Windows 95 Tips.txt File Contents

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Windows 95

SUMMARY

This article contains a copy of the information in the Tips.txt file included with Windows 95. Setup copies this file to the Windows folder.

MORE INFORMATION

          Microsoft Windows 95 README for Tips and Tricks
                               August 1995

                (c) Copyright Microsoft Corporation, 1995

How to Use This Document

To view Tips.txt on screen in Notepad, maximize the Notepad window.

To print Tips.txt, open it in Notepad or another word processor, and then use the Print command on the File menu.

Contents

Note: You can find other tips besides those in this readme in the Help

      Contents, under "Tips and Tricks."

MS-DOS Command Prompt

[Visual Display of Directory from Command Prompt] If you are at a command prompt and want a visual display of a directory (folder), type "start .", or "start .." and an open folder of that directory appears on the desktop.

[Drag and Drop Filenames to Command Prompt] You can drag file and folder icons from the desktop or a folder to an MS-DOS command prompt. The filename is then in the keyboard buffer of the running MS-DOS-based application.

[Copy/Paste Information From/To Command Prompt] Activate the toolbar in the MS-DOS-based program window to gain point- and-click access to copy, cut, and paste operations from a Windows- based program to an MS-DOS-based program. For example, copy a folder output on the screen, and then paste it into mail.

[Starting Windows-Based Programs from a Command Prompt] You can start Windows-based programs from a command prompt by typing the name of the program you want to run, and then specifying any parameters as needed. For example, to start Notepad, type "notepad" at the command prompt, and then press Enter. You can also start Windows- based programs in batch files.

You can also use the Start command to start a program or open a document.

For example: C:>start Docname.ext).

[Command.pif] If you set the properties for an MS-DOS prompt the wrong way, and you can't open an MS-DOS window, go into the PIF directory and edit Command.pif, or find Command.com and edit the properties there.

[DOSKEY] If you want to use DOSKEY in an MS-DOS window without loading it in Autoexec.bat or creating a startup batch script, you can go to the Program properties and enter doskey as the startup batch file. If you decide later that you want to have a real startup batch file, simply move DOSKEY into this batch file.

[Directory Shortcuts] Related directories have the following shortcuts: . = current directory .. = parent directory ... = parent directory once removed directory (new in Windows 95) .... = parent directory twice removed (new in Windows 95) For example, if you are in the C:\Windows\System\Viewers directory, and you enter cd... at the command prompt, the directory changes to C:\.

[Command Line Parameters] Add a "?" to the command line of MS-DOS programs, and you will be prompted to add parameters when you start the program. This is especially useful with MS-DOS program shortcuts.

[Easy Disk Copy From the Desktop] Create a shortcut on the desktop with diskcopy a: a: at the command prompt to copy a disk (substitute b: to use b: drive).

Cut, Copy, Paste, Drag and Drop

[Drag and Drop] To move an object, use the left mouse button to drag the object from one folder to another on the same drive. Use Shift+Left-drag to force a move.

To copy an object, use the left mouse button to drag the object from one folder to another on a different drive. Use CTRL+Left+drag to force a copy.

To create a shortcut to an executable, use the left mouse button to drag an executable file to a new folder.

Use the right mouse button to drag an object from one folder to another, and then select 'Create Shortcut(s) Here' to create a shortcut to that object. The icon annotations indicate what will happen: a plus sign for copy, an arrow for a shortcut, and no symbol for a move. Press ESC while you are dragging the object to cancel the action.

To create document shortcuts: Right drag a selection from an OLE document (for example, Word 95) onto the Desktop or folder, and then select "Create Document Shortcut Here." This document shortcut will open the original document at the place in the document that the shortcut originated.

To create document scraps: Use the left mouse button to drag a selection from an OLE document (for example, Word 95) onto the desktop or folder to create a scrap (a scrap is an OLE object that contains the selection). Drop the scrap onto another document or back onto the original document to insert or render it (whichever is most appropriate).

