Windows XP hotkeys and keyboard shortcuts

Windows XP keyboard shortcuts

Hotkeys are shortcuts that can be accessed by typing a single key, or a single combination of keys at the same time.  By understanding what the different shortcuts are, you can increase productivity, and move around in programs with greater speed.  Most of the common Hotkeys for Windows XP are listed below, and are sure to be a benefit to most users.

General keyboard shortcuts
CTRL+C    Copy
CTRL+X    Cut
CTRL+V    Paste
CTRL+Z    Undo
DELETE    Delete
SHIFT+DELETE   Direct Delete (bypasses the Recycle Bin)
F2     Rename the selected item
CTRL+RIGHT ARROW  Move to the beginning of the next word
CTRL+LEFT ARROW  Move of the previous word
CTRL+DOWN ARROW  Move to the beginning of the next paragraph
CTRL+UP ARROW   Move to the beginning of the previous paragraph
CTRL+SHIFT+Arrow keys   Highlight a block of text
SHIFT+Arrow keys    Select multiple items or a block of text
CTRL+A    Select all
F3     Search for a file or a folder
ALT+ENTER    View the properties for the selected item
ALT+F4    Close the active item, or quit the active program
ALT+ENTER    Display the properties of the selected object
ALT+SPACEBAR   Open the shortcut menu for the active window
CTRL+F4    Close the active document in programs that enable multiples
ALT+TAB    Switch between the open items
ALT+ESC    Cycle through items in the order that they had been opened
F6     Cycle through screen elements in windows or the desktop
F4     Display the Address bar list in My Computer or IE
SHIFT+F10    Display the shortcut menu for the selected item
ALT+SPACEBAR   Display the System menu for the active window
CTRL+ESC    Display the Start menu
F10     Activate the menu bar in the active program
RIGHT ARROW   Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu
LEFT ARROW   Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu
F5     Update the active window
BACKSPACE    View the folder one level up in My Computer or IE
ESC     Cancel the current task
CTRL+SHIFT+ESC   Open Task Manager
SHIFT+Insert a CD-ROM  Prevent the CD-ROM from automatically playing

Dialog box keyboard shortcuts
CTRL+TAB    Move forward through the tabs
CTRL+SHIFT+TAB   Move backward through the tabs
TAB     Move forward through the options
SHIFT+TAB    Move backward through the options
ENTER    Perform the active command or option
SPACEBAR    Select or clear a check box
Arrow keys     Move through a group of selections
F1     Display Help
F4     Display the items in the active list
BACKSPACE    Back up one level up when folder is in the Save As or Open
ALT+Underlined letter   Perform the listed command or option
Microsoft natural keyboard shortcuts
Windows Logo   Display or hide the Start menu
Windows Logo+BREAK  Display the System Properties dialog box
Windows Logo+D   Display the desktop
Windows Logo+M   Minimize all of the windows
Windows Logo+SHIFT+M  Restore the minimized windows
Windows Logo+E   Open My Computer
Windows Logo+F   Search for a file or a folder
CTRL+Windows Logo+F  Search for computers
Windows Logo+F1   Display Windows Help
Windows Logo+ L   Lock the keyboard
Windows Logo+R   Open the Run dialog box
Windows Logo+U   Open Utility Manager

Article written by MyComputerAid.com