Windows XP Command Guide
Accessibility Controls = access.cpl
Add Hardware Wizard = hdwwiz.cpl
Add/Remove Programs = appwiz.cpl
Administrative Tools = control
admintools
Automatic Updates = wuaucpl.cpl
Bluetooth Transfer Wizard = fsquirt
Calculator = calc
Certificate Manager = certmgr.msc
Character Map = charmap
Check Disk Utility = chkdsk
Clipboard Viewer = clipbrd
Command Prompt = cmd
Component Services = dcomcnfg
Computer Management =
compmgmt.msc
Date and Time Properties = timedate.cpl
DDE Shares = ddeshare
Device Manager = devmgmt.msc
Direct X Control Panel (If Installed)* =
directx.cpl
Direct X Troubleshooter = dxdiag
Disk Cleanup Utility = cleanmgr
Disk Defragment = dfrg.msc
Disk Management = diskmgmt.msc
Disk Partition Manager = diskpart
Display Properties = control
desktop/desk.cpl
Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting
Utility = drwtsn32
Driver Verifier Utility = verifier
Event Viewer = eventvwr.msc
File Signature Verification Tool =
sigverif
Findfast = findfast.cpl
Folders Properties = control folders
Fonts = control fonts
Fonts Folder = fonts
Free Cell Card Game = freecell
Game Controllers = joy.cpl
Group Policy Editor (XP Prof) =
gpedit.msc
Hearts Card Game = mshearts
Iexpress Wizard = iexpress
Indexing Service = ciadv.msc
Internet Properties = inetcpl.cpl
IP Configuration = ipconfig
Java Control Panel (If Installed) =
jpicpl32.cpl
Java Application Cache Viewer (If
Installed) = javaws
Keyboard Properties = control keyboard
Local Security Settings = secpol.msc
Local Users and Groups = lusrmgr.msc
Logs You Out Of Windows = logoff
Microsoft Chat = winchat
Minesweeper Game = winmine
Mouse Properties = control mouse
Mouse Properties = main.cpl
Network Connections = control
netconnections
Network Connections = ncpa.cpl
Network Setup Wizard = netsetup.cpl
Notepad = notepad
Nview Desktop Manager (If Installed) =
nvtuicpl.cpl
Object Packager = packager
ODBC Data Source Administrator =
odbccp32.cpl
On Screen Keyboard = osk
Opens AC3 Filter (If Installed) =
ac3filter.cpl
Password Properties = password.cpl
Performance Monitor = perfmon.msc
Performance Monitor = perfmon
Phone and Modem Options =
telephon.cpl
Power Configuration = powercfg.cpl
Printers and Faxes = control printers
Printers Folder = printers
Private Character Editor = eudcedit
Quicktime (If Installed) =
QuickTime.cpl
Regional Settings = intl.cpl
Registry Editor = regedit
Registry Editor = regedit32
Remote Desktop = mstsc
Removable Storage = ntmsmgr.msc
Removable Storage Operator Requests =
ntmsoprq.msc
Resultant Set of Policy (XP Prof) =
rsop.msc
Scanners and Cameras = sticpl.cpl
Scheduled Tasks = control schedtasks
Security Center = wscui.cpl
Services = services.msc
Shared Folders = fsmgmt.msc
Shuts Down Windows = shutdown
Sounds and Audio = mmsys.cpl
Spider Solitare Card Game = spider
SQL Client Configuration = cliconfg
System Configuration Editor = sysedit
System Configuration Utility = msconfig
System File Checker Utility = sfc
System Properties = sysdm.cpl
Task Manager = taskmgr
Telnet Client = telnet
User Account Management =
nusrmgr.cpl
Utility Manager = utilman
Windows Firewall = firewall.cpl
Windows Magnifier = magnify
Windows Management Infrastructure =
wmimgmt.msc
Windows System Security Tool = syskey
Windows Update Launches = wupdmgr
Windows XP Tour Wizard = tourstart
Wordpad = write
ADDUSERS Add or list users to/from a
CSV file
ARP
Address Resolution Protocol
ASSOC Change file extension
associations
ASSOCIAT One step file association
AT
Schedule a command to run at a
later time
ATTRIB Change file attributes
BOOTCFG Edit Windows boot settings
BROWSTAT Get domain, browser and
PDC info
CACLS Change file permissions
CALL Call one batch program from
another
CD
Change Directory - move to a
specific Folder
CHANGE Change Terminal Server
Session properties
CHKDSK Check Disk - check and
repair disk problems
CHKNTFS Check the NTFS file system
CHOICE Accept keyboard input to a
batch file
CIPHER Encrypt or Decrypt
files/folders
CleanMgr Automated cleanup of Temp
files, recycle bin
CLEARMEM Clear memory leaks
CLIP Copy STDIN to the Windows
clipboard.
CLS
Clear the screen
CLUSTER Windows Clustering
CMD Start a new CMD shell
COLOR Change colors of the CMD
window
COMP Compare the contents of two
files or sets of files
COMPACT Compress files or folders on
an NTFS partition
COMPRESS Compress individual files
on an NTFS partition
CON2PRT Connect or disconnect a
Printer
CONVERT Convert a FAT drive to
NTFS.
COPY Copy one or more files to
another location
CSCcmd Client-side caching (Offline
Files)
CSVDE Import or Export Active
Directory data
DATE Display or set the date
Dcomcnfg DCOM Configuration Utility
DEFRAG Defragment hard drive
DEL
Delete one or more files
DELPROF Delete NT user profiles
DELTREE Delete a folder and all
subfolders
DevCon Device Manager Command
Line Utility
DIR
Display a list of files and folders
DIRUSE Display disk usage
DISKCOMP Compare the contents of
two floppy disks
DISKCOPY Copy the contents of one
floppy disk to another
DNSSTAT DNS Statistics
DOSKEY Edit command line, recall
commands, and create macros
DSADD Add user (computer, group..)
to active directory
DSQUERY List items in active directory
DSMOD Modify user (computer,
group..) in active directory
ECHO Display message on screen
ENDLOCAL End localisation of
environment changes in a batch file
ERASE Delete one or more files
EXIT Quit the CMD shell
EXPAND Uncompress files
