Windows XP Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows XP being a graphical Operating System, the mouse typically is the main control point of getting something going. Without a doubt that beats the typing of commands in the DOS command prompt. But using the mouse has its downside, sort of. Your hand must leave the key board for the mouse to execute a command. Not a big deal for most of us, but for the people who really type a lot, it could be a little inconvenient. That's where keyboard shortcuts come to the rescue.

On a Windows compatible keyboard, there is a key with the Windows logo. Most of us are probably already aware that this special key is a shortcut for displaying the Start Menu. But when combined with another key, it becomes different shortcuts for various action. Here is a summary of what these available key combinations are and what they will do for you:

Microsoft natural keyboard shortcuts
+ BREAK = System Properties dialog box
+ D = Minimizes all currently open windows or restore all currently minimized windows.
+ E = Shortcut for My Computer
+ F = Search Window
+ L = Locks the keyboard
+ M = Minimizes all windows
+ Shift + M = Restore all minimized windows
+ R = Opens the Run dialog box
+ U = Utility Manager for Accessibility Settings.
+ Ctrl + F = Search for Computer
+ F1 = Help and Support Center
+ R = Opens the Run dialog box
+ R = Opens the Run dialog box

General keyboard shortcuts
CTRL + C = Copy
CTRL + X = Cut
CTRL + V = Paste
CTRL + Z = Undo last action
CTRL + SHIFT + ESC = Open Task Manager
CTRL while dragging an item = Copy the selected item
SHIFT + DELETE = Delete the selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin
SHIFT + F10 = Display the shortcut menu for the selected item (same as right button click)
SHIFT when you insert a CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive = Prevent the CD-ROM from automatically playing
ALT + ENTER = View the properties for the selected item
ALT + F4 = Close the active item, or quit the active program
ALT + SPACEBAR = Display the System menu for the active window
ALT + TAB = Switch between the open items
ALT + ESC = Cycle through items in the order that they had been opened
F2 key = Rename the selected item
F3 key = Search for a file or a folder
F4 key = Display the Address bar list in My Computer or Windows Explorer
F5 key = Update the active window
F6 key = Cycle through the screen elements in a window or on the desktop
F10 key = Activate the menu bar in the active program

These are only selected keyboard shortcuts. For more shortcuts, you can view the full list at the Microsoft support site.