How Program Shortcut Keys Work in Windows 3.1

 Last reviewed: November 21, 1994
Article ID: Q84256
The information in this article applies to
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11

SUMMARY

This article discusses how to use the Application Shortcut Keys feature in the Program Item Properties dialog box under Windows 3.1.

MORE INFORMATION

Shortcut Key Rules

  1. You can use shortcut keys to start Windows- and MS-DOS-based applications only if Program Manager has the current application focus (active). If the application is not the current focus, then the shortcut key is lost because no current application has use for it.

  2. You can switch between running MS-DOS- and Windows-based applications using shortcut keys that have been assigned to the applications by selecting Properties from the File menu, and then modifying Program Item Properties.

    WARNING: Some keys do not function properly for the two previous rules above.

    The arrow keys and the INSERT, END, PAGE UP, PAGE DOWN, and HOME keys can cause problems by allowing you to start multiple instances of the application, if the application allows for multiple instances. There is a difference between number values on the numeric pad and the normal number keys at the top of the keyboard (not the function keys).

  3. Page 276 of the "Microsoft Windows User's Guide" for version 3.1 incorrectly states that CTRL+ALT+SHIFT+"character" is different from CTRL+SHIFT+ALT+"character." Actually, these keystrokes are equivalent statements.

Steps to Assign Shortcut Keys

  1. From Program Manager, hold down the ALT key and choose the icon of the program to which you want to assign a shortcut key.

  2. Select the Shortcut Key box, and then press the key combination you want to use for the application. The following are the valid key sequences: 

        - CTRL+SHIFT+"character"
    - CTRL+ALT+SHIFT+"character
    - CTRL+ALT+"character"

Example of Shortcut Key Functionality

  1. Assign a shortcut key to version 4.0 of Excel for Windows (CTRL+ALT+X) and to version 2.0 of Word for Windows (CTRL+ALT+W).

  2. With Program Manager as the current focus and no other application running, press CTRL+ALT+W. Word for Windows will start.

  3. With Word for Windows as the current focus, press CTRL+ALT+X, and nothing will happen (unless those keys have been assigned to something in Word for Windows).

  4. Switch the focus back to Program Manager and press CTRL+ALT+X. Excel version 4.0 will start.

  5. Press CTRL+ALT+W to bring Word for Windows back into focus, and then press CTRL+ALT+X to switch to Excel.

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Windows User's Guide," version 3.1, pages 79-80, 276-277

KBCategory: kbusage kbdocerr
KBSubcategory: win31
Additional reference words: 3.10 3.11 keys hot key hotkeys

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Last reviewed: November 21, 1994
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