EXTRACT Uncompress CAB files
FC
Compare two files
FDISK Disk Format and partition
FIND Search for a text string in a file
FINDSTR Search for strings in files
FOR /F Loop command: against a set
of files
FOR /F Loop command: against the
results of another command
FOR
Loop command: all options
Files, Directory, List
FORFILES Batch process multiple files
FORMAT Format a disk
FREEDISK Check free disk space (in
bytes)
FSUTIL File and Volume utilities
FTP
File Transfer Protocol
FTYPE Display or modify file types
used in file extension associations
GLOBAL Display membership of
global groups
GOTO Direct a batch program to jump
to a labelled line
HELP Online Help
HFNETCHK Network Security Hotfix
Checker
IF
Conditionally perform a command
IFMEMBER Is the current user in an NT
Workgroup
IPCONFIG Configure IP
KILL Remove a program from
memory
LABEL Edit a disk label
LOCAL Display membership of local
groups
LOGEVENT Write text to the NT event
viewer.
LOGOFF Log a user off
LOGTIME Log the date and time in a
file
MAPISEND Send email from the
command line
MEM
Display memory usage
MD
Create new folders
MKLINK Create a symbolic link (linkd)
MODE Configure a system device
MORE Display output, one screen at a
time
MOUNTVOL Manage a volume mount
point
MOVE Move files from one folder to
another
MOVEUSER Move a user from one
domain to another
MSG Send a message
MSIEXEC Microsoft Windows Installer
MSINFO Windows NT diagnostics
MSTSC Terminal Server Connection
(Remote Desktop Protocol)
MUNGE Find and Replace text within
file(s)
MV
Copy in-use files
NET
Manage network resources
NETDOM Domain Manager
NETSH Configure network protocols
NETSVC Command-line Service
Controller
NBTSTAT Display networking statistics
(NetBIOS over TCP/IP)
NETSTAT Display networking statistics
(TCP/IP)
NOW
Display the current Date and
Time
NSLOOKUP Name server lookup
NTBACKUP Backup folders to tape
NTRIGHTS Edit user account rights
PATH Display or set a search path for
executable files
PATHPING Trace route plus network
latency and packet loss
PAUSE Suspend processing of a batch
file and display a message
PERMS Show permissions for a user
PERFMON Performance Monitor
PING Test a network connection
POPD Restore the previous value of
the current directory saved by PUSHD
PORTQRY Display the status of ports
and services
PRINT Print a text file
PRNCNFG Display, configure or
rename a printer
PRNMNGR Add, delete, list printers set
the default printer
PROMPT Change the command prompt
PsExec Execute process remotely
PsFile Show files opened remotely
PsGetSid Display the SID of a
computer or a user
PsInfo List information about a system
PsKill Kill processes by name or
process ID
PsList List detailed information about
processes
PsLoggedOn Who's logged on (locally or
via resource sharing)
PsLogList Event log records
PsPasswd Change account password
PsService View and control services
PsShutdown Shutdown or reboot a
computer
PsSuspend Suspend processes
PUSHD Save and then change the
current directory
QGREP Search file(s) for lines that
match a given pattern.
RASDIAL Manage RAS connections
RASPHONE Manage RAS connections
RECOVER Recover a damaged file
from a defective disk.
REG
Registry: Read, Set, Export,
Delete keys and values
REGEDIT Import or export registry
settings
REGSVR32 Register or unregister a DLL
REGINI Change Registry Permissions
REM
Record comments (remarks) in
a batch file
REN Rename a file or files.
REPLACE Replace or update one file
with another
RD
Delete folder(s)
RDISK Create a Recovery Disk
RMTSHARE Share a folder or a printer
ROBOCOPY Robust File and Folder
Copy
ROUTE Manipulate network routing
tables
RUNAS Execute a program under a
different user account
RUNDLL32 Run a DLL command
(add/remove print connections)
SC
Service Control
SCHTASKS Create or Edit Scheduled
Tasks
SCLIST Display NT Services
ScriptIt Control GUI applications
SET
Display, set, or remove
environment variables
SETLOCAL Control the visibility of
environment variables
SETX Set environment variables
permanently
SHARE List or edit a file share or print
share
SHIFT Shift the position of
replaceable parameters in a batch file
SHORTCUT Create a windows shortcut
(.LNK file)
SHOWGRPS List the NT Workgroups a
user has joined
SHOWMBRS List the Users who are
members of a Workgroup
SHUTDOWN Shutdown the computer
SLEEP Wait for x seconds
SOON Schedule a command to run in
the near future
SORT Sort input
START Start a separate window to run
a specified program or command
SU
Switch User
SUBINACL Edit file and folder
Permissions, Ownership and Domain
SUBST Associate a path with a drive
letter
SYSTEMINFO List system
configuration
TASKLIST List running applications and
services
TIME Display or set the system time
TIMEOUT Delay processing of a batch
file
TITLE Set the window title for a
CMD.EXE session
TOUCH Change file timestamps
TRACERT Trace route to a remote host
TREE Graphical display of folder
structure
TYPE Display the contents of a text
file
USRSTAT List domain usernames and
last login
VER
Display version information
VERIFY Verify that files have been
saved
VOL Display a disk label
WHERE Locate and display files in a
directory tree
WHOAMI Output the current
UserName and domain
WINDIFF Compare the contents of two
files or sets of files
WINMSD Windows system diagnostics
WINMSDP Windows system
diagnostics II
WMIC WMI Commands
XCACLS Change file permissions
XCOPY Copy files and folders
Windows Shortcut Keys