[Right Drag and Drop] Right drag and drop works like left drag and drop except that a menu is displayed when you drop the object. The menu for folders displays these commands: Move Here, Copy Here, Create Shortcut(s) Here. The menu for OLE objects includes: Create Scrap Here, Move Scrap Here, Create Document Shortcut Here).

[Drag to the Taskbar] You can drag objects from one open document to another open document (one covering the other) by dragging the object to the target's taskbar, waiting until the target window is displayed, and then dragging the object onto the target window.

File Operations

[Creating a New File] Create a new file by using the right mouse button to click the desktop or folder, point to New, and then click the type of file you want to create from the list.

[Create a New Folder While Saving a File] When using the Save As command to save a file, you can also create a new folder in which to store the file. Use the right mouse button to clickthe dialog box list, point to New, and then click Folder. Double- click the new folder to open it, and then continue the save process.

[Deleting Files Without Moving them to Recycle Bin] Select the file or files to be deleted. Use the right mouse button to clickthe selection, and then hold down the Shift key and click Delete (or hold down the Shift key when pressing the Delete key if using the keyboard).

[Copying and Moving Files] Use the right mouse button to click the files you want to copy or move, and then click Copy or Cut. Open the destination location, and then click the right mouse button and select Paste.

Folders and Windows Explorer

[Selecting Multiple Files] Selecting multiple files in large icon view works differently from list view. To extend a selection, click the first icon, and then hold down the Shift key while you click the last icon to be selected. To change an icon from selected to unselected, hold down the CTRL key while you select the icon.

[Keyboard Shortcuts] * Press Win+E to start Windows Explorer by pointing to 'My Computer'

 (on Microsoft Natural Keyboard).

[Special Folders] You can put the contents of Control Panel or other special folders on your Start menu (or in any folder). Create a folder by clicking New on the File menu, and then clicking Folder. Then, paste in the appropriate name as shown below:

For                Use This Name

Control Panel      Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}
Dial Up Network   Dial Up Net.{992CFFA0-F557-101A-88EC-00DD010CCC48}
Printers           Printers.{2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}

     Explorer [/e][,/root,<object>][[,/select],<sub object>]

   Use Explorer view (scope and results pane view). The default is
   Open view (results in pane view only).

   Specify the object in the "normal" name space that is
   used as the root (top level) of this Explorer/Folder (i.e., local
   path or UNC name). The default is the Desktop).

   The parent folder opens and the specified object is selected.
   <sub object>   Specify the folder unless /select is used. The
   default is the root.

         opens an Explorer window at \\Reports.

         Explorer /select, C:\Windows\Calc.exe

         opens a folder at C:\Windows (or activates one that is
         currently open) and selects Calc.exe.


         Explorer/e,/root,\\Source\Internal\Design\Users\David\Archive

         opens a folder to the Archive folder above. This is a good
         way to create a dedicated, remote, documents archive
         folder. A link to this folder (\\Source\Internal\Design\
         Users\David\Archive) can then be placed in the SendTo folder
         for quick routing of documents.

Hardware Profiles are used to set up multiple hardware configurations. This is especially useful for laptops that have docking stations or workstations with removable storage media.

The following example demonstrates how to set up hardware profiles for a laptop with a docking station that has this configuration:

Configuration      Docked         Undocked

Display driver        S3                  VGA
Network             w/Microsoft Network None
RNA                 no RNA              with RNA

   Undocked exist. If these options are not available, highlight
   Original Configuration, and then click Rename. Type DOCKED and then
   click OK. Highlight the word DOCKED and then click Copy. In the
   Copy Profile Dialog Box type UNDOCKED.

   Device Manager tab.

   is unchecked. Click OK.

   double-click the S3 adapter.

   and the Undocked option is unchecked.

[To Set Up for No Network in an Undocked State] 1. In Control Panel, double-click the System icon, and then click the

   Device Manager tab.

   card.

   from the Undocked option. Click OK, and then return to Device
   Manager.

   for the Docked option.

