Shortcuts for Objects, Folders, and Windows Explorer

The following brief procedures and tables summarize the standard shortcuts for working with objects in the Windows 95 user interface, including folders on the desktop and Windows Explorer.

To copy a file

Press CTRL while you drag the file to a folder.

To create a shortcut

Press CTRL+SHIFT while you drag the file to the desktop or a folder.

To close the current folder and all its parent folders

Press SHIFT and click the Close button on the folder.

To tab through pages in a properties dialog box

Press CTRL+TAB or CTRL+SHIFT+TAB.

To switch between opening a new window and closing an existing window

Press CTRL and double-click a folder.
If you have more than one window open, this operation closes the active window. If you have only one window open, this operation opens a new window.

To bypass Auto-Run when inserting a compact disc

Press SHIFT while inserting the compact disc.

Shortcuts for a Selected Object

Shortcut	Action
F2	Rename
F3	Find
CTRL+x	Cut
CTRL+c	Copy
CTRL+v	Paste
DEL key	Delete
SHIFT+DEL	Delete file immediately without putting it in Recycle Bin
aLT+ENTER	Display properties
aLT+double-click	Display properties
CTRL+click the right mouse button	Place alternative commands on the context menu (Open With)
SHIFT+double-click	Explore an object; if the object does not have an Explore command, this starts the default action (usually the Open command)

Shortcuts for Managing Folders and Windows Explorer

Shortcut	Action
f4	In Windows Explorer, display the combo box and move the input focus to the list
f5	Refresh display
f6	In Windows Explorer, move the focus between panes
CTRL+g	In Windows Explorer, choose the Go To command
CTRL+z	Undo
CTRL+a	Select All
BACKSPACE	Go to the parent folder

Shortcuts in the Windows Explorer Tree

Shortcut	Action
* on numeric keypad	Expand everything under the selection
+ on numeric keypad	Expand the selection
– on numeric keypad	Collapse the selection
RIGHT ARROW	Expand the current selection if it is not expanded; otherwise, go to the first child
LEFT ARROW	Collapse current selection if it is expanded; otherwise, go to the parent
CTRL+arrow key	Scroll without moving the selection

Shortcuts in the Common Open and Save dialog boxes

Shortcut	Action
F4	Display the Look In list
F5	Refresh the view
BACKSPACE	Go to the parent folder if the focus is on the View window