Windows
Open start menu


Windows-M
Minimizes all windows
Windows – shift – M
Undo minimize all

Windows-E
Opens File Explorer

Windows-F
Find Files

Windows – Ctrl – F
Find computers

Windows-R
Opens The Run Dialog Box

Windows-L
Instantly Locks your Computer

Cut selected item.

Cycle through open programs
through the taskbar





Windows – F3

Windows-Pause
Opens System Properties Dialog
Box.
Windows – F1
Open windows help and support
center

Windows – U
Open utility manager
CTRL-Esc
This combination will open the
start menu. Equallent to windows
keys.





Alt-Enter
Open properties of the selected
item.

F1
Ctrl + A
Select all text.

Ctrl + X or Shift + Del
End
Goes to end of current line.
Ctrl + End
Goes to end of document.

Shift + Home
Highlights from current position
to beginning of line.

Shift + End
Highlights from current position
to end of line.

Universal Help in almost every
Windows program.

Ctrl + Home
Goes to beginning of document.
Edit options in current program

Home
Goes to beginning of current line.
Alt-Tab
Switch between running
applications
Alt + E
Ctrl + V or Shift + Ins
Paste

Alt + F
Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Ins
Copy selected item
CTRL-Shift-ESC
Shortcut key for task manager.
File menu options in current
program.
Open advanced search window

Windows – Tab
Ctrl + Left arrow
Moves one word to the left at a
time.

Ctrl + Right arrow
Moves one word to the right at a
time
Function Keys
F1
F5



Almost always used as the help key, almost every
program will open the help screen when this key is
pressed.
Windows Key + F1 would open the Microsoft Windows
help and support center.
Open the Task Pane.
F2



In all modern Internet browsers pressing F5 will
refresh or reload the page or document window.
Open the find, replace, and go to window in Microsoft
Word.
Starts a slideshow in PowerPoint.
F6



In Windows commonly used to rename a highlighted
icon or file.
Alt + Ctrl + F2 opens a new document in Microsoft
Word.
Ctrl + F2 displays the print preview window in
Microsoft Word.


Move the cursor to the Address bar in Internet Explorer
and Mozilla Firefox.
Ctrl + Shift + F6 opens to another open Microsoft Word
document.
F7
F3



Often opens a search feature for many programs
including Microsoft Windows.
Shift + F3 will change the text in Microsoft Word from
upper to lower case or a capital letter at the
beginning of every word.


Commonly used to spell check and grammar check a
document in Microsoft programs such as Microsoft
Word, Outlook, etc.
Shift + F7 runs a Thesaurus check on the word
highlighted.
Turns on Caret browsing in Mozilla Firefox.
F4




Open find window.
Repeat the last action performed (Word 2000+)
Alt + F4 will close the program currently active in
Microsoft Windows.
Ctrl + F4 will close the open window within the
current active window in Microsoft Windows.
F8

Function key used to enter the Windows startup menu,
commonly use to get into Windows Safe Mode.
F9
F11

Opens the Measurements toolbar in Quark 5.0.
F10



Full-screen mode in all modern Internet browsers.
F12
In Microsoft Windows activates the menu bar of an
open application.
Shift + F10 is the same as right-clicking on a
highlighted icon, file, or Internet link.