Keyboard Shortcut Keys

[Hot and Other Keys] *General folder / Windows Explorer shortcuts for a selected object:

Keys                  Action

F2                  Rename
F3                  Find
CTRL+X, C, or V     Cut, Copy, or Paste
SHIFT+DELETE        Delete immediately without putting the file
                    in Recycle Bin
ALT+ENTER           Properties
ALT+double-click    Properties
CTRL+right-click    Put alternative verbs on the context menu
                    (Open With)
SHIFT+double-click   Explore the object if it has an Explore
                    command

to a folder         Copy a file

or a folder         Create a shortcut

SHIFT+F10             Open taskbar properties

F4 (Explorer)        Displays the combo box
F5                  Refresh
F6                  Switches between panes in Windows Explorer

Explorer)             Goto
CTRL+Z              Undo
CTRL+A              Select all
BACKSPACE           Goes to the parent folder
SHIFT+<close>       Closes this folder and all its parent folders

Num*                  Expands everything under selection
Num-                Expands selection

Right arrow         Expands current selection if it's collapsed;
                    otherwise goes to the first child.
Left arrow          Collapses current selection if it's expanded;
                    otherwise goes to the parent

CTRL+SHIFT+TAB      Switches between Properties tabs

F4                  Drop down the location list
F5                  Refresh the view
Backspace           Go to parent folder if focus is on view window

F1                  Help
F10                 Goes to menu mode
SHIFT+F10           Context menu for selected item
CTRL+ESC            Brings up Start menu
CTRL+ESC, ESC       Focus on the Start button
SHIFT+F10           Context menu
ALT+TAB             Switch to the running program

inserting CD        Bypasses auto-run

is on taskbar       Minimizes all windows

Tap SHIFT 5 times   Toggles StickyKeys on/off

for 5 seconds       Toggles ToggleKeys on/off

+NumLock            Toggles MouseKeys on/off

+PrintScreen        Toggles HighContrast on/off

Win+R               Run dialog
Win+M               Minimize All
Shift-Win+M         Undo Minimize All
Win+F1              Windows Help
Win+E               Explorer
Win+F               Find Files or Folders
CTRL+Win+F          Find Computer
Win+Tab             Cycle through taskbar buttons
Win+Break           PSS Hotkey... (System properties)

[Automatic Synchronizing of Files on Laptop] If you have files that you want to keep synchronized between your portable, your office desktop, and your home computer, you should create Briefcases on both your desktop computers, and then keep the files on your portable. Drag the documents from your portable to the Briefcase on each desktop computer. Then, each time you connect your portable to a docking station, the Briefcase on the desktop computer synchronizes the files.

[Creating a Second Undocked Configuration] To create a second, undocked configuration for your portable (for example, one configuration has a printer and the other does not), follow these steps:

1. Make sure your computer is in the configuration you want, and then use the right mouse button to click the My Computer icon.

   the hardware devices on your system and build the new
   configuration.

Multimedia and Sound

To remove Auto Run when an audio CD is inserted, hold down the Shift key when you insert the CD-ROM, or make the following changes:

1. Open a folder (for example, My Computer).

Note: If the Play command is bold, the CD will play when it is inserted, if Play is not bold, it will not.

[Opening the Media Player From an AVI] When an AVI file is playing, you can open Media Player by double- clicking the title bar of the AVI. Double-click the Media Player title bar to exit.

[Master Volume Icon] You can put a master volume control on the taskbar by following these steps:

1. In Control Panel, double-click the Multimedia icon.

   taskbar.

   volume control. Double-click the volume (speaker) icon to open
   Volume Control.

1. Double click the System icon in Control Panel, and then click the Performance tab.

[Assigning Sounds to Events] To assign sounds to events, double-click the Sounds icon in Control Panel.

