Simple Windows Explorer tip

rmack350 wrote on 8/11/2006, 6:07 PM

We have a contractor in today with lots of Mac experience but less Windows experience. This is GOOD because she's asking some good "how do you..." questions. I'm learning things by looking up the answers.

Here's the gem of the day. How do you open a new window in Windows Explorer? You can do it with ctrl+N in IE but there's no command for it in W.E.

The answer is to ctrl+doubleclick a folder in your w.e. view. It opens in a new window.

Rob Mack

Comments

frazerb wrote on 8/11/2006, 6:25 PM

I tried ctrl+N in IE, but nothing happened. (WinXP PC)

Buddy

rmack350 wrote on 8/11/2006, 8:38 PM

The Internet Explorer shortcut is commonly known and sufficiently documented. If you look in IE's "File" menu under the "New" command you'll see "Window CTRL+N".

The Windows Explorer key combination is something I'd never seen and have wished for for many years.

CTRL + doubleclick opens a folder in a new window when using Windows Explorer.

Rob

TheHappyFriar wrote on 8/12/2006, 7:32 AM

you can't. you eigther right click on a folder & select explore to open it in a new window or you open up a new instance of explore by clicking on my computre, drive shortcut, etc.

I keep my computer, my documents & all my in case drive's listed on the start bar as quick launch icons. :)

rmack350 wrote on 8/13/2006, 11:23 PM

You can't? I just told you you can, and how to do it. CTRL + doubleclick

Problem might be that it opens exactly on top of the previous window.

Rob

TheHappyFriar wrote on 8/14/2006, 6:42 AM

i was refering to a keyboard shortcut. That's a cool mouse trick though. Never knew that one! i don't understand why MS used the same code for Windows Explore & Internet Explore but they don't work the same. :/

in DOS it was all simple. :)

Ayath The Loafer wrote on 8/15/2006, 6:32 AM

"
you open up a new instance of explore by clicking on my computre, drive shortcut, etc.
"

Or you could use the WindowKey + e

This will open a "clean" explorer as opposed to RightClick on start and select explorer which will open up in your local profile.

EDIT: While we are there

WindowsLogoKey + l (small L) locks screen
WindowsLogoKey + u open Utility manager
WindowsLogoKey + e opens explorer
WindowsLogoKey + m minimizes all programs

J

rmack350 wrote on 8/15/2006, 10:29 PM

Semantics, there.
Since I am always processing images and moving them to new folders it's a trick I've wanted for a long time. Even better, though is to find a file browser with a Norton Commander-like interface. One with two panes. That way you get two browser windows open with one click which is really great when you're already going from Vegas to Photoshop to an assets folder and then to an images folder and finally to Dreamweaver. You just don't need to go hunting for two separate explorer windows. What I'm using is Explorerx2 but most people here are recommending Opus.

Rob

rmack350 wrote on 8/15/2006, 10:36 PM

Those last two I'd use all the time! Thanks!

I have Explorer keyed to ctrl+alt+e but that goes to my documents (which I know I could change). Outlook I've keyed to ctrl+alt+o and IE I've keyed to ctrl+alt+i. These are what I use the most but they're my own settings.

Other faves:
--windowkey then "u" then "u" to shut down the system (and go home!)
--Alt+enter to get the properties of a file or folder. It's the Apple+i of Windows
--Shift + Delete to permanently delete something rather than putting it in the trash.

Rob

TheHappyFriar wrote on 8/16/2006, 6:38 AM

i just found a website today that may help you out:
http://www.econsultant.com/i-want-freeware-utilities/index.html

bobogs wrote on 8/16/2006, 6:36 PM

Actually, CTRL+Doubleclick is a bit smarter than previously described. It will perform the other, unselected "Browse Folders" option under Folder Options. If you normally have this setting set to "Open each folder in the same window," using the ctrl+doubleclick on a folder will open it in a new ("its own") window. It works the other way for as well.

Just a quick way to override the setting on a temporary basis. :-)

Gary