Open the Save as window in Microsoft Word.
Shift + F12 save the Microsoft Word document.
Ctrl + Shift + F12 prints a document in Microsoft Word.
Keyboard applications in Microsoft windows XP
Opening the start button
To start off, you can open the Microsoft Windows Start button by pressing the windows key on the keyboard or by pressing
the CTRL and ESC keys at the same time.
Once in the Start menu you can use the arrow keys on the keyboard to move up, down, left, or right in the start menu. Once
you've located the program you wish to run, press the Enter key.
Opening a program on the desktop
If there is a program you wish to run that has an icon (shortcut) on the desktop, you can move to the desktop by pressing
your tab key on your keyboard. Pressing tab while on the desktop will switch between the desktop, the Start button, and
each of the items on the taskbar. You can determine which area you're currently at by looking for an item that is selected;
an item that is selected will either be highlighted or have a border of dots.
In some cases you may have to press tab several times before getting to the desktop icons. Once one of the desktop icons
has been selected, you can move to other icons by using your arrow keys.
Once the icon on the desktop you wish to run is selected, press the Enter key to open that program.
Closing, minimizing, maximizing, or moving a window
Closing a window
If you have a window open that you wish to close using the keyboard, press CTRL and F4 on the keyboard at the same time
to close the current open program or window.
In addition to the above recommendation to closing a window, you can also press the ALT and the spacebar key at the same
time, arrow down to the close option from the menu that opens in the top left portion of the window and press Enter.
Minimizing a window
To minimize a window in Microsoft Windows using the keyboard, press the ALT and the spacebar key at the same time,
arrow down to the minimize option from the menu that opens in the top left portion of the window and press Enter.
Maximizing a window
To maximize a window in Microsoft Windows using the keyboard, press the ALT and the spacebar key at the same time,
arrow down to the maximize option from the menu that opens in the top left portion of the window and press Enter.
Note: If the window is already maximized, this option will not be able to be selected.
Moving a window
Before you can move any window In Microsoft Windows it must not be maximized. To make the window appear in window
mode, press ALT and the spacebar at the same time, move to the restore option, and press enter.
Once the window is not maximized you can move a window by pressing ALT and spacebar at the same time, move to the
move option, press enter, and then move the window using your arrow keys on the keyboard.
Moving between open windows / applications
To move between any open programs on your computer, press ALT and Tab at the same time and let go of Tab while
continuing to hold the ALT key. If done successfully, this will open a window that displays each of the open programs on
your computer. Pressing Tab while ALT continues to be held will move between each of the programs. When the program
you wish to switch to is selected, letting go of ALT and Tab will switch to that program.
Navigating between fields and buttons on a window
A window, dialog box, or window with buttons is often done by using the Tab key, spacebar, arrow keys, and the Enter key.
When in this type of window, if you need to switch between buttons, text fields, or other portions of the window, press the
Tab key. If this does not work, try using the arrow keys. If you need to press a button such as an 'Ok' or 'Cancel' button, if
the button is selected, often pressing the spacebar or enter key will push the button.
Manipulating and moving through text quickly
Below are the different methods of how you can quickly and easily move through text in a document without the aid of a
mouse. Not only does this help users who do not have access to a mouse, it can also save you a great deal of time when
working with text documents.
Arrow keys - Simply using the arrow keys on the keyboard will move the cursor up, down, left, or right in the document.
CTRL and Arrow keys - Holding down the CTRL key while pressing the left or right arrow keys will move the cursor one word
at a time. This is much faster than only using the arrow keys. Holding down the CTRL key while pressing up or down will
move through each of the paragraphs in the document.
End and Home keys - Pressing the End key will take you to the end of a document and pressing the Home key will move you
to the beginning of a document.
Shift key - The shift key allows you to highlight text. For example, holding down the shift key while using the right or left
arrow keys will highlight the text to the left or right. If you hold down shift while pressing the down arrow keys, you will
highlight one line at a time in that direction.
Finally, you can use the Shift key in combination with the other above recommendations. For example, pressing and holding
Shift and CTRL and using the arrows will highlight a word at a time, or holding down Shift and pressing the End key will
highlight from the current cursor position to the end of the document.
Scrolling in a window
Scrolling up or down in a window is often accomplished by using any of the following keys: Up and Down arrow keys, Page up
and Page down keys, and/or the Spacebar.
Right-clicking an icon or other element of Windows
In some situations you may need to right-click on an icon, text, or other Windows element. To do this without a mouse,
select the icon or move the cursor to the text you need to right-click and press and hold Shift and F10 at the same time.
How to move the mouse cursor with the keyboard in Windows.
Microsoft Windows users can enable the accessibility feature to move the mouse using their arrow keys by following the