Network

[Hints] Instead of connecting a drive letter to a network share, put shortcuts to those shares on your desktop or Start menu (for example, add a shortcut to \\documents\user\dave instead of redirecting this share to drive Z). This way, network shares are only connected when needed.

If you work in a group, you may want to keep a folder on a public server for shortcuts to useful network locations. Interested individuals can keep a shortcut to this folder on their desktop for quick access.

[Searching for a File on a Remote Server] 1. Click the Start button, point to Find, and then click Files or

   Folders.

[Easy Access to Network Information] Add shortcuts to network locations in Network Neighborhood. They'll stay there when you're logged off the network and will cascade to Dial-Up Networking features as long as they are installed.

[Easy Connection to a Network Server/Share] Click the Start button, click Run, and then enter the UNC path. For example, entering \\server will open a window showing shared resources for the computer named server. Entering \\server\share\direct opens the folder named direct on the \\server\share share point.

[Easy Access to Network Properties] Use the right mouse button to click Network Neighborhood to view network properties.

Run Dialog Box

[Via the Keyboard] Press CTRL+ESC+R to open the Run dialog box. On a Microsoft Natural Keyboard, press Win+R to open the Run dialog box.

[Opening a Folder Anywhere From the Run Dialog Box] To open a folder, enter its local path or UNC path. For example, entering C:\Windows\System will open the System folder. Entering \\server\share\direct will open a folder pointing to the direct folder on the \\server\share share point.

[Running a Program] You can run a program from within any folder by opening that folder and then clicking Run from the Start Menu.

Start menu

[Keyboard Shortcuts] Press CTRL+ESC to display the Start menu. On a Microsoft Natural Keyboard, press a Win key to display the Start menu.

[Adding items to the Start Menu] Drag an object (a folder, shortcut, program, or document) onto the Start menu to add it to the top of the Start menu. If the object is a folder, the folder contents is displayed when you point to that menu item.

[Modifying Start Menu Items] Use the right mouse button to click the Start menu, and then select Open or Explore to view and modify its contents.

[Quick Access to Start Menu Items] You can quickly open programs at the top of the Start menu by numbering the icons (rename them with a number before the name). Then, press CTRL+ESC followed by the number to start those programs.

[Emptying the Documents menu] 1. Click the Start menu, point to Settings, and then click Taskbar. 2. Click the Start Menu Programs tab, and then click Clear.

Taskbar

[Taskbar Background] To open the taskbar's context menu when the taskbar is full, move the mouse pointer to the edge of the taskbar, and then use the right mouse button to click the taskbar. You can also do this to drag the taskbar.

[Hiding the Taskbar] 1. Use the right mouse button to click the Start button, and then

   click Properties.

   When the mouse moves near the taskbar area, the taskbar appears.

[Languages and Keyboard Layouts] To change keyboard layouts while you work, make these changes: 1. In Control Panel, double click the Keyboard icon. 2. Click the Language tab, and then add another language as needed. 3. Make sure the Enable Indicator on Taskbar is checked.

   When you complete this setup, a Language layout icon appears on the
   taskbar. You can click the icon to select another language.

System Tools

[DriveSpace] You can use DriveSpace to compress hard and floppy disks, which creates more free space on the disks. You can also use DriveSpace to configure disk drives that you have already compressed using DoubleSpace or DriveSpace.

[Backup/Restore] You can use Backup to back up or restore files to tape, floppy, network shares, etc.

[Disk Defragmenter] Use to speed up your hard disk by defragmenting the files on your hard drive.

[Netwatcher] You can see who is currently using resources on your computer by using NetWatcher. You can also add shared folders and disconnect people from your computer or from specific files.

[ScanDisk] You can use ScanDisk to check your hard drives for both logical and physical errors. ScanDisk will detect any errors, and then repair damaged areas.

Window Management [Switching Between a Window and a Full MS-DOS Screen] Press ALT+Enter.

[Closing Consecutive Windows] If you are using multiple window browse, and you want to close all open windows, hold down the Shift key, and then click the close (X) button in the upper right corner of the title bar.

