How to Create a Shortcut on the Desktop

ID: Q140443


The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 95
  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0


SUMMARY

This article describes how to create a new shortcut on the desktop in Windows. The following topics are discussed:

  • Creating a shortcut to a program or file


  • Creating a shortcut to a printer or Dial-Up Networking connection


  • Creating shortcuts to other objects



MORE INFORMATION

Creating a Shortcut to a Program or File

To create a shortcut on the desktop to a program or file, follow these steps:
  1. Right-click an open area on the desktop, point to New, and then click Shortcut.


  2. Click Browse.


  3. Locate the program or file to which you want to create a shortcut, click the program or file, click Open, and then click Next.


  4. Type a name for the shortcut. If a Finish button appears at the bottom of the dialog box, click it. If a Next button appears at the bottom of the dialog box, click it, click the icon you want to use for the shortcut, and then click Finish.


Creating a Shortcut to a Printer or Dial-Up Networking Connection

To create a shortcut on the desktop to a printer or Dial-Up Networking connection, follow these steps:
  1. To create a shortcut to a printer, click Start, point to Settings, and then click Printers. To create a shortcut to a Dial-Up Networking connection, click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Dial-Up Networking.


  2. Right-click the printer or Dial-Up Networking connection icon, drag it to an open area on the desktop, and then click Create Shortcut(s) Here.


Creating Shortcuts to Other Objects

To create a shortcut on the desktop to other objects (such as a folder or computer), follow these steps:
  1. Use My Computer or Windows Explorer to locate the object to which you want to create a shortcut.


  2. Right-click the object, and then click Create Shortcut.


  3. Drag the new shortcut to an open area on the desktop.


Helpful Tips

  • To modify settings for a shortcut, right-click the shortcut, and then click Properties. Settings that can be modified include the key combination used to start the shortcut and whether the program starts minimized, maximized, or normally.


  • To delete a shortcut, right-click the shortcut, and then click Delete. Or, drag the shortcut to the Recycle Bin. When you delete a shortcut to an object, the original object is not deleted.


  • After you create a shortcut to a printer, you can print documents by dragging the documents to the printer shortcut. The program used to print the document will open briefly and then close.


Additional query words: 4.0

Keywords : kbui win95 winshell winnt ntui
Version : 95 4.00
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbhowto


Last Reviewed: January 24, 1999
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