below steps.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Click Start, Settings, Control Panel.
Within the Control Panel open "Accessibility Options"
Click the Mouse tab.
Check the "Use Mouse Keys" check box.
If you wish to increase the speed or change any other settings, click on the Settings button.
Click Apply and then close out of the box.
After performing the above steps you will be able to use the numeric keypad as a mouse moving up, down, left, right, and
all the diagonals. In addition, you may also use the center "5" key as a left click.
Note: You must have the Number lock on for this feature to work by default. This can be changed through the settings.
UNIX / Linux shortcut keys
Keyboard shortcut keys
CTRL + B
Moves the cursor backward one character.
CTRL + C
Cancels the currently running command.
CTRL + D
Logs out of the current session.
CTRL + F
Moves the cursor forward one character.
CTRL + H
Erase one character. Similar to pressing backspace.
CTRL + P
Paste previous line and/or lines.
CTRL + S
Stops all output on screen (XOFF).
CTRL + Q
Turns all output stopped on screen back on (XON).
CTRL + U
Erases the complete line.
CTRL + W
Deletes the last word typed in. For example, if you typed 'mv file1 file2' this shortcut would delete file2.
CTRL + Z
Cancels current operation moves back a directory and/or takes the current operation and moves it to the
background. See bg command for additional information about background.
Command line shortcuts
In addition to the below command line shortcuts, it is also helpful to use the alias command that allows you to specify a
keyword for frequently used commands or mistakes.
~
!!
!$
Reset
shutdown -h now
Moves to the user's home directory.
Repeats the line last entered at the shell. See history command for previous commands.
Repeats the last argument for the command last used. See history command for previous commands.
Resets the terminal if terminal screen is not displaying correctly.
Remotely or locally shuts the system down.
Microsoft Excel shortcut keys
Shortcut Keys
Description
F2
F5
F7
F11
Ctrl + Shift + ;
Ctrl + ;
Alt + Shift + F1
Shift + F3
Shift + F5
Ctrl + A
Ctrl + B
Ctrl + I
Ctrl + K
Ctrl + U
Ctrl + 5
Ctrl + P
Ctrl + Z
Ctrl + F9
Ctrl + F10
Ctrl + F6
Ctrl + Page up
Edit the selected cell.
Goto a specific cell. For example, C6.
Spell check selected text and/or document.
Create chart.
Enter the current time.
Enter the current date.
Insert New Worksheet.
Open the Excel formula window.
Bring up search box.
Select all contents of the worksheet.
Bold highlighted selection.
Italic highlighted selection.
Insert link.
Underline highlighted selection.
Strikethrough highlighted selection.
Bring up the print dialog box to begin printing.
Undo last action.
Minimize current window.
Maximize currently selected window.
Switch between open workbooks / windows.
Move between Excel work sheets in the same Excel
document.
Move between Excel work sheets in the same Excel
document.
Move between Two or more open Excel files.
Create a formula to sum all of the above cells
Insert the value of the above cell into cell currently
selected.
Format number in comma format.
Format number in currency format.
Format number in date format.
Format number in percentage format.
Ctrl + Page down
Ctrl + Tab
Alt + =
Ctrl + '
Ctrl +
Ctrl +
Ctrl +
Ctrl +
Shift
Shift
Shift
Shift
+!
+$
+#
+%
Ctrl + Shift + ^
scientific format.
Ctrl + Shift + @
format.
Ctrl + Arrow key
text.
Ctrl + Space
Shift + Space
Format number in
Format number in time
Move to next section of
Select entire column.
Select entire row.
Microsoft Word shortcut keys
Ctrl + <left arrow>
Shortcut Keys
Description
Ctrl + A
Ctrl + B
Ctrl + C
Ctrl + X
Ctrl + P
Ctrl + F
Ctrl + I
Ctrl + K
Ctrl + U
Ctrl + V
Ctrl + Y
Ctrl + Z
Ctrl + L
Select all contents of the page.
Bold highlighted selection.
Copy selected text.
Cut selected text.
Open the print window.
Open find box.
Italic highlighted selection.
Insert link.
Underline highlighted selection.
Paste.
Redo the last action performed.
Undo last action.
Aligns the line or selected text to the left of the
screen.
Aligns the line or selected text to the center
of the screen.
Aligns the line or selected text to the
right of the screen.
Indent the paragraph.
Change the font.
Increase selected font +1pts up to 12pt and
then increases font +2pts.
Increase selected font +1pts.
Decrease selected font -1pts if 12pt or
lower, if above 12 decreases font by +2pt.
Decrease selected font -1pts.
View or hide non printing characters.
Ctrl + E
Ctrl + R
Ctrl + M
Ctrl + Shift + F
Ctrl + Shift + >
Ctrl + ]
Ctrl + Shift + <
Ctrl + [
Ctrl + Shift + *
Ctrl + <right arrow>
Ctrl + <up arrow>
Ctrl + <down arrow>
Ctrl + Del
Ctrl + Backspace
Ctrl + End
Ctrl + Home
Ctrl + Spacebar
Ctrl +
Ctrl +
Ctrl +
Ctrl +
1
2
5
Alt + 1
Ctrl + Alt + 2
Ctrl + Alt + 3
Ctrl + F1
F1
Alt + Ctrl + F2
Moves one word to the
left.
Moves one word to the
right.
Moves to beginning
of the line/paragraph.
Moves to the end of
the paragraph.
Deletes word to right
of cursor.
Deletes word to left of
cursor.
Moves the cursor to the
end of the document.
Moves the cursor to
beginning of the
document.
Reset highlighted text
to the default font.
Single-space lines.
Double-space lines.
1.5-line spacing.
Changes text to
heading 1.
Changes text to
heading 2.
Changes text to
heading 3.
Open the Task Pane.
Open Help.
Open new document.
Ctrl + F2
Shift + F3
Shift + Insert
F4
F5
Ctrl + Shift + F6
Display the print preview.
Change the text in Microsoft Word from
upper to lower case or a capital letter at the
beginning of every word.
Paste.
Repeat the last action performed (Word
2000+)
Open the find, replace, and go to window in
Microsoft Word.
Opens to another open Microsoft Word
document.
F7
Shift + F7
F12
Shift + F12
Ctrl + Shift + F12
Alt + Shift + D
Alt + Shift + T
Spell and grammar
check selected text
