal mode).

 

6) Pressing <Ctrl> + D automatically adds the current page to your Favorites.

 

7) Organize your Internet Explorer Favorites by Right-mouse clicking on the list of links in the Favorites List, and select Sort by Name.

 

8) Hold the <Shift> key while turning the mouse scroll wheel up/down, will surf forwards & backwards (Same as the "–>" & "<–" buttons)

 

9) Hold the <Ctrl> key while turning the mouse scroll wheel up/down will increase & decrease the font size. (Great for the over 40 crowd!)

 

10) Hold the <Shift> key while clicking on a link to open the Web page in a new window.  

NOTE: In the upcoming Internet Explorer 7 (Vista), holding the <Ctrl> key down while clicking on a link will open in a new tab window. 

 

WORD TIP 

11) Right-mouse click on any word within Word 2003, and the Research Pane pops up selected on that word!

 

OUTLOOK w/EXCHANGE TIP

12) <Ctrl>+Right-mouse click on the Outlook Icon in the SystemTray – then select Connection Status to few your Exchange Server status – as well as quickly Reconnect.

 

BONUS ADMINISTRATOR TIP

13) To change the location of a special folder AND simultaneously move the files, Right-mouse-drag the folder to the new location and select Move Here

Special Folders

CD Burning

Desktop

Document Templates

Favorites

Installation Path

My Documents

My Music

My Video

Programs

Send To

Shared Documents

Shared Music

Shared Pictures

Shared Video

StartMenu

StartUp

 

More Tips: 10 Excel "How to" Tips

20 Outlook "How to" Tips

20 "Best-Of" Word Tips