MS Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

dar512 · 06-26-2006, 02:22 PM

The one they should have, but don't - a windows key for opening the control panel.

tw · 07-01-2006, 04:51 PM

The simple ones mostly traced back to DOS:
Alt-F4 - closes a program; important when mouse fails, screen goes funny, or system has become funky. Standard everywhere; even back to Dosshell.

Control C - copy; also known as Control Insert on older Windows and Dosshell.
Control X - cut
Control V - paste; also known as Shift Insert on older Windows and Dosshell.
F3 to repeat last keyboard entry on MS-DOS or Command Window (text) screens.
F1 - Help
Alt Tab - select things when mouse cannot.
Tab - may also be useful on some screens when nothing else appears to work.

Control P - activates printing; avoid (if system is not fully functional) since it can sometimes hang programs or delay computer response.

When Windows goes funky and funtions in Start are needed, then try combinations of 'Control or Alt' 'Return or Esc'.

On powerup, F1, F2, F10, or Delete may provide BIOS options (also comprehensive hardware diagnostics if computer manufacturer was a more responsible type).

After powerup and when Windows first starts to load, Windows loading can be modified by F5 or F8.

A minimal and yet tech useful subset of keyboard shortcuts.

velocityboy · 07-07-2006, 09:59 AM

Doesn't Windows+C open control panel? I'd try it, but the keyboard I'm typing on is an ancient IBM PS/2 one that doesn't have a windows key...

dar512 · 07-07-2006, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by velocityboy

Doesn't Windows+C open control panel? I'd try it, but the keyboard I'm typing on is an ancient IBM PS/2 one that doesn't have a windows key...

Nope. At least not on any of my machines.

velocityboy · 07-07-2006, 08:26 PM

It didn't work on my machine at work either :-( A bit of digging on MSDN revealed why (and why I remembered it working) - it's a feature provided by the add-on software that comes with the Microsoft Natural Keyboard.

Why it just isn't in Windows itself is a good question...

dar512 · 07-10-2006, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by velocityboy

It didn't work on my machine at work either :-( A bit of digging on MSDN revealed why (and why I remembered it working) - it's a feature provided by the add-on software that comes with the Microsoft Natural Keyboard.

Why it just isn't in Windows itself is a good question...

Just another little bit of Microsoft vindictiveness.

06-26-2006, 02:22 PM	#1
dar512 dar512 is now Pete Zicato Join Date: May 2003 Location: Chicago suburb Posts: 4,968	The one they should have, but don't - a windows key for opening the control panel. __________________ "Against stupidity the gods themselves contend in vain." -- Friedrich Schiller

07-01-2006, 04:51 PM	#2
tw Read? I only know how to write. Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 11,933	The simple ones mostly traced back to DOS: Alt-F4 - closes a program; important when mouse fails, screen goes funny, or system has become funky. Standard everywhere; even back to Dosshell. Control C - copy; also known as Control Insert on older Windows and Dosshell. Control X - cut Control V - paste; also known as Shift Insert on older Windows and Dosshell. F3 to repeat last keyboard entry on MS-DOS or Command Window (text) screens. F1 - Help Alt Tab - select things when mouse cannot. Tab - may also be useful on some screens when nothing else appears to work. Control P - activates printing; avoid (if system is not fully functional) since it can sometimes hang programs or delay computer response. When Windows goes funky and funtions in Start are needed, then try combinations of 'Control or Alt' 'Return or Esc'. On powerup, F1, F2, F10, or Delete may provide BIOS options (also comprehensive hardware diagnostics if computer manufacturer was a more responsible type). After powerup and when Windows first starts to load, Windows loading can be modified by F5 or F8. A minimal and yet tech useful subset of keyboard shortcuts. Last edited by tw; 07-01-2006 at 08:41 PM.

07-07-2006, 09:59 AM	#3
velocityboy Drawn Druid Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Issaquah, WA Posts: 32	Doesn't Windows+C open control panel? I'd try it, but the keyboard I'm typing on is an ancient IBM PS/2 one that doesn't have a windows key...

07-07-2006, 08:26 PM	#5
velocityboy Drawn Druid Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Issaquah, WA Posts: 32	It didn't work on my machine at work either :-( A bit of digging on MSDN revealed why (and why I remembered it working) - it's a feature provided by the add-on software that comes with the Microsoft Natural Keyboard. Why it just isn't in Windows itself is a good question...

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