and/or document.
Runs a Thesaurus check
on the word highlighted.
Save as.
Save.
Prints the document.
Insert the current date.
Insert the current time.
In addition to the above shortcut keys users can also use their mouse as a method of quickly do something commonly
performed. Below some are examples of mouse shortcuts.
Mouse shortcuts
Description
Click, hold, and drag
Double-click
Double-click
Selects text from where you click and hold to the point you drag and let go.
If double-click a word, selects the complete word.
Double-clicking on the left, center, or right of a blank line will make the alignment of the
text left, center, or right aligned.
Double-clicking anywhere after text on a line will set a tab stop.
Selects the line or paragraph of the text the mouse triple-clicked.
Zooms in and out of document.
Double-click
Triple-click
Ctrl + Mouse wheel
Microsoft FrontPage shortcut keys
Shortcut Keys
Description
Ctrl + C
Ctrl + X
Ctrl + P
Ctrl + K
Ctrl + B
Ctrl + I
Ctrl + U
Ctrl + L
Ctrl + R
Ctrl + E
Ctrl + /
Ctrl + S
Ctrl + Tab
Ctrl + Ins
Ctrl + Enter
Ctrl + Shift + B
Ctrl + Shift + <
Ctrl + Shift + >
Ctrl + Del
Ctrl + Backspace
Alt + mouse double-click
Copy selected text.
Cut selected text.
Paste selected text.
Create a hyperlink.
Bold highlighted selection.
Italic highlighted selection.
Underline highlighted selection.
Left align the text.
Right align the text.
Center the text.
Turn on or off the display of HTML tags.
Save document.
Switch between open web pages.
Enter Line break.
Move cursor above or below a table.
Preview in web browser window.
Decrease font size.
Increase font size.
Deletes word to right of cursor.
Deletes word to left of cursor.
View the properties of a selected item. For example, doing this on a table cell would
display the properties for that cell.
Microsoft Outlook shortcut keys
Shortcut Keys
Alt + S
Ctrl + C
Ctrl + X
Ctrl + P
Ctrl + K
Ctrl + B
Ctrl + I
Ctrl + U
Ctrl + R
Ctrl + F
Ctrl + N
Ctrl + Shift + A
Ctrl + Shift + O
Ctrl + Shift + I
Ctrl + Shift + K
Ctrl + Shirt + C
Ctrl + Shift + J
Description
Send the e-mail
Copy selected text.
Cut selected text.
Paste selected text.
Complete the name and/or e-mail being typed in the e-mail address bar.
Bold highlighted selection
Italic highlighted selection
Underline highlighted selection
Reply to an e-mail.
Forward an e-mail.
Create a new e-mail.
Create a new appointment to your calendar.
Open the Outbox.
Open the Inbox.
Add a new task.
Create a new contact.
Create a new journal entry.
Internet Explorer shortcut keys
Shortcut Keys
Description
Alt + Left Arrow
Backspace
Alt + Right Arrow
F5
F11
Esc
Ctrl + (- or +)
Ctrl + Enter
Back a page.
Back a page.
Forward a page.
Refresh current page, frame, or tab.
Display the current website in full screen mode. Pressing F11 again will exit this mode.
Stop page or download from loading.
Increase or decrease the font size, pressing '-' will decrease and '+' will increase.
Quickly complete an address. For example, type computerhope in the address bar and
press CTRL + ENTER to get http://www.computerhope.com.
Add a Favorite for the page currently opened.
Display available bookmarks.
Open New browser window.
Print current page / frame.
Opens a new tab.
Closes the currently selected tab.
Moves through each of the open tabs.
Moves down a page at a time.
Moves up a page at a time.
Display all previous text entered in a text box and/or available options on drop down
menu.
Ctrl + D
Ctrl + I
Ctrl + N
Ctrl + P
Ctrl + T
Ctrl + F4
Ctrl + Tab
Spacebar
Shift + Spacebar
Alt + Down arrow
Mozilla Firefox shortcut keys
Shortcut Keys
Description
Alt + Left Arrow
Backspace
Alt + Right Arrow
F5
F11
Esc
Ctrl + (- or +)
Ctrl + Enter
Back a page.
Back a page.
Forward a page.
Refresh current page, frame, or tab.
Display the current website in full screen mode. Pressing F11 again will exit this mode.
Stop page or download from loading.
Increase or decrease the font size, pressing '-' will decrease and '+' will increase.
Quickly complete an address. For example, type computershope in the address bar and
press CTRL + ENTER to get http://www.computershope.com.
Complete a .net instead of a .com address.
Complete a .org address
Open the Clear Data window to quickly clear private data
Add a bookmark for the page currently opened.
Display available bookmarks.
Display the download window.
Open New browser window.
Print current page / frame.
Opens a new tab.
Closes the currently selected tab.
Undo the close of a window.
Moves through each of the open tabs.
Moves down a page at a time.
Moves up a page at a time.
Display all previous text entered in a text box and/or available options on drop down
menu.
Shift + Enter
Ctrl + Shift + Enter
Ctrl + Shift + Del
Ctrl + D
Ctrl + I
Ctrl + J
Ctrl + N
Ctrl + P
Ctrl + T
Ctrl + F4
Ctrl + Shift + T
Ctrl + Tab
Spacebar
Shift + Spacebar
Alt + Down arrow
Microsoft Windows Tips
Windows command prompt
The Microsoft Windows command prompt is an invaluable tool that can be used in conjunction with Windows. Below are
some helpful shortcuts and tips that can be used to improve your abilities while in the command prompt. Users not familiar
with how to enter the command prompt can find additional information about this in document CHDOS.
1. Press the up arrow key to scroll through all previously typed commands at the prompt. This is helpful for when you
need to type long commands in more than once. Note. If
2. Pres the tab key to auto-complete the names of directories or files. For example, at C:\ type: "cd wi", press tab and
the command prompt should complete WINDOWS as the name of the directory.
3. Familiarize yourself with the top MS-DOS commands and each of their available switches.
Windows Selective Startup
Improve overall system performance and boot time and get rid of programs you don't want running in the background by
choosing to do a Selective Startup in msconfig.