[Cascading, Tiling, and Minimizing All] Use the right mouse button to click the taskbar, and then click an option.

Miscellaneous Tips and Tricks

[Configuration Summary] To print a copy of your system configuration summary, double-click the Systems icon in Control Panel, and then click the Device Manager tab. Click Computer, and then click Print.

[Quick View] If Quick View is installed, and if Quick View supports a particular file format, you can quickly view the contents of that file by using the right mouse button to click it, and then select Quick View.

You can also create a link to Notepad.exe in your SendTo folder. Then, use the right mouse button to click the file you want to view. Click Sent To, and then click Notepad.

[Disk Tools] Use the right mouse button to click a drive in My Computer, and then click Properties. Click the Tools tab to use ScanDisk, Backup, and Defragmenter.

[Converting Windows 3.1 Program Groups] You can convert Windows 3.1 program groups in two ways: 1. Double-click a .grp file to automatically convert it to a Windows

   95 folder.

   box in which you can select groups to convert.

[Hotkey] In Windows 95, hotkeys assigned to shortcuts in the Start Menu or its subfolders can be used to start programs any time.

[Screen Resolution] To quickly change screen resolution for different applications, use the right mouse button to click the desktop, and then click the Settings tab. In the Desktop Area, move the slider bar to the desired resolution.

[Context Help] On the upper right side of each dialog box is a question mark button (?). Click it and then click a control or item in the dialog box. A short description of the item appears.

[Find Tool] To find a file, mail message, computer, or file on The Microsoft Network, use the Find command on the Start menu. In addition, you can save a search in the Find dialog box by clicking Save Search on the File menu.

[Bitmap Viewer] MS Paint can serve as a bitmap viewer. Drag a bitmap icon onto an MS Paint window to view it.

[File Names and Extensions] The following are valid filenames for Windows 95 applications:

     12345678.ABC (MS-DOS name)
     12345678.ABCDEF (no limit on extensions)
     123456789012345678901234567890123456789.ABC (long filename)
     1234567890123456789012345678901234567890.ABCDEF (long filename
     and long extension)

[Developer's Trick] If you need to restart the taskbar (for example, when you've changed a registry entry that you want to use), you can use CTRL+ALT+DEL to remove Windows Explorer. When the Shutdown dialog box appears, click No. At the next prompt, click End Task. The taskbar is removed, and then restarts.

[Making an Emergency Startup Disk] To create a complete emergency startup disk, double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon in Control Panel, and then click the Startup Disk tab.

[Undoing a File Move or File Rename] If you forget where you just moved a file, or if you accidentally rename a file, click Undo from the Edit menu (or press ALT+Backspace).

[Display Properties] Use the right mouse button to click the desktop, and then click Properties to change the desktop background, screen saver, appearance, or video settings. To change your primary display font, change the icon font on the Appearance tab.

[Tips for Using the Taskbar Clock] Hold the mouse pointer over taskbar clock to see the date.

Double click the taskbar clock to set the system time, date, and time zone.

To remove the clock from the taskbar: 1. Use the right mouse button to click the taskbar, and then click

   Properties.

[Easy Access to Computer Properties] To view your computer (system) properties, use the right mouse button to click My Computer and then click Properties. If you have a Microsoft Natural Keyboard, press Win+Break.

To view Network properties, use the right mouse button to click Network Neighborhood, and then click Properties.

[Using the Cursor Keys Instead of a Mouse] You can move the cursor without using the mouse by turning on MouseKeys. Double-click the Accessibility Options icon in Control Panel, click themouse tab, and then click Use MouseKeys.

[Easy Way to Access Control Panel] 1. Use the right mouse button to click the Start menu, and then click

   Explore.

  (or whatever you want).

   then use the right mouse button to drag them into your new folder.
   This creates shortcuts to all the Control Panel icons.

   your new folder, you should see all the Control Panel icons.