1. Click Start, Run and type: msconfig and press enter.
2. In the System Configuration Utility click the Startup tab.
3. Uncheck programs you do not wish to load each time your computer starts. Once done click ok and restart the
computer. After the computer boots back into Windows you will receive a prompt about Windows being in a selective
startup. Check the box to not receive the prompt and click ok.
Saving Windows XP and later searches
Save your frequent Windows XP and later version searches for future use by following the below steps.
1. Open the search and enter the search queries you wish to save. For example, you could save a search to find any
remix mp3 files by entering: *remix*.mp3 in the all or part of name box.
2. Once the values have been entered test the search and allow you to save the search.
3. In the Search Results window click File and then Save Search.
4. Finally, browse to the location you wish for this file to be saved and name the file with a .fnd extension.
After completing these steps you'll be able to quickly perform a search by simply double-clicking the file.
Display hibernate option in XPs Turn off computer box
When shutting down or turning off the computer you'll get three options: Standby, Turn Off, and Restart. For users
who wish to hibernate their computer you can easily display this option by holding down the Shift key on the keyboard.
Quickly move files or other objects to the Desktop
Quickly drag one or more files to the Windows Desktop with other open windows by dragging and holding the files over
an empty portion of the Windows Taskbar. If done properly all open windows should minimize and allow you to place
the files or other objects on the Desktop.
Quickly get to the Windows Desktop
Quickly get to the Microsoft Windows Desktop by pressing the Windows key and D at the same time on the keyboard.
Run a web page
Get to a web page quickly in Windows when no browser window is open by typing the web address in the run line. For
example, click Start, Run and in the Run Open box type: http://www.computerhope.com and press enter to quickly
get to the Computer Hope web page.
Quickly find icon and/or file
Quickly find an icon in a group of icons or a specific item in an alphabetic list of items by highlighting one of the icons
or list items and pressing the beginning letter of the item you're looking for. Below are some examples of how this
could be used.
Windows desktop icons - If you have a lot of icons on your desktop or in another folder highlight one of the icons and
press the first letter. For example if you were looking for an icon named "test" highlight any icon and then press the "t"
key. Note: you can also press the "t" key multiple times to individually highlight each icon that starts with "t".
Internet drop down list - Instead of scrolling through a list of options in an Internet drop down list press the first
letter of the option you're looking for. For example, if you were looking through a list of states and you wanted "Utah"
press U to automatically scroll down to it.
Windows XP mouse Snap To
Enable the Microsoft Window XP mouse Snap To feature to automatically focus on dialog box buttons. Enabling this
feature will automatically move your mouse cursor to the default button on any dialog box that appears on Windows.
This is a great way to save a little time and not have to move you mouse cursor to the "Ok" button each time a dialog
box appears. To enable this feature follow the below steps.
1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Mouse icon
3. In the Mouse Properties window click the Pointer Options tab and check the "Automatically move pointer to the
default button in a dialog box" option.
Windows 2000 & XP Task Manager
Quickly access the Microsoft Windows Task Manager to view running applications, process information and
performance information by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys all at the same time.
Delete files without getting a prompt
Delete files faster by removing the "Are you sure you want to delete" Microsoft Windows confirmation box by rightclicking the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop, click Properties and uncheck "Display delete confirmation dialog".
Windows explorer multiple renames
Quickly and easily rename multiple files in Microsoft Windows XP Explorer by following the below steps.
1. Open Explorer.
2. In Explorer select all the files you wish to rename.
3. Once the files have been selected press F2 and type the new name for the files. For example, typing "test" will
rename the files to test, test (1), test (2), test (3) etc. If you have file extensions shown make sure to also type the
name of the file extension you're renaming.
Keep a log with Microsoft Notepad
Keep a log easily using Microsoft Notepad by opening a new text file in Microsoft Notepad or an existing text file in
Notepad and adding ".LOG" (without the quotes) at the beginning of the file. Now each time the file is opened in
Notepad a time and date stamp will be automatically added.
MS-DOS autocomplete in Microsoft Windows 2000 and above
1. Open the Microsoft Windows registry editor by clicking Start / Run / type Regedit and click ok.
2. In the Microsoft Windows registry editor open the below folders.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Software
Microsoft
Command Processor
3. In the command processor open the below two registry keys and change their value to 9.
CompletionChar
PathCompleteChar
4. Once the above steps have been completed close out of the registry editor and open the command window by typing
cmd in the Start / Run window. To use the auto complete feature press the tab key any type you wish to complete a
directory. For example, if the directory you are currently in contains the "Program files" directory you could type "cd
pr" and press tab, to have the auto completion option automatically type "cd "program files"".
Prevent automatic restart in Windows XP
Make your computer not automatically restart or reboot each time an error occurs by selecting disable automatic
restart during system failure options in advanced booting options which can be seen by pressing F8 button before your
operating system boots.
Microsoft Windows search using Google
Get a much more efficient search on text files, Microsoft Outlook & Outlook Express files, AOL Instant Messenger chat
logs, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Internet cache by using the Google Desktop Search.
Enable the Windows single-click option
Users who have a hard time double-clicking or may be used to single-clicking an item to open it may wish the
eliminate the double-click option in Windows. Open My Computer, Click Tools, Click Folder Options, in the General tab
select the single-click to open an item option.
Quickly open system properties window
Quickly open the system properties window by holding down the ALT key and double-clicking My Computer.
Quickly see all file associations
Quickly and easily view computer file associations by using the MS-DOS assoc command.
Improve the overall appearance of fonts
Improve the overall appearance and look of your computer fonts in all programs by enabling Windows smooth fonts.
Windows XP Users (5/1/2004):
Get better font resolution and clarity by enabling Window's XP ClearType. See our ClearType dictionary definition for
additional information.
Access and control other computers
Easily and freely control multiple computers running any number of operating systems from one computer using VNC.
Alphabetize icons in your start menu
Quickly and easily alphabetize the icons in programs on your start menu by right-clicking within programs on the start
menu and clicking on "Sort by Name".
Selectively print sections of a document
Save on your printer ink by selectively printing in Windows programs such as Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer,
WordPad, Outlook, etc. To do this highlight portion of text you wish to print and click print. In the printer dialog
window under Page Range choose the option Selection. It is important to realize that not all programs or printer
drivers support this feature.
Quickly get to the root directory of a drive
Quickly display your root directory or network home directory in Windows XP by clicking Start / Run and in the open
field type two periods ( ..) and press enter or click ok.
In Microsoft Windows 2000 this will open your "Document and Settings" directory.
Easy undo
Quickly undo mistakes in the majority of most PC Windows program by pressing CTRL + Z.
Quickly open system properties
Quickly open the System Properties by pressing the Windows key and the Pause key at the same time. This is a great
thing to remember if you find yourself needing to get into the Device Manager frequently.
Create an accessible bar
Create an accessible bar by following the below steps:
1. From the Windows Desktop create a folder.
2. Highlight the folder and drag it to one of the edges of your screen.
3. Once the folder is at the edge of the desktop let the mouse button go.
This should create a bar, with the contents of the folder used. Once created set the bar to auto hide and be always on
top by right-clicking the bar.
Open programs in the background of explorer
Open and run programs in the background of Explorer by holding the Shift key in Windows Explorer double-click an
icon. Once the program has been executed it will be open in the background of the explorer window.
Quickly change the association of a file
Quickly change the association of a file by holding down the Shift key, right-clicking a file and choosing open with.
Quickly maximize a window
Quickly maximize a window by double-clicking on the top title bar of the window.
Close multiple programs in one click
To close all open application in one click hold down the Ctrl key and individually click each of the open programs on
the task bar once all buttons are selected click on one of the selected buttons with the right mouse button and click
close.
Manage start menu icons from the start menu
Windows 98 and above users are now able to manage their start menu icons by right-clicking the start menu and/or
the icons.
Quickly access Windows Help
Quickly access the Windows Help by pressing the F1 key from the Windows desktop.
Add shortcuts to the desktop
Easily create shortcuts on your desktop by clicking the program you wish to create a short of and right-clicking and
dragging that icon to the desktop. When letting go of the mouse button you should have an option to create a shortcut
here.
Quickly add shortcuts to the start menu
Users can quickly add icons to their start menu by dragging icons to the start button.
Create a send to shortcut
Send to is a feature that enables users to send programs to an alternate location or a location where you store all your
files. An example of the send to feature is right-clicking a file and clicking send to and then the floppy disk drive.
Users can create their own send to destinations by following the below steps.
Microsoft Windows 95 / 98 / ME users
Create a shortcut in the windows\sendto directory
Other Windows users
Create a shortcut in the documents and settings\<user name>\sendto directory.
Note: <user name> is the name of the user logging into the computer. In addition it is possible that the sendto
directory is hidden.
Copy / Move / Delete multiple files
When selecting files you can highlight the first file then hold down your shift key and highlight the last file and this
will highlight all files in between. To select individual files you can highlight a file hold down your Ctrl key and
highlight other files you wish to select.
Make files not go to the recycle bin
When pressing or choosing delete to remove a program you can hold your shift key and it will not send it to the recycle
bin.